MLB 2K8 News Post

Major League Baseball 2K8 360 Impressions

01:24 AM - February 26, 2008 by Steve_OS

Matt Blumenthal had an opportunity to demo Major League Baseball 2K8 this afternoon. His official writeup of the event will be up later this week, but we wanted to get some quick thoughts up here for you guys.

This game looks beautiful, the player models have improved but the real leap is in the animations. The animations move silky smooth and there is no need to worry about herky jerky animations of the past anymore.
I'm impressed with how intuitive and fresh the analog controls are. The pitching takes a little time to get the hang of but the new mechanics add a whole new dimension to the pitching model.
The baseball cards feature is surprisingly cool, expect me to have more on that later on this week.
In-game saves are officially in the game this year.
Check swings don't seem to be a chore anymore. They are now accomplished by pulling back on the right analog stick - no more right trigger necessary.
Stadium-specific animations are in. The Yankee Roll Call was mentioned specifically.
There should be plenty of foul balls this year. I saw several in the few at-bats I played.
No spring training games this year.
I counted eight unlockable classic stadiums. I think more might be available by default as well.
No co-op play
You will have the option to make trades for CPU-controlled teams in franchise mode, but you won't be able to edit their rotations and lineups.
It was suggested to me that the demo is done and has been submitted. If that's the case, it's in Microsoft's hands now.
I will hit on a few of the big questions from the forum here.

Game: Major League Baseball 2K8Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS2 / PS3 / PSP / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 74 - View All

Member Comments

# 1261 Thadeus @ 03/05/08 09:52 AM

The a.i. is unbelievable. I just played a game on Pro and the cpu hit every strike for a double or triple. EVERY strike. Talk about realism. If you are a casual gamer, DO NOT buy this game. You will get frustrated beyond belief. The worst part is, they hit some pitches that were way out of the strike zone.

# 1262 Sportsforever @ 03/05/08 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendanrfoley


	If this is the "crappy framerate" ... I'm no longer afraid of buying. It looks fine to me.

Ya...that is how it has run for me. Honestly, it has been so smooth for me...I really can't explain why others are having issues.

# 1263 ehh @ 03/05/08 10:05 AM

^^ My game runs the same as that vid as well, pretty darn smooth.

It's funny that after a million pages this thread has two basic opinions...

A) It's a fun game that improved a lot of 2K7 but isn't there yet.

B) It's a total piece of trash and I feel bad for people who have to convince themselves to like it.

# 1264 brendanrfoley @ 03/05/08 10:08 AM

Well, I'm going to do two things...

1. I'm buying MVP 05 for my new PC and installing the MLB '08 update...
2. I'm buying a 360 and 2K8.

That way, if 2K8 is "total trash" (and I doubt it is), I have a back up.

# 1265 brendanrfoley @ 03/05/08 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportsforever


	Ya...that is how it has run for me. Honestly, it has been so smooth for me...I really can't explain why others are having issues.

The funny thing is, on YouTube, the name of that video is 2K8 AWFUL FRAMERATE. The posts are hysterical... most people are saying things like... "it looks fine to me."

# 1266 UNC_Pete @ 03/05/08 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thadeus


	The a.i. is unbelievable. I just played a game on Pro and the cpu hit every strike for a double or triple. EVERY strike. Talk about realism. If you are a casual gamer, DO NOT buy this game. You will get frustrated beyond belief. The worst part is, they hit some pitches that were way out of the strike zone.

Somehow I'm playing on All Pro and haven't seen this too much once I got the pitching down. You need to mix up the pitch count and send pitches to batters cold zones..

# 1267 Sportsforever @ 03/05/08 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendanrfoley


	The funny thing is, on YouTube, the name of that video is 2K8 AWFUL FRAMERATE. The posts are hysterical... most people are saying things like... "it looks fine to me."

I'm not saying the game is perfect (no game is), but it's almost like this game has become the Madden of baseball games and bashing it is the "in" thing to do.

# 1268 Motown @ 03/05/08 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportsforever


	I'm not saying the game is perfect (no game is), but it's almost like this game has become the Madden of baseball games and bashing it is the "in" thing to do.

