MLB 10 News Post

MLB '10: The Show Hands-On Impressions @ CES w/ Russell_SCEA Day 2

10:48 PM - January 10, 2010 by dmbfan1970

DAY 2

First thing we did was play a FULL game when I arrived today. Russell would choose the Minnesota Twins and I chose the St. Louis Cardinals (No Holliday). After playing him yesterday for 5 innings and only seeing a run between us I knew we were going to be in for another pitcher's duel. Starting Pitcher Brad Penny (Cards) and his opposing pitcher(Slowery? - Not sure if it was him or Baker) would battle it out for 7 innings. In the 4th(thereabouts), Slowery would give up a lone solo HR to Bengie Molina. Molina got ahead in the count and hit a knee high curveball into the LF bleachers. This would be all the Cards would need. The Twins had a couple opportunities in the game but their biggest came in the bottom of the 7th when Span would lead off with a base hit. Mauer would come up and drive one DEEP to LF-CF to the track but it would be hauled in by Rasmus who had to run a long way and Span was caught by a hair as he was almost to third base. Penny was on top of his game with 8 K's. Penny's curveball was hitting the low strike zone early in the game but was falling out of the zone later and Russell wasn't able to lay off. Penny also threw inside fastballs for K's on a few occasions that locked the Twinkies out. The Twins next opportunity to score would be when Penny was taken out of the game. Ryan Franklin would be pulled with a runner on 1st and no outs in the 9th. Motte came in and slammed the door. The Cards other run came on a bases loaded 3-1 pitch by Pat Neshak (I swung too). Neshak was MASTERFUL. I couldn't figure out the submariner who was just plain hard for me to pick up the ball out of his hand. I believe Russell had 10 hits to my 8.

An outstanding game and Russell was a First Class Act taking the loss. I wouldn't have expected it any other way!

OBSERVATIONS:

There is no quick pitching!!! The pitcher cannot hit a button to speed up ONLY the batter!

Saw 2 fans at the same time down the RF line reaching over the wall near the ground trying to scoop foul ball.

PITCHING

The meter looks the same but somehow just feels better. It does seem to penalize you worse the more you miss the meter. But the good part about it is when you do hit the meter you are hitting your spot, near or very near where you wanted the ball to end up. When hitting pause you can observe each pitch and it will tell you near or very near or not.

Fireworks display after hometown HR are only if the team actually does it in real life (i.e. there wouldn't be any for the New York Yankees.

GRAPHICS

Now that I've seen the game again I conclude that they are close in comparison to last year's graphics. I'm used to ONLINE which isn't nearly as good as OFFLINE graphics. However, this isn't a bad thing as far as I'm concerned. It's still more immersive to me this year due to the LIGHTING. It's easier to see the ball too. The animations are so smooth and there are many many new ones. I think the game is drop dead gorgeous.

BROADCAST VIEW

This is for you to decide. You may or may not like it. Your choice. There were a couple times where we should of made plays on balls but for the most part its not too difficult and after some more practice maybe we both would of made those plays.

There were new stat overlays that I hadn't seen before. I really couldn't tell you what any one of them were because for the most part we sped through those. I do recall one about about average mph for both starting pitchers.

AUDIO

The last day of CES wasn't so busy and therefore we could hear it better this time as you'll see in the videos. The crowd is WAY more lively for the home team.

OTHER THINGS

The sign in MIN will be animated when the game is released. I know someone asked that question.

Saw the 3D version of the game and as Rman said it is pretty cool. Have no idea if it will play on current PS3 with firmware.

The video recorder I was using is 720P. Have no idea why the contrast was blooming in these videos. The color therefore isn't as good as my previously posted videos.

Videos ( Keep checking back here as video links will be posted here. Some are lengthy so the videos probably won't show up for at least another 40 minutes)

1. Rman/Chris playing (Throwing strikes purposely):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFb-XssPbn0
2. Daylight Transition #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYVmHpM0PBg
3. Daylight Transition #2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwjrivvGp_w
5. HR Derby #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q40UCtcvI5U
6. HR Derby #2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdDdnVEWorY
7. Pitching Knockout:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbXcLf_HkPY
8. Pitching Training/Simulation Game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz-YdybNF6g

Game: MLB '10: The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3Votes for game: 66 - View All

MLB '10: The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 221 swaldo @ 01/12/10 04:55 AM

If the camera angles don't improve they might as well call it Home Run Demolition Derby! Because the reviews and feedback for this years "premiere new mode" are going to be a train wreck if things don't change. And yes I understand it's not the final code, just providing my pre-release input which is this: The flight of the ball is very dull with no "wow" factor, different angles should be explored to keep the user involved. After I saw a couple hits, the feeling was immediate (that I won't be spending any time with this mode.) Not that I really cared, I thought HR Derby was gimmicky but I have read many people state they are excited because if it's done right then it can be fun and addicting. Hopefully they can improve it before release.

Attachment 22191

# 222 DodgerFanatic2K3 @ 01/12/10 05:56 AM

I only see Batting & Pitching difficulty settings for the USER in the video ? ....How do you select the COM A.I's difficulty ??

