News Post

What's Hot and What's Not With MLB 09: The Show

10:49 AM - February 27, 2009 by RaychelSnr

Last week, I discussed some of the strengths and weaknesses of Visual Concepts’ Major League Baseball 2K9. This week, I will be turning my attention to the other baseball game being released on March 3rd, SCE San Diego’s MLB 09: The Show. In contrast to MLB 2K9, MLB 09: The Show is coming off of a stellar outing last year and is looking to improve upon its past efforts.

Much like MLB 2K9, MLB 09: The Show offers a very cinematic experience, and looks to be a very impressive game. However, not everything can be perfect in MLB 09’s video game baseball world. So with just days remaining until final retail copies of The Show reach OS HQ, here are some positives and negatives I have noticed in Sony’s latest baseball game.

Read More - What's Hot and What's Not With MLB 09: The Show

Game: MLB '09: The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS2 / PS3 / PSPVotes for game: 90 - View All

MLB '09: The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 1 green94 @ 02/27/09 10:54 AM

Take the good with the bad...

I'll take the good. Still pretty bummed about the day lighting not being in, but if the community guys didn't notice it the game must have been that good!! Either that or they were sleeping on the job...

# 2 EnigmaNemesis @ 02/27/09 11:18 AM

The only thing I disagree with is "time for pitching and hitting to be updated".

There is more to it than simple button presses, and not game out there has the batter/pitcher interface this intense.

I also see no difference with sliding and analog versus a button. It still does the same thing in the end. And is still repetition.

I honestly dont know how you would have something feel like there is more user control without sacrificing to much of the quality, and/or making it feel too drawn out.

# 3 theotherguy619 @ 02/27/09 11:29 AM

If the two "problems" with 09 are the pitching/throwing is outdated and there's no A ball, we're in good shape.. But I think we all knew we're in good shape anyways.

# 4 ehh @ 02/27/09 11:45 AM

I gotta say I am slightly disappointed about the 'static' day games, I didn't even know about it until yesterday when I was reading the boards. I assumed it had the same progressive lighting as night games.

One thing is for sure, I'm never gonna play a day-game exhibition.

# 5 Mr. JDM @ 02/27/09 11:47 AM

i'm sorry, but the 'whats not' part is so minor. its like you're nit-picking for the smallest things. i could honestly care less if single-A teams arent in the game, as well as the day/night lighting. the lighting system in '09 makes this look as realistic as you can get for a game up to this point. the only thing i'd do to next years game, that comes to mind right now, is change the hitting mechanics to something like 2K9 & (based off the demo), i'd update the commentary. However, the commentary might be good in the final version...but i like the 2K9 team of Thorne & Philips. Other than that, i'm happily gonna spend $60 come March 3rd on The Show '09. Nothing, & i mean NOTHING, gets you closer!

# 6 SoxFan01605 @ 02/27/09 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. JDM


	i'm sorry, but the 'whats not' part is so minor. its like you're nit-picking for the smallest things. i could honestly care less if single-A teams arent in the game, as well as the day/night lighting. the lighting system in '09 makes this look as realistic as you can get for a game up to this point. the only thing i'd do to next years game, that comes to mind right now, is change the hitting mechanics to something like 2K9 & (based off the demo), i'd update the commentary. However, the commentary might be good in the final version...but i like the 2K9 team of Thorne & Philips. Other than that, i'm happily gonna spend $60 come March 3rd on The Show '09. Nothing, & i mean NOTHING, gets you closer!

I think that's probably a good thing. If all he's mentioning is "A" ball and control schemes, then things are good.

I would have had collision detection in the what's not as I think it would add another dimension to the user control in the game (having to avoid baserunners in the field, other fielders, better collisions at 2nd and home, etc).

Still, hard to argue that this game is in a very good place right now. Can't imagine being more ready for a game to come out.

# 7 F1N1SH1M @ 02/27/09 12:05 PM

If it ain't broke dont fix it. There is nothing wrong with the pitching and throwing systems. They are just fine.

The main thing the Show team needs to focus on is online play for the PS3. I myself love this feature and play guess pitch off with Hall of Fame difficulty and all zones off exclusively. The only drawback to online games is the rampant cheating with people getting away with disconnecting or "freezing" games and still receiving wins as a result.

Other than the online play needing some work I am very satisfied with this product and am anxiously waiting for 09 to come out. I have to restart my career as the White Sox HOF 3rd baseman with legendary power from both sides of the plate.

# 8 sgthalka @ 02/27/09 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnigmaNemesis


	The only thing I disagree with is "time for pitching and hitting to be updated". There is more to it than simple button presses, and not game out there has the batter/pitcher interface this intense. I also see no difference with sliding and analog versus a button. It still does the same thing in the end. And is still repetition. I honestly dont know how you would have something feel like there is more user control without sacrificing to much of the quality, and/or making it feel too drawn out.

Agree. The community is divided between those who prefer analog sticks for a more "game-y" experience, and those of us who prefer button-press so we can focus less on mechanics and more on the pitches, timing, location.

If SCEA feels the need to integrate analog sticks somehow, just please be smart enough to give the user the option to choose between sticks or buttons.

