MLB 11 The Show News Post

MLB 11 The Show Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here

07:03 PM - February 22, 2011 by Pared

The MLB 11 The Show demo is available now. It weighs in at roughly 3 GB and features the Texas Rangers vs. the San Francisco Giants, in a 4 inning World Series rematch.

Please post your impressions here.

DO NOT post that you are downloading the demo, what % the download is at, the fact that you are starting to install it, etc.

IMPRESSIONS ONLY please.

Game: MLB 11 The ShowReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3Votes for game: 57 - View All

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Member Comments

# 681 Skyboxer @ 02/28/11 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellz666


	For the first time in the last few years, this truly feels like a $60 roster update. Everything about the demo seems so much like prior years. I actually dislike Eric Karros in the "booth" completely. He sounds like hes in a closet, and basically adds nothing as he's predominantly reading Rex's lines. The analog controls are pretty welcome, although the hitting is virtually impossible for me. I am going to buy the retail version in the hopes that the demo is simply not polished enough.

After seeing/hearing all the improvements: (RTTS, Analog controls (which were loudly asked for by the gamers) Lighting, player reactions time, player models, tweaks to trade/franchise logic etc..) you think it feels it's basically a roster update?
To each their own I guess....

# 682 slthree @ 02/28/11 12:41 PM

I can't speak for analog controls because I gave up on them. I love classic pitching and zone hitting.

I agree with everyone who feels the game looks better.

I don't like the feel/sound of the ball off the bat. Hit a HR with Beltre and it sounded like a pop out. In last years game, I could tell immediately (most of the time) when I got a hold of one. The sound/feel was that of a home run, not a pop up.

Fielders (mine) move too slowly and react too slowly. Oe example was a passed ball that rolled to the wall and my catcher (Texas) had a super long hesitation then he jogged to the ball, only to hesitate again before picking it up and firing to 2nd (which I commanded him to do a half hour before). It seemed like the game was delaying the catchers reaction to time it with the runner advancing from 1st to 2nd in order to make the play look close. It was strange.

Also, while I like momentum, it seems like it may be overdone just a bit. Its baseball not football. These guys don't carry a lot of equipment and weight in the field. It shouldn't take so long/so many steps for them to right themselves and change direction.

I love that randomness is still a huge part of classic pitching. I missed my spots way too many times and I loved it. Question for Rangers fans: Is Wilson known for NOT being accurate? If so, then the game has pitching down perfectly because I couldn't buy a strike even when I tried.

Some feel the game will be vastly different from the demo, citing the fact that the demo is a december build. I hope thats true but I havent experienced a game being that much different from its demo in my recollection.

The commentary is no better than previous iterations. I miss Rex even though he was a spaz

It does feel like the same game with more camera angles, analog controls, and better lighting. That may not be all bad as I loved last years game anyway.

# 683 soccerluv @ 02/28/11 12:55 PM

Day one buy for me.

Didn't like analog anything. But, I can choose the difficulty for timing and timing also has buttons for contact, normal and power. Less strikeouts!!

# 684 magoo1967 @ 02/28/11 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitoon


	I just noticed that they have not fixed the dark colors of the pitched ball markers when you review your at bat...the colors (Blue=Fastball, Green=Curveball, Red=Change etc..) are very dark and are nearly indistinguishable from one another. I know this was brought up last year...seems to be a simple fix, especially from one year to the next?

Yeah, in the demo the 'pitch review' colors are pretty much still indistinguishable for me too (same as last year). I tried adjusting every picture setting on my set but to no avail, I still can't tell them apart. What makes this so frustrating is that prior to MLB 10 the colors looked perfectly clear (on the same TV with the same settings - 60" Sony 'TrueHD' XBR2).

I could have sworn that someone who went to this year's CD event confirmed that the pitch review colors had been tweaked and are easier to read this year. Perhaps the adjustment was made after the build that was used for the demo. I truly hope that this is the case, because I use that 'pitch review' feature during every at bat in every game I play, so the indistinguishable colors were a constant source of annoyance for me last year.

