Revisiting MVP Baseball 2005

[CgyFlames]

I recently corrected a mistake of my younger self and re-acquired MVP Baseball 2005 for the PlayStation 2. After a decade playing the Show, these are my initial impressions from a few games of MVP 2005, a title often named in “greatest of all time” discussions.

Keep in mind this was played on original hardware with default sliders and difficulty. The experience is different with mods and emulation, I’m sure.

- Wow, the pitch speed is so fast. Once I trained my reaction to match MVP’s delivery, it made going back to The Show’s hitting seem like batting practice. Two bones MVP does toss the hitter are that colored “hitters eye” pitch tell and the exact location when the pitcher misses his meter.

- Pitching is very similar to The Show’s meter. I suppose there’s a reason this control scheme has been a staple of baseball games for a while now.

- There’s no need for quick counts: you can play every pitch of MVP in the same time it takes to play a QC game of The Show.

- Related to above, there’s fewer pitches thrown in 9 innings than reality. This was an era before pitch counts really mattered, so you won’t find it on the scorebug and there’s less emphasis on working counts to get hits. Yes, there’s occasional walks, but the focus is on pounding the zone and putting the ball in play.

- Hitting and pitching animations are definitely clunky and showing their age.

- Fielding and base running, on the other hand, remain a thing of beauty. I still prefer MVP’s throwing meter to the Show.

- Owner mode still blows away what The Show’s Franchise offers.

- “Cooperstown Effect” on the old stadiums is a famous feature, but the lack of classic teams on the default roster is a gaping hole in the retro experience. It was strange seeing David Ortiz go deep at old Fenway behind grainy film.

- Batting and pitching mini-games remain addictive as ever and, like Maddens of this generation, it’s a great attempt to make pre-season meaningful.

In summary, I thought it was a great change of pace and still a lot of fun. The gameplay, however, doesn’t measure up to the depth of The Show series, or its myriad of options to customize how you play. In 2023, it’s best for one-off exhibition games or GM sims, not the grind of a 162.

[rebelscum86]

Thanks for the nostalgia hit. In reference to the owner mode which I really miss, what ps4 era of the show has the best franchise? I have 2015 and it's disappointing.

[NYJin2011tm]

I go back and play one of the old mvp/triple play games. I forget which one it was but I just love that HR Derby in the living room lol. I actually wish the Show would do something like that.

[CgyFlames]

Quote: Originally Posted by NYJin2011tm

I go back and play one of the old mvp/triple play games. I forget which one it was but I just love that HR Derby in the living room lol. I actually wish the Show would do something like that.

Triple Play Baseball (EA’s 2001 season game) has it. Maybe other years but that was one I owned on PC many years ago. That was the “arcade” era - when EA rebooted the series as MVP they embraced much more simulation gameplay.


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[SuicideSqueeze]

Used to play High Heat on PC, loved that game. Was available on PS2

[Majingir]

Best soundtrack ever and one of the most fun mini game modes ever.

[CBoller1331]

Quote: Originally Posted by Majingir

Best soundtrack ever and one of the most fun mini game modes ever.

I didn't even own the game (would only play it with my cousin at family holidays) and have had 3-4 songs make their way into my regular rotations - just sort of random "I remember this from somewhere"

[Armor and Sword]

Quote: Originally Posted by CgyFlames

I recently corrected a mistake of my younger self and re-acquired MVP Baseball 2005 for the PlayStation 2. After a decade playing the Show, these are my initial impressions from a few games of MVP 2005, a title often named in “greatest of all time” discussions. Keep in mind this was played on original hardware with default sliders and difficulty. The experience is different with mods and emulation, I’m sure. - Wow, the pitch speed is so fast. Once I trained my reaction to match MVP’s delivery, it made going back to The Show’s hitting seem like batting practice. Two bones MVP does toss the hitter are that colored “hitters eye” pitch tell and the exact location when the pitcher misses his meter. - Pitching is very similar to The Show’s meter. I suppose there’s a reason this control scheme has been a staple of baseball games for a while now. - There’s no need for quick counts: you can play every pitch of MVP in the same time it takes to play a QC game of The Show. - Related to above, there’s fewer pitches thrown in 9 innings than reality. This was an era before pitch counts really mattered, so you won’t find it on the scorebug and there’s less emphasis on working counts to get hits. Yes, there’s occasional walks, but the focus is on pounding the zone and putting the ball in play. - Hitting and pitching animations are definitely clunky and showing their age. - Fielding and base running, on the other hand, remain a thing of beauty. I still prefer MVP’s throwing meter to the Show. - Owner mode still blows away what The Show’s Franchise offers. - “Cooperstown Effect” on the old stadiums is a famous feature, but the lack of classic teams on the default roster is a gaping hole in the retro experience. It was strange seeing David Ortiz go deep at old Fenway behind grainy film. - Batting and pitching mini-games remain addictive as ever and, like Maddens of this generation, it’s a great attempt to make pre-season meaningful. In summary, I thought it was a great change of pace and still a lot of fun. The gameplay, however, doesn’t measure up to the depth of The Show series, or its myriad of options to customize how you play. In 2023, it’s best for one-off exhibition games or GM sims, not the grind of a 162.

Ahhhh yes...remember this one well. Played 5 straight 162 game seasons every pitch every inning with the Marlins on my PS2.

Then moved onto the PS3 and MLB The Show 2009.

It was a great game.....so was MVP College Baseball 2007!!!! So much fun and worth a look back too!!!