Personally, I hate stick hitting and pitching. It adds unnecessary design into a fantastic batter/pitcher duel. Less is more. If I want to play with analog motions, I have Street Fighter II HD.

# 9 Bumble14 @ 02/27/09 12:32 PM

Now I love The Show series, but can we please put the hype aside and objectively answer 1 question:

Has The Show 09 added enough content/polish to really make it worth spending $60 versus sticking with The Show 08?

Personal opinion based on the demo is a resounding NO. The Show 08 was an outstanding baseball experience. 09 looks great, but hasn't made the necessary steps in my opinion to really make it stand out from the 08 version.

Now I'm not ripping SCEA on this because you really can't add too much to an already fabulous game, but again, are the upgrades in 09 worth $60 in these tough economic times?

# 10 aukevin @ 02/27/09 12:38 PM

Not having the game yet it is hard to say what isn't hot about the game, but I do know that the game is still missing some key online features that make that part not so hot.

By not letting the commish of a league replace players in a league that drop out with new ones really can hurt a league's momentum and cause it to die early. Also, because online is flakey sometimes, a league game can be ended early and the commish does not have the power to reset the game so it can be played again. The last thing that really needs to be added to the online part of the game is full stat tracking in a league. It's kinda boring seeing the 2008 numbers for a player when they come up to bat in a 2009 league game.

# 11 Kenny Powers @ 02/27/09 12:44 PM

Don't mess with success, this game should definetly come with some lube though because its makin me hard

# 12 sgthalka @ 02/27/09 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumble14


	Has The Show 09 added enough content/polish to really make it worth spending $60 versus sticking with The Show 08? Personal opinion based on the demo is a resounding NO.

Compare The Show's last two upgrades to something like 2001-2008 Madden.

But good luck in your crusade.

# 13 Woodweaver @ 02/27/09 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumble14


	Now I love The Show series, but can we please put the hype aside and objectively answer 1 question: Has The Show 09 added enough content/polish to really make it worth spending $60 versus sticking with The Show 08? Personal opinion based on the demo is a resounding NO. The Show 08 was an outstanding baseball experience. 09 looks great, but hasn't made the necessary steps in my opinion to really make it stand out from the 08 version. Now I'm not ripping SCEA on this because you really can't add too much to an already fabulous game, but again, are the upgrades in 09 worth $60 in these tough economic times?

If someone brings up german cars,

# 14 LastActionHero @ 02/27/09 01:02 PM

-I'm with the button press guys. If they want to add the analog stick, fine, just keep the button option and everybody is happy.

-I don't care for single A teams.

-Add full day/night cycle.

-An actual working throw meter

-Better pickoff control, on the mount and on base. Add the L3 press function (going to point of view of the player) to the pitcher as well and I want the runner to respond when I say slide back and not in the hands of the CPU!

-Option to turn off the player indicators on the field.

-An option to check the speed of the baserunners without going in the start menu and make it numeric as well.

That's all I can think of now.

# 15 Tommyklaid @ 02/27/09 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim416


	A "resounding" NO? Stuck out that much? Listen we played a build of the game at the end of January. You played a demo from mid-December. Seems there are comments already appearing that the guys at the event "were right". Can you personally afford it should be the factor in ANY purchase, not just this game. The definite progress made with pitching/batting mechanics, one guy already said he saw obvious differences in talent, 40 man rosters, lighting, audio, new animations, on and on, not going to list them here. Not trying to hijack this thread just giving you my answer. This isn't a roster update.

Hijack away Jim! (My hands are up in the air) It's all gooooood!

B.t.w.>> "Don't fix it if it ain't broke, right?"

# 16 PsychoBulk @ 02/27/09 01:07 PM

A ball?

I wasnt aware the game was called A Ball 09 - The Show...

# 17 Chip1010 @ 02/27/09 01:07 PM

I've been playing 2K for a few years and I'm new to The Show, but I have to say I wouldn't mind seeing a throwing meter when you're fielding. I loved it in MVP, and I loved it in the recent 2K games. It's nice to have that extra little bit of control.

But other than that everything is lovely. Glad to make the switch.

# 18 Tommyklaid @ 02/27/09 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chip1010


	I've been playing 2K for a few years and I'm new to The Show, but I have to say I wouldn't mind seeing a throwing meter when you're fielding. I loved it in MVP, and I loved it in the recent 2K games. It's nice to have that extra little bit of control. But other than that everything is lovely. Glad to make the switch.

Glad to have you...you won't be disappointed I promise!!!

# 19 bodhiball @ 02/27/09 01:14 PM

what about combining the Meter pitching with the Stick? This might be the best of both worlds....

to me, the meter feels most like pitching, like the windup and release and the need to "hit your spot". Maybe instead of using a 2-step button method we could use the right stick to pull down (perhaps to different locations to indicate what pitch to throw) then push forward, which could feel like "throwing" the ball, to hit the sweet spot in time.

might be worth examining.

# 20 magoo1967 @ 02/27/09 01:40 PM

Decent read, although I'm not sure I agree that the hitting & pitching mechanics need a new overhaul. I'm from the school of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I personally HATE using the analog stick to swing & pitch (has me focusing way too much on the controller and distracted from what's going on in the game). If they want to add it as an option that's cool, but if I didn't have a choice it would pretty much ruin the game for me.

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