Just to be clear, I realize that for whatever reason not everyone is experiencing this problem, so no need for the obligatory "the colors look fine to me" replies (not trying to be snarky, it's just that every time I read or write a post about this, it's always followed by these same responses. If it's not a problem for you, that's great!). The fact remains that obviously this IS a real issue that many players are seeing so something had to have been changed in 2010 that created the problem.

# 685 spitoon @ 02/28/11 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magoo1967


	Yeah, in the demo the 'pitch review' colors are pretty much still indistinguishable for me too (same as last year). I tried adjusting every picture setting on my set but to no avail, I still can't tell them apart. What makes this so frustrating is that prior to MLB 10 the colors looked perfectly clear (on the same TV with the same settings - 60" Sony 'TrueHD' XBR2). I could have sworn that someone who went to this year's CD event confirmed that the pitch review colors had been tweaked and are easier to read this year. Perhaps the adjustment was made after the build that was used for the demo. I truly hope that this is the case, because I use that 'pitch review' feature during every at bat in every game I play, so the indistinguishable colors were a constant source of annoyance for me last year. Just to be clear, I realize that for whatever reason not everyone is experiencing this problem, so no need for the obligatory "the colors look fine to me" replies (not trying to be snarky, it's just that every time I read or write a post about this, it's always followed by these same responses. If it's not a problem for you, that's great!). The fact remains that obviously this IS a real issue that many players are seeing so something had to have been changed in 2010 that created the problem.

I knew it wasn't just me

Although, your name is Magoo...wasn't he the cartoon guy that couldn't see anything? LOL

I'm trusting that this is just a remnant from '10 and that it was fixed 'post-demo'...seems like such an easy fix?

I'm loving the game. As much as I didn't think I'd like the analog controls, I'm really liking the fielding and pitching. As it was I sucked at hitting with the button, and it turns out that I super-suck at analog hitting...maybe I should change my screen name to Magoo2?

# 686 snailbiscuit @ 02/28/11 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magoo1967


	Yeah, in the demo the 'pitch review' colors are pretty much still indistinguishable for me too (same as last year). I tried adjusting every picture setting on my set but to no avail, I still can't tell them apart. What makes this so frustrating is that prior to MLB 10 the colors looked perfectly clear (on the same TV with the same settings - 60" Sony 'TrueHD' XBR2). I could have sworn that someone who went to this year's CD event confirmed that the pitch review colors had been tweaked and are easier to read this year. Perhaps the adjustment was made after the build that was used for the demo. I truly hope that this is the case, because I use that 'pitch review' feature during every at bat in every game I play, so the indistinguishable colors were a constant source of annoyance for me last year. Just to be clear, I realize that for whatever reason not everyone is experiencing this problem, so no need for the obligatory "the colors look fine to me" replies (not trying to be snarky, it's just that every time I read or write a post about this, it's always followed by these same responses. If it's not a problem for you, that's great!). The fact remains that obviously this IS a real issue that many players are seeing so something had to have been changed in 2010 that created the problem.

I'm having the same issue with the colors

# 687 PsychoBulk @ 02/28/11 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magoo1967


	Yeah, in the demo the 'pitch review' colors are pretty much still indistinguishable for me too (same as last year). I tried adjusting every picture setting on my set but to no avail, I still can't tell them apart. What makes this so frustrating is that prior to MLB 10 the colors looked perfectly clear (on the same TV with the same settings - 60" Sony 'TrueHD' XBR2). I could have sworn that someone who went to this year's CD event confirmed that the pitch review colors had been tweaked and are easier to read this year. Perhaps the adjustment was made after the build that was used for the demo. I truly hope that this is the case, because I use that 'pitch review' feature during every at bat in every game I play, so the indistinguishable colors were a constant source of annoyance for me last year. Just to be clear, I realize that for whatever reason not everyone is experiencing this problem, so no need for the obligatory "the colors look fine to me" replies (not trying to be snarky, it's just that every time I read or write a post about this, it's always followed by these same responses. If it's not a problem for you, that's great!). The fact remains that obviously this IS a real issue that many players are seeing so something had to have been changed in 2010 that created the problem.

