MLB 11 The Show News Post

OS Staff Roundtable - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

04:46 PM - February 25, 2011 by RaychelSnr

What are your impressions of the MLB '11: The Show Demo?

Christian McLeod: To be perfectly honest, I didn't come away as blown away by the MLB 11 demo as I thought I would. Upon initially hearing about the new analog hitting, pitching and fielding scheme I was overjoyed. If any franchise needed to adopt analog controls, it was The Show. The implementation of both the new analog hitting mechanics and pitching mechanics work well enough (throwing in the field is another story), but the rest of the game feels like a carbon copy of MLB 10, which felt darn near like a carbon copy of MLB 09.

Dustin Toms: I'm with Christian. This is arguably one of the most disappointing demos to date.

Caley Roark: I was also a little underwhelmed, but not as disappointed as my colleagues. I say underwhelmed because, outside of analog controls, the game plays much like MLB '10, which really is a good thing. There was nothing earth-shaking in the demo; even the analog controls did not seem that revolutionary -- probably because I have played NCAA Baseball and MLB 2K10.

Chase Becotte: Who pooped in your guys' cereal? Really, I want to know.

I mean come on, the game doesn't feel different? The graphics in the game are a downgrade from last year's? Go back to MLB '10, and tell me the lighting and player models in MLB 11 aren't improvements. Go back to MLB 10, and talk to me about the feel of the analog controls in that game. Oh wait...

Read more - MLB '11: The Show Demo Impressions

Game: MLB 11 The ShowReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
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Member Comments

# 61 metallidevils @ 02/26/11 11:15 AM

The biggest problem with this series is that the devs take their time out to come here and listen to the small group of people that would rather spend $60 on a roster update and a few tweaks rather than something that actually makes the game look and feel a little different from year to year. This is happening with the NHL series as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DickDalewood


	So because YOU can't get the hang of analog controls, don't care about better lighting, player models and scroeboards, weather being added, and a completely revamped RTTS, they were on a tight budget and wasted their time??? Do you know why all those things are in the game this year? I'll tell you why; because last year, this board was filled with multiple threads about "where are the analog controls??? Button pressing is outdated!!" and "WTF, RTTS is exactly the same as it was last year!" and "I can't handle these player models and their t-Rex arms anymore! CMON SCEA!!!" So, because they are the only dev team that TRULY takes the time to get community opinions and inprovements from THIS website, those are the areas where they spent the most of their time. And guess what? A lot of that pressure and feed back came from our Community Day guys. So, my suggestion to you, a member who is new THIS MONTH; learn exactly how things work and why, before spouting off nonsensical guarantees that you know nothing about.

# 62 Knight165 @ 02/26/11 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two Seamer


	I don't actually see any of the "disappointed" commenters personalizing their comments or criticizing the statements made by those who are excited about the demo. They seem to be doing what everyone else should be: giving their personal impressions - which happen to be a lot less enthusiastic. For some reason, a lot of Show cheerleaders here feel the need to criticize impressions that are negative, and that's where the exchanges you're talking about begin. As you said, different people want different things. Different people expected different things of the game. So they have different impressions. That is literally the purpose of this thread, to get those impressions out there. Most if not all of the their criticisms have been valid. It seems to me the thread could do without the "are you serious?!?! how can not love this game!?? what do you expect?!?!" defense posts.

I think you're confused.
You seem to be reading into posts a bit further than there actual content.
I don't think anyone has said...."what? you don't love this game?.....you're nuts"....when they refer to something that might not have been worked on to THEIR particular liking. I will comment negatively on posters who will insist that because their particular wish was not taken care of....either the game is "the same as 'XX" or "the devs wasted their time" ...or posts of similar nature.

...and I'm again going to call out the nonsense of this time you saying that anyone who likes the game and is happy with it's improvements are "cheerleaders" and those that are only going to complain about the game are what?...the "level headed truthers"? Yeah, okay.

What this thread can do without is B.S.(so can O.S. ....but it's starting to permeate again unfortunately)...but hey it's a message board, so I guess it's open season, so I can deal with that....(oh...not really, you don't want the cheerleaders commenting...I forgot)

M.K.
Knight165

# 63 ped3328 @ 02/26/11 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight165


	No need to make the point again....I understood it perfectly the first time. It's not the same...not even remotely the same. There is simply no way to re-do everything year in and year out. You're focus on something that may or may not have been added to simply does not mean it's the same game as last year. I'm sorry. No way...no how. The list of changes is quite extensive. If you choose to look past them that's not a problem of the game. I see that ....that is becoming the norm though. Unfortunate. M.K. Knight165

I'm very impressed with the demo. The animations, by and large, are better. The analog thing is most welcomed as it gives you a new way to play the game. Lighting, player models are way better. But I keep coming back to what Russell said on a different thread : the demo was built in December. Which means it was actually made BEFORE the community day event took place? I believe the CD was sometimes in January, right? It seems strange that the demo was built even before you guys had a chance to give SCEA devs your inputs. Wha's the point to invite you over if you ideas and suggestions will not reflect in the demo? Unless the final version is quite a bit different and does take into account whatever ideas and suggestions you brought over to improve the game. Just wanted to clarify.

