MLB 2K12 Demo Available Now, Post Impressions Here

[mkharsh33]

I've played the demo a LOT... My observations (this and $5 will get you a gallon of gas).

It's a tightened up version of 2K11, which is a good thing. Bat/ball physics are very, very good. Love the way the ball now "bounces" whether in the infield or how it rolls in the outfield grass. Little things are now showing up, such as looking a runner back to base before throwing. I like the new graphics that are added for letting you see your pitcher-to-batter zones. It's really everything we would want 2K11 to have become, with a nicer presentation.

But with that said, what we do not know are the IMPORTANT issues of 2K11 - the frame rate problem that was just terrible in later innings, especially for you NY Mets fans. We only get 3 innings, so we don't know what the later innings hold. I'm hoping the hitch in the throwing motions gets fixed before the retail version comes out, and that the idea of watching your pitcher climb up the mound (unable to bypass this animation) gets fixed - this will get REALLY old after many games. We have no idea what to expect with regard to franchise play - the disabled list glitch was an issue.

I wish I had more than 3 innings to play the demo... I am very hopeful, yet also skeptical. I am back playing 2K11 a lot - (mostly play now games). I'm asking myself it's REALLY worth the money to buy a tightened up version of this game. I think it is, but the things I don't know about this game kinda scare me.

I also get a bit bothered when I read a review of this game where the person providing it gives an observation(s) with only an hour or so of actually playing it, and diving in deeper to the various aspects of the game. So I feel like I am making a blind purchase at this point, so I may wait and see what you guys say before I spend the money.

[Yeats]

Quote: Originally Posted by mkharsh33

I am back playing 2K11 a lot - (mostly play now games). I'm asking myself it's REALLY worth the money to buy a tightened up version of this game. I think it is, but the things I don't know about this game kinda scare me.

Same here, just got 2K11 going the other day. It'll keep me going for a while, and I'll be sticking with it until well after the user reviews for 2K12 are in. Nothing to be scared about, just play it smart.

[speedtrucker]

Quote: Originally Posted by mkharsh33

I've played the demo a LOT... My observations (this and $5 will get you a gallon of gas). It's a tightened up version of 2K11, which is a good thing. Bat/ball physics are very, very good. Love the way the ball now "bounces" whether in the infield or how it rolls in the outfield grass. Little things are now showing up, such as looking a runner back to base before throwing. I like the new graphics that are added for letting you see your pitcher-to-batter zones. It's really everything we would want 2K11 to have become, with a nicer presentation. But with that said, what we do not know are the IMPORTANT issues of 2K11 - the frame rate problem that was just terrible in later innings, especially for you NY Mets fans. We only get 3 innings, so we don't know what the later innings hold. I'm hoping the hitch in the throwing motions gets fixed before the retail version comes out, and that the idea of watching your pitcher climb up the mound (unable to bypass this animation) gets fixed - this will get REALLY old after many games. We have no idea what to expect with regard to franchise play - the disabled list glitch was an issue. I wish I had more than 3 innings to play the demo... I am very hopeful, yet also skeptical. I am back playing 2K11 a lot - (mostly play now games). I'm asking myself it's REALLY worth the money to buy a tightened up version of this game. I think it is, but the things I don't know about this game kinda scare me. I also get a bit bothered when I read a review of this game where the person providing it gives an observation(s) with only an hour or so of actually playing it, and diving in deeper to the various aspects of the game. So I feel like I am making a blind purchase at this point, so I may wait and see what you guys say before I spend the money.

fyi you can get into later innings if you carry a tie.

I've played around 7-8 games that I've carried to the 8th and 1 that went the full 9. I didn't notice any framerate issues in these games but they did a nice job with the changing of light source as the game progressed. by the 5th/6th innings the shadows were almost up to the mound and by the 8th/9th the stadium lights were on because most of the field was covered in shadows.

[Profit89]

I'm quite liking the demo (PS3). The ball mechanics are much improved. I wish it had more of the little things though that would add to the atmosphere. Like better crowd animations for foul balls, vendors in the stands, etc etc. But the actual pitcher-batter duals are quite realistic and the ball mechanics are improved. Nice variations on the hits and the ball flies off the bat in a realistic manner. Throws are not automatic and more errors, also a good thing.