Anyone have any thoughts about how it works.....Ramone ??

# 223 Qb @ 01/12/10 09:11 AM

I think all Jim (and others) are trying to say is the game is an unfinished product at this point, so let's not line up on the edge of the cliff just yet. This doesn't mean people shouldn't point out areas for improvement constructively, as you never know what could be tweaked prior to release. Let's keep our heads in here.

# 224 Pared @ 01/12/10 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaldo


	If the camera angles don't improve they might as well call it Home Run Demolition Derby! Because the reviews and feedback for this years "premiere new mode" are going to be a train wreck if things don't change. And yes I understand it's not the final code, just providing my pre-release input which is this: The flight of the ball is very dull with no "wow" factor, different angles should be explored to keep the user involved. After I saw a couple hits, the feeling was immediate (that I won't be spending any time with this mode.) Not that I really cared, I thought HR Derby was gimmicky but I have read many people state they are excited because if it's done right then it can be fun and addicting. Hopefully they can improve it before release. Attachment 22191

Shirley this post can't be serious.

# 225 BIG CAROLINA @ 01/12/10 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottdau


	I agree you guys need to relax on this stances and deliveries. I love it when someone says "that is wrong stance" then they find one they think is better and then another guy has another better stance and then you have to guys fighting that their stance is better. The bottom line is you are seeing a guy bat from the front view when you see him on TV, not from the back view like you do with this game. It makes a difference.

this statement would make more sense if it were true. You can see guys bat from the front like you do on TV. So what if guys want to debate over stances and deliveries, it's not hurting anyone. Let them have at it.

# 226 Woodweaver @ 01/12/10 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	Shirley this post can't be serious.

Oh, it is, and stop calling him Shirley.

# 227 Marino @ 01/12/10 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blzer


	That's why we need more generic stances to choose from, and I mean dozens more.

This is what I want, because my stance isn't in the game, and I can't find a MLB player that is close.

# 228 Blzer @ 01/12/10 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marino


	This is what I want, because my stance isn't in the game, and I can't find a MLB player that is close.

Well, for that reason (though I find a pretty close one in Generic 6), and also because while there are plenty of people with specific stances in the game, there are also plenty of people (some starters, then bench players, pitchers, minor leaguers, future rookies, etc.) who don't have a specific stance in the game. What ends up happening is they all only have six different stances to choose from, and it becomes kind of... I don't know what the word is... but basically, nobody has that feeling of uniqueness when they aren't assigned their own individual stance.

And it's not that we need 1,000 generic stances, but I think upping it would definitely be of good value. Not too many games really have a large amount (I believe MVP and ASB had their share), and with games like the 2K series, you simply just can't even live with the generic stances that they already have put out for the game so there is a necessity of more generic stances.

And by "generic", I don't really mean that they have to be "normal" if that makes sense. I just mean that they aren't assigned to a specific major league baseball player. Sure, they could end up resembling someone's stance exactly, but in the end it would all be accidental. So it's not that the stances have to lack motion or they couldn't bat spread, have weight imbalance, open up, have high hands, etc... but that's why it would be nice to have plenty of them, so that our bench, pitching staff, minor leaguers, created players, etc. will all be varied up to a greater extent. And then if we don't have a "good enough" stance for those batters, we may find them within the generic set.

All of this could possible apply to pitchers as well, and I would love to see it happen. It's not that I don't care as much about the pitcher windups, but it's just that I don't know each individual windup as much as I know each individual batter. For those I care about though, I like to see when they are well represented.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qb


	I think all Jim (and others) are trying to say is the game is an unfinished product at this point, so let's not line up on the edge of the cliff just yet. This doesn't mean people shouldn't point out areas for improvement constructively, as you never know what could be tweaked prior to release. Let's keep our heads in here.

Exactly. This is the level head I've tried to sit with this entire time, but other people regarded my posts as straight-up negativity as if all hope was lost.

My post above is an example of being constructive, although for something like that I'm fully aware that, unless they have already had the plan in motion, there is no chance for that to be added in this year's game because they already finished their mo-cap session(s) a long time ago. But it would be a nice solution to a lot of problems (or a deep "Create-a-Stance" feature), so it's nice to get other people on the same page as you to add onto next year's wishlist.

# 229 nemesis04 @ 01/12/10 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsu_gb23


	This is what pitching and batting should look like. Mostly how the batter is more relaxed in the box and the animations aren't herky-jerky when the batter is getting in his stance. Pitching animations are also very smooth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78NR-...rec-r2-2r-5-HM I'm not trying to compare the two games, I just want to give SCEA more insight to help them develop an even better game.

No baseball footage but I can tune up my car now. Thanks!