Yep, i asked this question to the CD guys when they were in San Diego, the response was it has been fixed, they were playing a January build, the demo is a December build, so im really hoping it has been fixed for retail.

Not the end of the world if not but as you say, with seemingly such a simple fix as to lighten a few colours it would be a shame if it hadnt been done.

# 688 Heroesandvillains @ 02/28/11 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemens


	I found that too. Nice addition with the PCI. Contact swing provides more strategy. I'm expecting to always use it in the NL when pitchers batting. Unless when they're in a bunting situation I think that should result in less strikeouts, what do you think ?

Absolutely!

Okay, I know the question wasn't for me, per say, but not only do I plan on using it all of the time with pitchers, but I may almost exclusively use it with slap hitters too.

Great feature.

# 689 swaldo @ 02/28/11 06:32 PM

I think the All-Star pitching could use a little tweaking. The first time I played the game I was missing alot on the analog upswing but noticed the CPU wasn't hitting my mistake pitches. Well, I just got done playing a game and what I did was purposely miss on every single pitch and here are the results...

Lincecum: 5 IP / 7 H / 2 ER / 7 SO

Wilson: 5 IP / 1 H / 0 ER / 3 SO

TOTAL: 10 IP / 8 H / 2 ER / 10 SO

So that's a 1.80 ERA with every pitch being way off. For example, if I aimed high I would purposely overthrow, if I aimed low I would underthrow, if I aimed inside I would move the stick to the left so the pitch would go towards the middle. So basically I played the game as normal but used the meter to get the pitch as close to the middle of the plate as possible. Now that doesn't mean every pitch went right down the middle - that's the good thing about analog because it's hard to place it right where you want.

I don't have a big problem if I miss fastballs because it's hard for anyone to hit 95 mph perfectly even if it's in the middle of the plate. The problem is when I hang changeups and curveballs to Josh Hamilton and he does nothing with it. Lincecum threw 85% of his pitches for strikes and Wilson 79%. At that rate the CPU should've been hacking.

In conclusion I think what needs to be done is this...

1. Moderately increase penalties for off-speed mistakes
2. Slightly increase penalties for fastballs

The good news is that you can make a mistake but if it's on the corner the CPU will still have problems with it. And I understand I can go to HOF level, but this really should be veteran level the way it's playing.

This issue aside, I'm loving analog pitching now.

# 690 Heroesandvillains @ 02/28/11 07:03 PM

Swaldo,

I was feeling a little too comfortable on AS...

Until, over my last 7 IP with Lincecum, I gave up 12 Runs (over 2 games, including back-to-back dingers to open my first game).

I'm not saying I won't end up on HOF...but my last two games have been humbling to say the least.

FWIW, I turned OFF the pitching indicator (the name of the setting escapes me...the one where you don't see the MPH or ball landing zone after the pitch) and I also turned OFF the API.

Why haven't you tried out HOF yet?

# 691 swaldo @ 02/28/11 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heroesandvillians


	Swaldo, I was feeling a little too comfortable on AS... Until, over my last 7 IP with Lincecum, I gave up 12 Runs (over 2 games, including back-to-back dingers to open my first game). I'm not saying I won't end up on HOF...but my last two games have been humbling to say the least. FWIW, I turned OFF the pitching indicator (the name of the setting escapes me...the one where you don't see the MPH or ball landing zone after the pitch) and I also turned OFF the API. Why haven't you tried out HOF yet?

Yea, I can also mess with sliders but we all want realistic default sliders no? That's why I posted the results. If nothing changes and I see the same results on AS I'll have to adjust somehow. Thus far my "normal" games always seem to be 1-0 or 2-0 with the runs most often coming from a HR. I cant wait to see how things go with poor pitchers.

# 692 Heroesandvillains @ 02/28/11 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaldo


	Yea, I can also mess with sliders but we all want realistic default sliders no? That's why I posted the results. If nothing changes and I see the same results on AS I'll have to adjust somehow. Thus far my "normal" games always seem to be 1-0 or 2-0 with the runs most often coming from a HR. I cant wait to see how things go with poor pitchers.

