MLB 2K9 News Post

Major League Baseball 2K9 Demo Available, Post Your Impressions Here

03:18 AM - February 24, 2009 by PVarck31

The Major League Baseball 2K9 is now available. Please post your impressions here.

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Game: Major League Baseball 2K9Reader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 38 - View All

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Member Comments

# 241 brendanrfoley @ 02/24/09 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattNYY


	I just had a 12 pitch at bat against ryan howard,that would have never happened in 2k8!

Computer hitters definitely battle more than last year's. I've seen some terrific, 8 and 9 pitch at-bats.

# 242 ExtremeGamer @ 02/24/09 01:04 PM

Back to the impressions. Like before, give impressions all you want, good/bad, whatever. But when you bring in "people who undrestand real baseball won't like 2K", that's not going to fly.

Carry on.

# 243 brendanrfoley @ 02/24/09 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowlerguy92


	Or just people who know, expect, and understand real baseball.

This is insulting in some respects. I know, love and have a deep understanding of the game -- and like 2K baseball. Doesn't make me any "dumber" about the game.

The demo for 2K9 is very solid. I'm confident that the full version -- with access to sliders -- will provide a great experience.

# 244 ExtremeGamer @ 02/24/09 01:07 PM

BACK TO THE IMPRESSIONS

# 245 LVance @ 02/24/09 01:07 PM

Why won't anyone tell me how to bat?

Anyways, so I bunt.

Bunt single with Longoria. I steal 2nd and 3rd without a pitch thrown. I got into a rundown between 2nd and 3rd, and it was quite easy to trick them. lol.

I then bunted him home. lol.

I have 3 bunt singles, and 1 reached on an error bunt. Kind of odd, no?

# 246 Heelfan71 @ 02/24/09 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVance


	Why won't anyone tell me how to bat? Anyways, so I bunt. Bunt single with Longoria. I steal 2nd and 3rd without a pitch thrown. I got into a rundown between 2nd and 3rd, and it was quite easy to trick them. lol. I then bunted him home. lol. I have 3 bunt singles, and 1 reached on an error bunt. Kind of odd, no?

could be because the demo is on "pro" level which is pretty easy.

# 247 brendanrfoley @ 02/24/09 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVance


	Why won't anyone tell me how to bat? Anyways, so I bunt. Bunt single with Longoria. I steal 2nd and 3rd without a pitch thrown. I got into a rundown between 2nd and 3rd, and it was quite easy to trick them. lol. I then bunted him home. lol. I have 3 bunt singles, and 1 reached on an error bunt. Kind of odd, no?

You need to use the right stick to hit. Pull back, then push forward.

# 248 Blzer @ 02/24/09 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVance


	Why won't anyone tell me how to bat?

Unfortunately, you're in the same boat as every other casual gamer who hasn't been following info on this game since day one, and downloaded it for the sake of downloading it.

But to answer your question, it is an influence hitting system, though I don't know to what extent. As far as I'm concerned, any pitchable that's within reasonable bat's length is hittable with proper timing. That doesn't mean your ball will be hit well or that it will even be hit in play... but I think it's at least assurance for contact. Now this is done regardless of which way you point the left analog stick, though that is used to help sway the ball a specific way: up for fly balls, down for ground balls, left for left field, right for right field. Timing and pitch location will then determine the quality of contact made and the literal direction that your ball will go.

As a test, I recommend that you go up with every batter in an inning holding down while swinging, then the next inning left, next inning right... etc. Find out exactly how influential it is and how much [good] contact is dependent on the hitting system.

The retail version is supposed to feature a cursor hitting system as well as one-button swinging, so you won't be so limited if you don't like this current system.

EDIT: Oh haha, do you literally mean how to swing? Use the right analog stick, similar to the Tiger Woods video games. Back to load, forward to swing. My bad.

# 249 allBthere @ 02/24/09 01:15 PM

I might stop using the influence stick and ignore it. I think the game's randomness is better served without it. I'm curious to try out the cursor hitting since it would use the left stick, make it harder to hit, and ignore the influence function too.

I'm enjoying the game. There are things that bug me, but not enough to get frustrated (the dirt-dust is weak sauce)

# 250 Pared @ 02/24/09 01:17 PM

I just want to thank soxfan for providing the best look into the demo in this entire thread. It's a complete mess of an impressions thread with some guys posting only negatives, others attacking them, and of course extreme opposite of each.

It's nice to read a level headed take on a demo amidst all the lunacy.

# 251 johnnyg713 @ 02/24/09 01:17 PM

Just played and i need to stop and write this. I am in the bottom of the second with one out... i have already seen an error, the computer check swing at a called strike, then i stuck him out looking on the next pitch on a fastball, another batter swing at a curveball in the dirt, and the comp stole second. This game is already playing better than what i have seen on the vids online.

# 252 jeffy777 @ 02/24/09 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVance


	Why won't anyone tell me how to bat?

Pull down on the right stick, push up when you want to swing. That's the basics. You can also influence the direction of your hit with the left stick (up for a fly ball, down for a grounder, left or right to hit to either side).