# 230 Speedy @ 01/12/10 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA


	I'll clarify some things on the pitching meter. Due to complaints B Ma took a look at the pitching meter and the result based on your input heres what he did. He tuned the meter so that its now harder to hit the sweat spot in contrast when you hit the sweet spot your pitches will no go more in the general area that you targeted. Now you also have to take into consideration the pitchers confidence, the confidence of the pitch being used, and the pitchers attributes for that said pitch. In our game we were both pitching extremely well but we left some runs out there on the field you will still hang pitches and B Ma only tweaked the system the pitching in our game is still not an exact science and it never will be. Its designed that way, even when you are feeling it in a game you will still have those pitches where you do everything right and its still a good pitch to hit. When everyone gets a chance to play the game we think you will like the tweaks and changes that where made to the pitching aspect of the game.

Flawless logic, Russell.

Sometimes a pitcher hits his spot but it's simply a bad pitch selection.

# 231 EnigmaNemesis @ 01/12/10 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsu_gb23


	This is what pitching and batting should look like. Mostly how the batter is more relaxed in the box and the animations aren't herky-jerky when the batter is getting in his stance. Pitching animations are also very smooth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78NR-...rec-r2-2r-5-HM I'm not trying to compare the two games, I just want to give SCEA more insight to help them develop an even better game.

Herky-jerky? You sure you are playing the same game I am playing?

# 232 Blzer @ 01/12/10 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnigmaNemesis


	Herky-jerky? You sure you are playing the same game I am playing?

I think what he means is the transition from the routine/nuance animation to the batting stance, since not all players have their own unique one and it comes off as "automatic", for lack of a better term. Then he said something about timing being involved, where the batter won't just go straight into a stance, waiting for a pitcher as he's taking his cap off at the back of the mound, etc. I suppose it's to add liveliness to the players, as if they actually exist in that real-time environment.

# 233 thornie @ 01/12/10 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsu_gb23


	this link should work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78NR-...rec-r2-2r-5-HM

That game is so amazing.

I know exactly what you are talking about when you say "herky jerky" animations in the pitcher/batter sequence. I think a lot of it comes down to the player models (although the new textures have done A LOT to make the models look more life like). Pro Yakyuu Spirits has perfect player models, the skeleton moves and contorts so naturally making the animations really pop. It's definitely something to aspire to!

BTW I'm so grateful for the all the footage we are being blessed with this year. Thanks to everyone! The new broadcast camera looks fantastic!

# 234 brunnoce @ 01/12/10 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wsu_gb23


	This is what pitching and batting should look like. Mostly how the batter is more relaxed in the box and the animations aren't herky-jerky when the batter is getting in his stance. Pitching animations are also very smooth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78NR-...rec-r2-2r-5-HM I'm not trying to compare the two games, I just want to give SCEA more insight to help them develop an even better game.

I must admit ive always been impressed by the flow of the pitching animations in this game... its so smooth how the ball flys out of the pitchers hand, looks very real imo.

Said that i could never play that game for more than a couple of days due to not been MLB.

# 235 GSW @ 01/12/10 01:47 PM

?What game is that and is it on PS3?

# 236 thornie @ 01/12/10 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSW


	?What game is that and is it on PS3?

Pro Yakyuu Spirits - Yes PS3. Since PS3 is region free you can order the game from play-asia.com and play it with the aid of some faqs floating around the net. The faqs translate the menu options, so you can jump right in without knowing Japanese.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-...n-70-3dzv.html

# 237 bengtc @ 01/12/10 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DodgerFanatic2K3


	I only see Batting & Pitching difficulty settings for the USER in the video ? ....How do you select the COM A.I's difficulty ?? Anyone have any thoughts about how it works.....Ramone ??

I am guessing that batting difficulty will affect computer pitching AI to a degree and pitching difficulty will affect computer batting AI to a degree

# 238 BezO @ 01/12/10 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA


	I'll clarify some things on the pitching meter. Due to complaints B Ma took a look at the pitching meter and the result based on your input heres what he did. He tuned the meter so that its now harder to hit the sweat spot in contrast when you hit the sweet spot your pitches will no go more in the general area that you targeted. Now you also have to take into consideration the pitchers confidence, the confidence of the pitch being used, and the pitchers attributes for that said pitch. In our game we were both pitching extremely well but we left some runs out there on the field you will still hang pitches and B Ma only tweaked the system the pitching in our game is still not an exact science and it never will be. Its designed that way, even when you are feeling it in a game you will still have those pitches where you do everything right and its still a good pitch to hit. When everyone gets a chance to play the game we think you will like the tweaks and changes that where made to the pitching aspect of the game.

Any consideration for a meter-less pitching method? Maybe something similar to how freethrows are taken in NBA 2K, where your timing is based on player model animation?

Meters are distracting. You have to watch them instead of the action.

# 239 Pared @ 01/12/10 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	Any consideration for a meter-less pitching method? Maybe something similar to how freethrows are taken in NBA 2K, where your timing is based on player model animation? Meters are distracting. You have to watch them instead of the action.

You mean... an old school style of pitching?

That's a great idea... they can call it... let me see... CLASSIC pitching.

Make it happen, fellas!

# 240 countryboy @ 01/12/10 03:20 PM

BezO in case you couldn't tell from Pared's above post, they do have a meter-less pitching option. Its called Classic Pitching.

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