Even though results from a test like yours COULD appear troubling, I just play the game it was designed...trying to hit my spots and such. Those are the results that matter to me, and the one's I'll base any difficulty changes or sliders on.

I'd prefer Default difficulty if possible. I'm not really giving up enough hits, though. But, if I were to include my 2 games with Lincecum, sandwiched between a gem with Wilson, my hits allowed per 9 I'd gather is still a tad too low...but close.

But I'm with you. Number ones are definitely capable of giving up less than 1 hit per inning..the true test will be with 3, 4, and 5's.

I have to say, Default AS plays a pretty realistic game of baseball in the demo for the most part. If it's any indication of the retail version, I'd say it's the most realistic Default I've seen in this series thus far.

# 693 HoozierDaddy61 @ 02/28/11 07:39 PM

I played the demo and my first thought was "This doesn't look much better than last year. However, I played last year's version right after I finished the demo and I stand corrected. It looks a lot better graphically than 2010. I LOVE the new analog controls although it will take some getting used to. I struck out 8 x's in my first game!! Looking forward to March 8th and creating classic teams again!!!

# 694 Russell_SCEA @ 02/28/11 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swaldo


	I think the All-Star pitching could use a little tweaking. The first time I played the game I was missing alot on the analog upswing but noticed the CPU wasn't hitting my mistake pitches. Well, I just got done playing a game and what I did was purposely miss on every single pitch and here are the results... Lincecum: 5 IP / 7 H / 2 ER / 7 SO Wilson: 5 IP / 1 H / 0 ER / 3 SO TOTAL: 10 IP / 8 H / 2 ER / 10 SO So that's a 1.80 ERA with every pitch being way off. For example, if I aimed high I would purposely overthrow, if I aimed low I would underthrow, if I aimed inside I would move the stick to the left so the pitch would go towards the middle. So basically I played the game as normal but used the meter to get the pitch as close to the middle of the plate as possible. Now that doesn't mean every pitch went right down the middle - that's the good thing about analog because it's hard to place it right where you want. I don't have a big problem if I miss fastballs because it's hard for anyone to hit 95 mph perfectly even if it's in the middle of the plate. The problem is when I hang changeups and curveballs to Josh Hamilton and he does nothing with it. Lincecum threw 85% of his pitches for strikes and Wilson 79%. At that rate the CPU should've been hacking. In conclusion I think what needs to be done is this... 1. Moderately increase penalties for off-speed mistakes 2. Slightly increase penalties for fastballs The good news is that you can make a mistake but if it's on the corner the CPU will still have problems with it. And I understand I can go to HOF level, but this really should be veteran level the way it's playing. This issue aside, I'm loving analog pitching now.

All-Star was made easier this year while HOF and Legend where bumped up a bit in difficulty. However if people think its to easy we have already discussed tuning updates for all pitching and hitting options.

# 695 mrgoodkat @ 02/28/11 08:57 PM

Im underwhelmed. And honestly, I kind of think that a lot of what was implemented this year could have been so a bunch of years ago. Nice to have, but I'm counting how much money I have spent in waiting for some common sense improvements. And such is the balancing act as a sports game developer, and as a consumer. As I'm the latter, I'm having more trouble ponying up the money every year.

And with so much coming out this spring on all the platforms, I think this might take a backseat this year. Im weary of having to do so much 'customization' to make the game truly complete after purchase. It isn't fun. Got old many years ago. And then you have to wait on the wonderful community here to get everything squared away which doesn't appear to be getting any more streamlined through experience.

There really is no reason not to wait a month or two at least, and pick it up for cheaper, if at all. I'm sure the bug will get me, but I really am not looking forward to the list of chores needed to be done to round out the game.

# 696 LetsGoBucs @ 02/28/11 09:12 PM

I can't believe how much I love the new player models. I didn't think it would make that big of a deal, but I love them. I really like the new lighting and new scoreboards. Can't wait to play with different teams.

Not sure where to put this, but I had the dropped 3rd strike - error on the catcher bug just now, similar to last years bug. I haven't looked through this whole thread, so if it has been reported already, I apologize.