# 64 Pared @ 02/26/11 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metallidevils


	The biggest problem with this series is that the devs take their time out to come here and listen to the small group of people that would rather spend $60 on a roster update and a few tweaks rather than something that actually makes the game look and feel a little different from year to year. This is happening with the NHL series as well.

Quite honestly, you don't understand the sports video game business model then.

Why would you completely ignore your loyal customers and try and capture new ones, at the risk of alienating those that actually ENJOY the way the game is?

You made this same claim in the Madden forum a while back. I remember because it was off the mark then as well.

You simply don't ignore the individuals that buy your game every year - you cater to them and add items to capture the external market as well.

SCEA did that this year with the inclusion of Co-op, the PSMove, etc. You won't see this on the demo, but there's a lot in the game to make it more accessible to just the "hardcore" market.

They also spent a ridiculous amount of time catering to individual fans on their specific nitpicks, such as ad placement and wall colors in stadiums.

I hate the "me too" posts that follow someone's tirade. Mob mentality at its finest here. Instead of taking a step back and objectively viewing what has been done this year, they focus on that one thing that they wanted and whether it met their expectations.

People did this same thing in the NBA 2k11 forum despite that game being the best it has ever been.

Simply put... unbelievable.

# 65 Pared @ 02/26/11 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ped3328


	I'm very impressed with the demo. The animations, by and large, are better. The analog thing is most welcomed as it gives you a new way to play the game. Lighting, player models are way better. But I keep coming back to what Russell said on a different thread : the demo was built in December. Which means it was actually made BEFORE the community day event took place? I believe the CD was sometimes in January, right? It seems strange that the demo was built even before you guys had a chance to give SCEA devs your inputs. Wha's the point to invite you over if you ideas and suggestions will not reflect in the demo? Unless the final version is quite a bit different and does take into account whatever ideas and suggestions you brought over to improve the game. Just wanted to clarify.

They need time to create a solid demo, bug check it (again, just a freakin' demo), submit it to Sony for certification, and leave time for any possible error throughout the process.

Submitting a demo takes over a month to Xbox or Sony.

This is the same process it has always been.

If you would like to see a 100% true accurate representation of the demo, you'd see it after the game was released. And in this industry, that does not do anything for sales.

The demo released was to give you a glimpse on the major gameplay mechanics introduced this year. Look through the forum at all the discussion, people asking for tutorials, etc.

Can you honestly say it didn't do it's intention?

# 66 gigadkc @ 02/26/11 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	The game has cursor hitting right now. I really don't know what guys are referring to. True PCI is cursor hitting, in a sense. The only difference is you would prefer to move an imaginary bat to a spot and have it stay there... which isn't real baseball.

but that feature isn't in the demo, right? At least I didn't see it, there was only analog, timing and zone hitting. And zone was the way it was in the previous versions. If it already was in the demo, it's poorly executed (at least compared to PYS) and needs to be improved a lot imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	And for all the individuals asking for cursor hitting, it's actually a very antiquated hitting mechanic, given the controls we have now compared to in the past.

some guys like the old stuff and I still prefer it more than anything. Just because it's old doesn't mean it's bad. I actually know a lot of guys that still love cursor batting. We have so many options in the game right now, why not add cursor batting?

# 67 nemesis04 @ 02/26/11 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winonastate03


	Hey guys, I got a good night's sleep and am not in such a bitter or pessimistic mood this morning. As I could expect, I was ripped on pretty good and didn't expect anything less. Haha. I will buy and play this game and enjoy it. It will obvioulsy have things that will bug me, ie, sometimes slow fielding animations, outfield catch and throw animations, but it will still be a solid game. I didn't mean to call out the Community Day guys as I am sure they give great insight to the game. I just am hoping that animations will be a top priority next year instead of new features. I am looking forward to the baseball season and this game. I am going to be more positive moving forward. Oh yeah, great impressions from the writers in this article. Good to see fresh views and opinions.