7.75 out of 10

[celtics6]

I won't create a new thread for this because it's basically a demo review. But I like this guys site. He's an older gamer like myself and doesn't just give anything a 9 out of 10 like gamespot. His reviews usually seem to be pretty accurate to my tastes. He was really impressed with 2k12 after not being impressed at all.

http://gamervets.com/2012/02/mlb-2k12-demo-review/

Seems like the impressions for the game seem to be pretty positive though.

[tinpanalley]

Just wanted to say that I just played a scoreless pitcher's duel with the demo that went 12 innings and the lighting was absolutely phenomenal throughout. I'd say best lighting I've seen in a baseball game. The sunset light was best. The players' faces literally had that warm glow created by a setting sun and floodlights turning on that we're all familiar with from late afternoon games. By the 12th, the sky was dark and I might be crazy but I think lights were coming on in the buildings outside the stadium. The Move controls on The Show are gonna have to be phenomenal to make me play anything but 2K. Loved it last year, gonna love it again this year. In addition to these aesthetics, the gameplay was better over 12 innings. Can't wait.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by mkharsh33

I've played the demo a LOT... My observations (this and $5 will get you a gallon of gas). It's a tightened up version of 2K11, which is a good thing. Bat/ball physics are very, very good. Love the way the ball now "bounces" whether in the infield or how it rolls in the outfield grass. Little things are now showing up, such as looking a runner back to base before throwing. I like the new graphics that are added for letting you see your pitcher-to-batter zones. It's really everything we would want 2K11 to have become, with a nicer presentation. But with that said, what we do not know are the IMPORTANT issues of 2K11 - the frame rate problem that was just terrible in later innings, especially for you NY Mets fans. We only get 3 innings, so we don't know what the later innings hold. I'm hoping the hitch in the throwing motions gets fixed before the retail version comes out, and that the idea of watching your pitcher climb up the mound (unable to bypass this animation) gets fixed - this will get REALLY old after many games. We have no idea what to expect with regard to franchise play - the disabled list glitch was an issue. I wish I had more than 3 innings to play the demo... I am very hopeful, yet also skeptical. I am back playing 2K11 a lot - (mostly play now games). I'm asking myself it's REALLY worth the money to buy a tightened up version of this game. I think it is, but the things I don't know about this game kinda scare me. I also get a bit bothered when I read a review of this game where the person providing it gives an observation(s) with only an hour or so of actually playing it, and diving in deeper to the various aspects of the game. So I feel like I am making a blind purchase at this point, so I may wait and see what you guys say before I spend the money.

Pretty much sums up my feelings as well, Mike. I am holding off on a purchase until I hear some impressions on Franchise Mode.

[dererstesoldat]

Just got done with an 11 inning scoreless showdown, much more than I bargained for when I started at a little before 4 in the morning here on the east coast

Minus the not being able to put in a relief pitcher or pinch hitters/runners (Wainwright is a beast btw, only 4 hits in 11 innings with over 120 pitches!), that was one of the most phenomenal games of baseball I have ever played. The pitcher vs. batter duels were incredible as expected, but there was such variety in the way the ball came off the bat, fielding scenarios, etc. Getting to play all nine innings and then some showed a more true sense of what a real game will play like this year, and all signs are looking great!

Everything ran smooth the whole game, and i got so immersed in it I had to remind myself where I was after I hit the walk off single. Anyone who is on the fence based on gameplay rest assured, this year plays like a beauty all nine innings, it really felt just right to me (all that was missing was some killer commentary). Also the lighting was pretty amazing, especially when the lights were first coming on and the evening turned into night. Going into the 11th it was fairly dark and it looked really nice with the lights and all. Anyways, definitely sold me, it just felt like such a solid package when it all came together for a whole game and not just a 3-inning sample.

Final box score below
Texas 0 4 0
St. Louis 1 10 1


TL;DR - Played a tie into the 11th, definitely feels like a more solid game this year after experiencing what a full game feels like. Smooth gameplay throughout and sucks you right in. Also great lighting.

Edit: @tinpanalley - I definitely thought I noticed the buildings outside the stadium lighting up too, so you are not crazy...or we both are. Either way, I'm looking forward to going out and getting this in a few short hours!