I totally disagree here. the MAJORITY of people all over the web are having framerate issues. i was just at a gamestop yesterday, and there was a hella line of people returning this game. so maybe you've received "The Holy Grail" copy of this game...i dunno, but to say this is just the "in" thing is utterly rediculous bro...sorry.

# 1269 ehh @ 03/05/08 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNC_Pete


	Somehow I'm playing on All Pro and haven't seen this too much once I got the pitching down. You need to mix up the pitch count and send pitches to batters cold zones..

Plus you need to throw some intentional balls sometimes. If you're up 0-2 or 1-2 don't throw something over the plate. I was used to doing this in 2K7 and I was doing it yesterday as well, but once I stopped throwing 90% of my pitches right down Broadway things got much better. On All-Star I actually got Manny to strike out swinging at a curveball in the dirt - something you never saw in 2K7.

# 1270 ehh @ 03/05/08 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motown


	I totally disagree here. the MAJORITY of people all over the web are having framerate issues. i was just at a gamestop yesterday, and there was a hella line of people returning this game. so maybe you've received "The Holy Grail" copy of this game...i dunno, but to say this is just the "in" thing is utterly rediculous bro...sorry.

What's your take on the framerate in the YouTube vid just posted in here?

# 1271 Lerxt @ 03/05/08 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sportsforever


	I'm not saying the game is perfect (no game is), but it's almost like this game has become the Madden of baseball games and bashing it is the "in" thing to do.

I couldn't agree more. I do not have the choice of buying The Show because I don't have a PS3 and will not buy one. If I did have the choice, I am sure I would be buying The Show, as it seems to be the better overall game.

However, after reading this thread, and then playing the game for the first time last night, I had to ask myself if I was playing the same game as everyone else. I realize we all want very different things from our games, but I can't imagine anyone thinking this game is "totally unplayable", or "a complete waste of money".

Then again, I can't imagine why anyone would enjoy listening to Bon Jovi, but they do...

# 1272 milbrewcity @ 03/05/08 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehh


	What's your take on the framerate in the YouTube vid just posted in here?

My take on that video is that it is difficult to capture footage during an earthquake.

# 1273 brendanrfoley @ 03/05/08 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milbrewcity


	My take on that video is that it is difficult to capture footage during an earthquake.

That's not entirely fair. After turning the camera on, it's pretty steady through two at-bats.

# 1274 whosgotcha @ 03/05/08 10:33 AM

(360)
Bought the game yesterday. Played around with it a little bit. My initial impression:

Graphics: Its not as detailed or crisp as MLB 2k7 but it has a smooth quality which is appealing

Gameplay: I like the new mechanics, especially pitching, fielding and throwing

Framerate: I am pleased to say, so far, the games plays very smooth

# 1275 jrod1981 @ 03/05/08 10:36 AM

Ok, I thought i'd post some of my impressions. Not that any probably cares but what'r ya gonna do

I played a couple games last night and when I first loaded the game a start a match between the Cubs (me) vs. Reds I saw the slow down, low frame rate everyone was talking about. My xbox was set up to display 1080i output.

As I played the game, I didn't really notice it as much. For the actual gameplay, I was pleasently surprised. I was expecting to be let down, but the new pitch mechanic is AWESOME!

Swing stick 2.0 I don't think will be for me. Something about it just doesn't feel right. I prefer the button mashing of the classic style.

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already, but in the menu's you can swich between three different batting setups:
Swing 2.0, Swing Stick and Classic. I'm assuming Swing stick is like last year where you can have a contact swing or power swing. I thought it was nice they included this option. But I think i'm sticking with Classic for now.

Back to the pitching, I feel this is the most innovative add to a sports video game in a LONG time. It really adds to the complexity that is baseball. I was walking guys much more than before which made getting strike outs that big of an accomplishment. So Total Control pitching gets thumbs up for me!