Everyone needs to keep in mind we give them a ton of information (individually and from the community). They listen to our suggestions but ultimately the SCEA development team determines how they will prioritize what goes into the game. We push though, in the most loving gentle way of course,

we push!

# 68 Tommyklaid @ 02/26/11 11:49 AM

I don't believe it.

...I think y'all just eat Doritos & sip on Pina Coladas during the time you're there.

# 69 Two Seamer @ 02/26/11 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight165


	...and I'm again going to call out the nonsense of this time you saying that anyone who likes the game and is happy with it's improvements are "cheerleaders" and those that are only going to complain about the game are what?...the "level headed truthers"? Yeah, okay. What this thread can do without is B.S.(so can O.S. ....but it's starting to permeate again unfortunately)...but hey it's a message board, so I guess it's open season, so I can deal with that....(oh...not really, you don't want the cheerleaders commenting...I forgot)

This is pretty much exactly the kind of surreal one-sided totally out of place hostility I just commented on. What gives?

I didn't say anyone who likes the game is a cheerleader. And even if I had, what was it, 20 posts earlier that I myself said "I love and will buy this game"? So exactly how negatively could I be painting those people who like the game?

No, what I suggested was inappropriate was the set of people here who not respectful of the view that 2011 hasn't blown them away so far. A perfectly legitimate view (expressed by 3 of the 4 OS staffers in the OP, in fact), even if it's based on just a handful of things on their wishlist that didn't show up.

Do you see any of them quoting people who say they love the game and saying "what the heck are you talking about? how can you be happy with these game updates?!?! that change is meaningless!" I don't think you do.

You do see several people criticizing the expression of view that not enough has changed. They aren't just challenging factual claims about what has changed, they are deriding the opinion not enough has changed. And not very respectfully. I just don't see the point. At all. And I'm confident that if it were the other way around, the posts would probably be removed.

# 70 greenieblue @ 02/26/11 12:32 PM

To be fair, I was disappointed with the NBA 2K11 demo. And, we all know how that turned out.

That said, it has long been the case that The Show series has taken the smallest steps forward from year to year out of all the major sports franchises available. The argument that a one year cycle is not enough time doesn't hold up under scrutiny. Look at Madden 09 to Madden 10, NCAA 10 to NCAA 11 and, of course, NBA 2K10 to NBA 2K11; all huge jumps in one year.

The reality is that The Show was built on half a foundation and they would need to tear down the whole house to implement things that should have been elementary. The other reality is that there are people who work for SCEA who visit these boards and people who all but (and usually want to) work for SCEA who visit these boards and a small percentage of dead behind the eyes zombie fans. All three will fight you to the death to protect the game (the first being understandable, since it's their job). I give credit to the three from the article who spoke their truth. It's refreshing to see that viewpoint on OS.

# 71 ped3328 @ 02/26/11 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	They need time to create a solid demo, bug check it (again, just a freakin' demo), submit it to Sony for certification, and leave time for any possible error throughout the process. Submitting a demo takes over a month to Xbox or Sony. This is the same process it has always been. If you would like to see a 100% true accurate representation of the demo, you'd see it after the game was released. And in this industry, that does not do anything for sales. The demo released was to give you a glimpse on the major gameplay mechanics introduced this year. Look through the forum at all the discussion, people asking for tutorials, etc. Can you honestly say it didn't do it's intention?

I never mentionned nor do I believe a demo does not serve a purpose. And Russell is right on when he stated that the main reason to put out a demo (at least for this particular version) was for us gamers to familiarize ourselves with the analog approach. Like I said (again that overused expression!), I'm just surprised they would put out a demo without you guys having a chance to submit your inputs that would reflect in the demo. Granted it takes time to develop a demo, certify it and then put it out. Perhaps the CD should take place earlier, so that when it does come out, some of your suggestions are included, which in turn would make it an even better demo. Hopefully, some of your precious suggestions and ideas will be implemented in the final version. After all, they didn't invite you over just to sit under palm trees and drink pina coladas

# 72 Pared @ 02/26/11 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ped3328


	Hopefully, some of your precious suggestions and ideas will be implemented in the final version.

They were. Again as I've mentioned in other threads previously this is just something you'll never see.

There's no way that you can understand what goes on "behind the curtain." I personally try my best to give you some insight on the changes being made there, as do the other invites. But ultimately, there is so much changed and suggested to keep track of it all would be a waste of everyone's time.

The final game being as good as it can be is always the goal. It's part of the reason I try to avoid posting while at CD, but then even that is taking the wrong way when people are foaming at the mouth for information.