# 253 bowlerguy92 @ 02/24/09 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MastorofPuppetz


	I have the Show and Mlb 2k, all of them and I know more about baseball then you, 2k9 is good, do't pull that, "You don't understand baseball", condenscending crap, that is a cop out. The show is vastly overrated, very simple. People like you trying to act all high society on the ney make me sick. You think people who understand baseball only play the show? What an idiot. I am 30, been playing games and watching and Playing baseball for a long time, STFU.

Are you kidding me? Your 30 years old and your fighting on a forum and touting that you know more about baseball than me? Dude, get a life honest to god. Where is YOUR infraction?

# 254 bang911 @ 02/24/09 01:18 PM

I have played a total of 3 innings.

The CPU has already made a first out at third with the leadoff batter.

The CPU had 1st and 3rd, and hit a line drive to the right fielder. The guy on 3rd base didn't tag.

I dislike the controlling of the defense so far.

# 255 LVance @ 02/24/09 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blzer


	Unfortunately, you're in the same boat as every other casual gamer who hasn't been following info on this game since day one, and downloaded it for the sake of downloading it. But to answer your question, it is an influence hitting system, though I don't know to what extent. As far as I'm concerned, any pitchable that's within reasonable bat's length is hittable with proper timing. That doesn't mean your ball will be hit well or that it will even be hit in play... but I think it's at least assurance for contact. Now this is done regardless of which way you point the left analog stick, though that is used to help sway the ball a specific way: up for fly balls, down for ground balls, left for left field, right for right field. Timing and pitch location will then determine the quality of contact made and the literal direction that your ball will go. As a test, I recommend that you go up with every batter in an inning holding down while swinging, then the next inning left, next inning right... etc. Find out exactly how influential it is and how much [good] contact is dependent on the hitting system. The retail version is supposed to feature a cursor hitting system as well as one-button swinging, so you won't be so limited if you don't like this current system. EDIT: Oh haha, do you literally mean how to swing? Use the right analog stick, similar to the Tiger Woods video games. Back to load, forward to swing. My bad.

Thanks and thanks.

# 256 dtigers63 @ 02/24/09 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoxFan01605


	Okay, played a couple games. Here are some quick pros and cons: +Commentary is very good. I think if they can keep repetition from being an issue, it could be the best "booth" in baseball videogames in terms of game quality. No, that's not hyperbole either. I'm talking general flow and work between the two guys. It's impossible to tell if it will have the staying power or neat touches through a season that The Show's crew has (that's doubtful anyway) but I like what I hear. +Camera work (presentational). This will be a boon for this game. They get the camera angles pretty well and make nice cuts at good times. The hitting/pitching camera is locked in the demo, so nothing to comment on there. +Real time. The "life" it adds to the park, mainly at field level, is very good and can help immerse you in the game. I had a neat play where I broke my bat on a hit and the bat boy went after both main pieces. Subtle touch that I liked. +Control responsiveness. Both pitching and hitting feel more fluid in responsiveness. The hitting "feels" much better and the pitching is more polished. Good stuff. +Fielding. I liked the fielding overall in 2K anyway, and it feels as fluid as ever. BIG fan of the throwing meter too. Not really new in that regard, but still a plus IMO. +Lighting. While I won't begin to debate relative sun positioning...lol (just playing Blzer) the lighting was a pleasent surprise. The colors had that "pop" I was looking for and the stadium looks good panned out. Now for the negatives: -Lets get all this out of the way...Organ, bat sounds, Organ, bat sounds, Organ , bat sounds...BIG FAT BOOOOOO...lol. There, that's done. -Animations. when they're on, they're beautiful. When they're not, it's painful. More off than on, unfortunately. the transitional and "reactive" animations are actually quite good overall. What brings it down is the herky-jerky running/walking, the weird no-look throws and horrible swings. I'm sure some will be ironed out a bit in the final, but some of those are trademark 2K baseball, so don't expect much there. -Real time. No, you're not hallucinating. I put it in as a + and a -. The thing is, for everything it adds, a lingering look at a player wondering around in a circle lost is shown (Picture a senile old man in a mega-mall....okay, now he's a robot...lol, got it?). It's part of the growing pains I'm personally able to live with, but it can be downright scary at times. -Collision Detection. Zero. Saw players go through players, walls, benches in the dugout, themselves, their gear...just not there. Hopefully they'll have at least reduced the opportunities for it to be so galring come final. -Ads. The game is brought to you by Pepsi, with a SP brought to you by Statefarm, whose stats are sponsored by Pepsi, in a park sponsored by Statefarm and Pepsi, in a game at the conclusion of which, your Pepsi player of the game is presented by Statefarm. The sad thing? Minus the very last State Farm, I didn't make any of that up. Yuck. -Control ease. Pitching might be okay with the ability to go back to the 3 step system. Hitting is a joke. I could close my eyes and hit the ball. That is not a joke...I actually did it to check. No step influence might have killed the hitting...dead serious. Hopefully in the final build, with slider adjustment and difficulty levels and all that, it will be better. I'm a bit worried here though. Now some other notes that aren't strictly a plus or minus. Graphics are better than I though. Base player models are good and the stadium looks pretty good overall. The uniforms and equipment is disappointing at best. There is a general cartoonish look to the and they either look rubbery or inflatable (gloves are BAD for this). Still, much better than 2K8 overall and certainly a step back in the right direction. gameplay felt relatively untouched other than it being easier. Again, hopefully this will be something that is flexable in the final build. Nothing to me jumped out as "new" here, though to be fair the fluidity of the controls being improved might carry over to gameplay with the right slider set. hit variety is definitely improved over 2K8, but I personally don't agree with the rave reviews it's getting. That's subjective though, so I'l leave it at that. I guess the important thing is it has indeed improved. Sig style are much more hit and miss than I thought they would be to be honest (always considered it a plus for the series). Odd the WS teams were like that. not making it a negative yet though. This is one area I'm willing to give 2K some benefit of the doubt. That's it for now (isn't it enough...lol). Sorry for the long post, just wanted to get across what I noticed. Bottom line is I do see an improvement over 2K8. Nothing to "wow" you particularly IMO, but certainly a good rebuilding effort and looks to be potentially enjoyable. I think if a couple of my gameplay concerns are ironed out (or can be adjusted for with sliders) it should be a fun game overall. Looking forward to renting it and seeing how much polish was added. The end (I know, I know...looong...lol...can't help it)