Graphically, I am satisfied. It seems they are as good as last year, and i'd dare to say a tad better. What makes them bad sometimes is the slowdown effect. Once that kicks in, everything gets kinda blurry. For me, this really isn't a game killer. As others have said, changing the output to display 720p and making the fielding camera Aerial pretty much took care of. I personally don't think we should have to do that but i'm fine with it. I now prefer the aerial cam now.

Final thoughts would be if you are a baseball fan and want to play a good game of baseball, I say pick this up. I am a big fan of America's Past Time so I am enjoying it. I'm hoping 2k will release a couple patches soon to take care of some of the dumb glitches i've read in the glitch thread and i'm sure they will. In the mean time, here's to hoping for a great baseball experience and the cubs winning the world series this year!!

Ok, maybe just in the video game :P

# 1276 Motown @ 03/05/08 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milbrewcity


	My take on that video is that it is difficult to capture footage during an earthquake.

# 1277 HealyMonster @ 03/05/08 10:46 AM

i dont get what the controversy on this board is. One group says game has framerate issues and is unplayable, other group says it has framerate issues but its playable. why are the people who can play this game with the framerate issues so defensive against the people who say they cant play the game? just cause it doesnt bother you doesnt mean you need to sell your feelings to set people straight. i have the game, i confirm there is a framerate issue but ill continue playing and get over it.

the issue is that there is a framerate issue and thats garbage. some of us can play like that with no problems, other are upset and want to return the game,etc. good for them. even though i can get over it, it freakin sucks having the game lock up and lag every time a replay is shown etc and at the end of a game its just crazy choppiness. for those of you "offended" by people who bought this game and are upset that the framerate sucks, get over yourself. 2k didnt ask you to help out with damage control. those with the issue need to make your point and get on with your life cause the rest of us dont need you to "save us" we will respect your impressions, take that into consideration and make our decision.

# 1278 Motown @ 03/05/08 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Renegade44


	i dont get what the controversy on this board is. One group says game has framerate issues and is unplayable, other group says it has framerate issues but its playable. why are the people who can play this game with the framerate issues so defensive against the people who say they cant play the game? just cause it doesnt bother you doesnt mean you need to sell your feelings to set people straight. i have the game, i confirm there is a framerate issue but ill continue playing and get over it. the issue is that there is a framerate issue and thats garbage. some of us can play like that with no problems, other are upset and want to return the game,etc. good for them. even though i can get over it, it freakin sucks having the game lock up and lag every time a replay is shown etc and at the end of a game its just crazy choppiness. for those of you "offended" by people who bought this game and are upset that the framerate sucks, get over yourself. 2k didnt ask you to help out with damage control. those with the issue need to make your point and get on with your life cause the rest of us dont need you to "save us" we will respect your impressions, take that into consideration and make our decision.

Bro, when you trust someone like Brinkman,Kush, to say this game will run @ 60fps AND you dish out 60 bones for a game... you would EXPECT to get what your payin' for. this game runs NOWHERE near 60fps...not even close.
not only that...this demo was released today just so they could buy time for more sales...dirty pool man...that's all i'm sayin'

Am i still gettin' this game...yeah, but it's no wonder this 'chise is going under

# 1279 HealyMonster @ 03/05/08 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motown


	Bro, when you trust someone like Brinkman,Kush, to say this game will run @ 60fps AND you dish out 60 bones for a game... you would EXPECT to get what your payin' for. this game runs NOWHERE near 60fps...not even close. not only that...this demo was released today just so they could buy time for more sales...dirty pool man...that's all i'm sayin' Am i still gettin' this game...yeah, but it's no wonder this 'chise is going under

lol, i feel you man.

# 1280 RunN1st @ 03/05/08 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motown


	Bro, when you trust someone like Brinkman,Kush, to say this game will run @ 60fps AND you dish out 60 bones for a game... you would EXPECT to get what your payin' for. this game runs NOWHERE near 60fps...not even close. not only that...this demo was released today just so they could buy time for more sales...dirty pool man...that's all i'm sayin' Am i still gettin' this game...yeah, but it's no wonder this 'chise is going under

It averages out to a little over a $1 per frame.

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