You have to take the good with the bad. You take them both and then you have...

+2 'net points for those that get that corny joke.

# 73 tvman @ 02/26/11 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	And for all the individuals asking for cursor hitting, it's actually a very antiquated hitting mechanic, given the controls we have now compared to in the past.

Play PYS and you'll soon see that their cursor hitting system is far and away the best hitting system out there.

Sticks are different and new but that doesn't make them better.

# 74 gigadkc @ 02/26/11 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tvman


	Play PYS and you'll soon see that their cursor hitting system is far and away the best hitting system out there. Sticks are different and new but that doesn't make them better.

so true. I also understand people that don't like cursor hitting because they it's too hard, "unreal" or because they just prefer another style of hitting. I love cursor batting, tvman loves it, other people love it, why not add it to the game? It won't make the game worse to have another hitting option and some people that hate it might actually like it.

I don't know how many guys here have played or still play PYS but hitting in that game is just awesome. Give it a try and you know what I mean.

# 75 Dazraz @ 02/26/11 01:40 PM

I think the main gripe with The Show 11 isn't that it plays the same as it's predecessor, Sony would be crazy to meddle with the awesome gameplay, it's that it looks & sounds the same. A new voice in the box has done nothing to refresh the presentation. As we found with Madden, putting a new voice in the box is not enough. The Show's commentary needs a complete overhaul to bring it up to date. It also needs to be dynamic keeping up with news highlights throughout the season. Why is it when a pitcher gets introduced in a playoff game the commentary is still focusing on what he achieved in his last real life season & not what he had done in the season just played.
I would also like more variety & better presentation with regards to stat overlays. Elements such as these can really give the game a fresh feel without making changes for changes sake within the actual gameplay.

# 76 wrigleyville33 @ 02/26/11 02:04 PM

I'm with the first guy. I am still underwhelmed with the demo. I hate people that are on here warming up to the devs claiming this is the best game they have ever played. Then 8 other users also throw their comments claiming it's the best. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I hate that saying. You guys have been saying that since mlb '09. We are on our third year of saying that. If you don't like a game, go to the previous one. Also, if someone criticizes the game, all of the users who glorify this game gangs up against him shooting him down. The commentary is still horrible, the foul ball camera is so stale, the game overall just plays out stale as well. I'm really not sure if I'll dish out 60 to buy this game. That is saying something considering I bought my ps3 for this game. Users should criticize this game, because criticism ignites improvement. The presentation has been the same, still no highlight tv like show. Matty V bores me to sleep. The equipment received no upgrades. Still the same. I played over 200 games of mlb '09. I played probably 100 in '10. Is it worth it to pay another 60 and probably play less games due to me getting bored of the gameplay? They need to spice it up. They need to suck it up and purchase rights to equipment brands. Overall the menu system. I swear the graphic designer who designed the menus, overlays, etc needs to get a face lift. They changed the colors, yipee, I want an overhaul. Why not make different overlays to keep the game fresh? Different overlays meaning maybe have a local market tv overlay and a nationally televised production. I feel nothing when I hit a home run. Why is that? I swear the presentation is what is keeping this game down. I could fall asleep when I listen to Matt V. Wrigley looks the same for the third consecutive year. It looks awful. Anyways, I will probably buy this year's version if the price is right.

# 77 nemesis04 @ 02/26/11 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrigleyville33


	I'm with the first guy. I am still underwhelmed with the demo. I hate people that are on here warming up to the devs claiming this is the best game they have ever played. Then 8 other users also throw their comments claiming it's the best. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I hate that saying. You guys have been saying that since mlb '09. We are on our third year of saying that. If you don't like a game, go to the previous one. Also, if someone criticizes the game, all of the users who glorify this game gangs up against him shooting him down. The commentary is still horrible, the foul ball camera is so stale, the game overall just plays out stale as well. I'm really not sure if I'll dish out 60 to buy this game. That is saying something considering I bought my ps3 for this game. Users should criticize this game, because criticism ignites improvement. The presentation has been the same, still no highlight tv like show. Matty V bores me to sleep. The equipment received no upgrades. Still the same. I played over 200 games of mlb '09. I played probably 100 in '10. Is it worth it to pay another 60 and probably play less games due to me getting bored of the gameplay? They need to spice it up. They need to suck it up and purchase rights to equipment brands. Overall the menu system. I swear the graphic designer who designed the menus, overlays, etc needs to get a face lift. They changed the colors, yipee, I want an overhaul. Why not make different overlays to keep the game fresh? Different overlays meaning maybe have a local market tv overlay and a nationally televised production. I feel nothing when I hit a home run. Why is that? I swear the presentation is what is keeping this game down. I could fall asleep when I listen to Matt V. Wrigley looks the same for the third consecutive year. It looks awful. Anyways, I will probably buy this year's version if the price is right.