Oustanding overview, very well done. The key to me is the last paragragh statement that says, "there's an improvement over 2K8". That's what I was hoping for, will it be enough, I guess I'll find out next week, but this great review leads me to believe VC is headed in the right direction.

# 257 e0820 @ 02/24/09 01:21 PM

Here is my impression

Graphics are good, loved the crowd and stadium graphics, players were just good.
Animations are good, players seemed robotic at times.
Sound Announcing waaay better then Morgan and Miller.
Ive always liked the hitting controls, I think I will adopt the pitching (2k8 pitching I didnt get) and the throwing controls.
Gameplay seemed ok, I didnt hit many foul balls and to me it seemed like the cpu would swing at alot of pitches in the zone.
Didnt like the blank cut scenes.

Overall I dont think the demo will do the final game justice. When compared to The Show I think 2k is behind (sorry 360 only guys!) Still seems like its going to be a fun game however.

# 258 jeffy777 @ 02/24/09 01:25 PM

I just played it for the first time and have to say I'm quite impressed.

It's a much smoother game than 2K8 by a long shot, and the graphics look much better as well. Lighting was fine and better than 2K8 in my opinion. I played both a day and night game.

Hit variety is good and I got the CPU to strike out looking in my first game, so that was nice to see.

I didn't have a problem with the fielding camera. Seems good to me. I can't wait to change the hitting camera in the full game though. I like it to be much more zoomed in.

New stealing method is nice. I like being able to control the exact instant when the runner takes off.

Commentary is great.

Only negatives I can think of are some animations are a bit jittery, but this is an early build, so we'll probably see some improvement there in the final game. Also some of the player shadows looked a bit jagged.

Two step pitching is OK, but I'm looking forward to having the option to turn on the 3rd step in the full game.

Definitely buying this game. I want MORE!

# 259 johnnyg713 @ 02/24/09 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyg713


	Just played and i need to stop and write this. I am in the bottom of the second with one out... i have already seen an error, the computer check swing at a called strike, then i stuck him out looking on the next pitch on a fastball, another batter swing at a curveball in the dirt, and the comp stole second. This game is already playing better than what i have seen on the vids online.

I also need to add the cpu just intentionally walked me with a man on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs because the pitcher is up next. The commentary made note of it as well saying it is a good strategy to vs the pitcher with men on base to get the easy out.

HOWEVR NO COLLISION DETECTION....

# 260 HealyMonster @ 02/24/09 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brendanrfoley


	Fielding is horrific? Care to clarify?

um, ok, when I try to field a pop up with an infielder, he often times, doesnt catch the ball, and the ball bounces right next to him. I also see outfierlders getting tangled up in animations when fielding. When I say tangled up, they go into a slow side step animation too far from the ball then you have to move them and they go into a running animation and you feel like they may overrun the ball. Fielding is not smooth, this is a fact and anyone who sits here and says it is, isnt giving a fair assesment, at the same time fielding shouldnt make you buy the game or not buy the game. Myself, when I look at the fielding, how like 50% of the players have photos from a different team then they are on, and the overall feel of the game, my instincts are telling me that there will be big issues reported right after release, just as every other year.

some people seem to be loving the game, props to them. Im just curious how many people "want" to love the game, which may be skewing some things. It disturbs me how many people registered here like this month and pop up and say things like "this game was built from the ground up" " I just had a 12 pitch at bat, im buying this game" we have been ripped off 3 years in a row now with this company, thats 180 dollars they stole from each one of us, and now since people "want" to have this awsome game they see every little thing and forget how many people bought 2k6 and had it freeze and you werent able to play a game with it, and how 2k7 and 2k8 were garbage and you had the producer going on record saying all this stuff about the game that just wasnt true.

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