# 697 I_HATE_THAT_DUDE @ 03/01/11 12:16 AM

Man i love this demo and "It's Just a Demo" lol so i can't wait to see the real game next week. I gotta say I love the new analog controls. They Sony team has done a way better job with it than 2ksports IMOP. I never liked the whole moving the left stick in a diagnol direction to throw a curveball or something it wasn't realistic at all and at times didn't work right, i think the show did a great job the way it's used now. I have only played an inning but it's really good with the pitching so far and the one at bat i took with it.

# 698 swaldo @ 03/01/11 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell_SCEA


	All-Star was made easier this year while HOF and Legend where bumped up a bit in difficulty. However if people think its to easy we have already discussed tuning updates for all pitching and hitting options.

Sounds good, I thought tuning updates was just an EA thing. I'll try HOF level in my next game.

# 699 eaw913 @ 03/01/11 01:32 AM

I am really loving the demo. Each time I play it, I like it even more than the time before. My opinions on the analog controls are pretty mixed, but overall I will probably keep all three instead of switching back to the classic controls.

Before I get into my thoughts on the controls, I really love all aspects of the demo so far. I am actually quite disappointed with the graphics. They are very dull and have far too many rough spots for my liking, which is nothing like the videos and screenshots we have been fed for the past few months. Although, I remember reading early on that this was an early build of the game and I cannot imagine the graphics not being at least AS good as last year, if not better (considering the new lighting, player models, and stadium updates etc). And yes, I have a fancy HDTV so it isn't that. The new animations are great, and the game itself just seems to run a whole lot smoother. The lighting transitions are also amazing, and I have forced many games past the 4th inning on purpose just to see the night sky with those clouds in it! I really think that once the full game gets here, this will be a sight to behold. I also feel like the presentation is very good. I actually like Karros, and have had many situations where he has had a lot to say about certain situations. He also has many conversations with Matt about the deeper aspects of both the Giants and Rangers, which I really enjoy listening to. Definitely do not see any of the issues most people are talking about. Now onto my impressions with the analog controls:

Analog Pitching: This is my favorite out of all of them. I have a very even mix of balls and strikes now, whereas last year I had 72 strikes and 26 balls or something obscure. It is nice to finally have a challenge hitting my targets. It really makes hitting your spots rewarding. I have actually walked many batters this year, and had some pretty deep counts that kept me on the edge the entire time. It also helps that I seemed to click with this the very first time, and didn't really have any issues.

Analog Batting: I have been getting whipped with this one. At first, I was swinging so off that I looked like a 6 year old taking random hacks at a t-ball game. After lowering the difficulty and taking my time, it is actually teaching me to be patient and watch the ball. It is an awesome feeling when you got your pitch coming in and you rope it to left field. The feel of having complete control over the hit is one I never felt with the 2k series. Despite my troubles with it, I am improving and almost ready to bump up the difficulty a level. I figure over time I will improve, and eventually I will come to love this one as much as the pitching.

Analog Fielding: At first, I hated this. I even switched to the classic fielding for a while, but after some time I just couldn't stand it and tried it again. After several games with 5+ errors, I finally got the hang of it. For some reason I kept mistaking the red ring (the power that builds up when it hits maximum after holding the stick down) for being how off my throw was, so I kept just lightly tossing it instead of putting some muscle into it. Once I got the feel of where to push the stick to get the green ring for accuracy, it really started to fall into place. I still make the occasional error, but like the pitching and batting, I feel like I have complete control of every aspect of the game.

Overall, I will keep all three. I think once I get used to the changes, and get to be decent with batting and fielding, I will fall in love with the new controls. As for right now, I will use the demo to prepare for the full game!

# 700 Philthy65 @ 03/01/11 04:10 AM

The fielding on bunting needs to be improved. In one at-bat, Lincecum popped up a bunt straight up (in foul territory). It wouldn't register my catcher, so it fell for a foul ball. Next pitch is another bunt pop up, this time to C.J. Wilson. Again it didn't register, and the ball fell in for a hit. It was popped high enough where there wasn't even a close play at first on Lincecum.

Overall, great demo. I can't wait for the full game.

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