You lost me at the end here. To feel so strongly that game has not progressed and has a stale feel to it, you end it off by saying "I will end up getting at some point"? If you are going to run and jump in the pool don't stop at the edge! Buy it, don't buy whatever, does not affect me either way but if you feel so strongly against something the right way to go about it is to pass on it. Why support something you don't really enjoy?

# 78 PVarck31 @ 02/26/11 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrigleyville33


	I'm with the first guy. I am still underwhelmed with the demo. I hate people that are on here warming up to the devs claiming this is the best game they have ever played. Then 8 other users also throw their comments claiming it's the best. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I hate that saying. You guys have been saying that since mlb '09. We are on our third year of saying that. If you don't like a game, go to the previous one. Also, if someone criticizes the game, all of the users who glorify this game gangs up against him shooting him down. The commentary is still horrible, the foul ball camera is so stale, the game overall just plays out stale as well. I'm really not sure if I'll dish out 60 to buy this game. That is saying something considering I bought my ps3 for this game. Users should criticize this game, because criticism ignites improvement. The presentation has been the same, still no highlight tv like show. Matty V bores me to sleep. The equipment received no upgrades. Still the same. I played over 200 games of mlb '09. I played probably 100 in '10. Is it worth it to pay another 60 and probably play less games due to me getting bored of the gameplay? They need to spice it up. They need to suck it up and purchase rights to equipment brands. Overall the menu system. I swear the graphic designer who designed the menus, overlays, etc needs to get a face lift. They changed the colors, yipee, I want an overhaul. Why not make different overlays to keep the game fresh? Different overlays meaning maybe have a local market tv overlay and a nationally televised production. I feel nothing when I hit a home run. Why is that? I swear the presentation is what is keeping this game down. I could fall asleep when I listen to Matt V. Wrigley looks the same for the third consecutive year. It looks awful. Anyways, I will probably buy this year's version if the price is right.

So because I think its the best baseball game I have ever played that means I am "warming up the the devs." Blanket statements like that bring nothing but trouble.

Look, I get why people want the presentation changed up a little. I think that would be great. However it doesn't ruin my experience with the game. Don't mistake my love for the game as complacency. I am all for any improvements or enhancements that are made. I would love licensed gear, new commentary, and more animations.

I know the devs read this forum and take the wishlist thread seriously. You are free to criticize the game all you want. As long as its constructive criticism and there will be no beef from me or any of the other mods.

# 79 metallidevils @ 02/26/11 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	Quite honestly, you don't understand the sports video game business model then. Why would you completely ignore your loyal customers and try and capture new ones, at the risk of alienating those that actually ENJOY the way the game is? You made this same claim in the Madden forum a while back. I remember because it was off the mark then as well. You simply don't ignore the individuals that buy your game every year - you cater to them and add items to capture the external market as well. SCEA did that this year with the inclusion of Co-op, the PSMove, etc. You won't see this on the demo, but there's a lot in the game to make it more accessible to just the "hardcore" market. They also spent a ridiculous amount of time catering to individual fans on their specific nitpicks, such as ad placement and wall colors in stadiums. I hate the "me too" posts that follow someone's tirade. Mob mentality at its finest here. Instead of taking a step back and objectively viewing what has been done this year, they focus on that one thing that they wanted and whether it met their expectations. People did this same thing in the NBA 2k11 forum despite that game being the best it has ever been. Simply put... unbelievable.

I don't know for a fact, but I do not believe that this message board represents the fan base as a whole for this game. This might be the most 'loyal' fan base, but there aren't enough people who regularly post here to make it the biggest. Catering to the people here, if that is what they are doing, is probably a bad business model. Sooner or later sites like IGN that presumably have more of an influence on which games become popular, are going to catch on that not much is happening from year to year, and the reviews are going to get poorer.

At some point just being the best baseball game cannot be enough.

# 80 ripwalk @ 02/26/11 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gigadkc


	so true. I also understand people that don't like cursor hitting because they it's too hard, "unreal" or because they just prefer another style of hitting. I love cursor batting, tvman loves it, other people love it, why not add it to the game? It won't make the game worse to have another hitting option and some people that hate it might actually like it. I don't know how many guys here have played or still play PYS but hitting in that game is just awesome. Give it a try and you know what I mean.

Can you explain what cursor hitting is exactly and how it differs from the options in the Show?

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