MLB 14 The Show News Post

MLB 14 The Show Gets Assist From Players - New "Showtime" Button Coming Next Year?

03:06 PM - March 28, 2014 by Steve_OS

Jon Robinson, over at SI Extra Mustard, has posted an interesting MLB 14 The Show article on how Buster Posey and Brandon Phillips helped with the improvements on the Road to the Show mode. In the article, Phillips also reveals something he calls the "Showtime" button, a nice little detail that could make its way to MLB 15 The Show, according to Ramone Russell.

Quote:


	"There needs to be a button to make bare-handed attempts,� says Phillips. �It should be called the �Showtime� button or something like that, where you can not only pick up the ball barehanded, but you can attempt other trademark moves like flipping the ball between your legs or behind your back for a double play. Anything highlight-worthy would be on this button. It would be like baseball�s version of the freestyle button.� The proposal brings a huge grin to Russell�s face. �A button to bare-hand the ball is a great idea,� he says. �Especially if it has a high risk/reward component. That way, you might do something amazing, but you also risk making a costly error. I�m putting it on the list for next year."

Game: MLB 14 The ShowReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 12 - View All

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Member Comments

# 21 Rufio2031 @ 03/28/14 05:43 PM

DO NOT add a showtime button. That's step 1 towards going into arcade mode. Don't ruin what you have.

# 22 seanjeezy @ 03/28/14 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnixen


	I think the screenshot on the far right is from the PS3 version.

No way, the dead giveaway is the hair - If it was PS3 it would be blocky but you can see the individual hairs...

# 23 SK8RAK3NROLL @ 03/28/14 06:08 PM

Hes been around the plate alot... sometimes that can be a good thing sometimes that can make u a little predictable out there...lol .... one more time...security..

# 24 bwiggy33 @ 03/28/14 07:18 PM

If it's a button you have the option of not using it. It's really not that hard considering it won't be something you absolutely have to use in order to play the game. I could see it maybe being annoying for online players but that's about it. This could really end up being a very cool feature though.

# 25 CivicKZ @ 03/28/14 08:21 PM

The "ShowTime Button" was already in a baseball game, remember MLB 99 for PS One. It was called the incredible play button. It was a good Try but it was already invented.

# 26 CivicKZ @ 03/28/14 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	If it's a button you have the option of not using it. It's really not that hard considering it won't be something you absolutely have to use in order to play the game. I could see it maybe being annoying for online players but that's about it. This could really end up being a very cool feature though.

The "ShowTime Button" was already in a baseball game, remember MLB 99 for PS One. It was called the incredible play button.

# 27 Ghoste @ 03/28/14 08:33 PM

Making Nolan Arenado make a bare-handed pickup and throw... oh yeah!

-ghoste

# 28 MrOldboy @ 03/28/14 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	If it's a button you have the option of not using it. It's really not that hard considering it won't be something you absolutely have to use in order to play the game. I could see it maybe being annoying for online players but that's about it. This could really end up being a very cool feature though.

I think the concern with this isn't that its not required, but more that some people may have trouble using it and would miss out on a really cool feature. They may want to use those animations, but aren't great at using the "button". I think having it triggered automatically based on how high a player's ratings are is the best way to handle this, but have the option to only have it triggered manually if you want that difficulty. Maybe just a difference between the default difficulty setting and HoF or Legend.

# 29 ThaShark28_316 @ 03/28/14 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS


	You said it - now can you explain it?

Alright, I shall.

It simply feels...like a gimmick. What in the you-know-what does this game need with such a button? Now, I'm not ever one to complain -- because I play this game for the enjoyment (not looking for flaws like folks on most gaming message boards), and damn near ignore this franchise's flaws (I guess it's the baseball being first in me...) -- but it feels like a baseball version of the heat seeker/ball hawk button. Feels kind of forced.

A 'showtime' button? What are we playing? Madden 08 (I think that's what it was) and its highlight stick? I know all the info is so far from being out, so I could be overreacting. That said, until further notice, this seems off for THIS sport for me. I'll trust Ramone and 'nem to get something like this right, but as of right now...ehh.

# 30 bluengold34_OS @ 03/28/14 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThaShark28_316


	Alright, I shall. It simply feels...like a gimmick. What in the you-know-what does this game need with such a button? Now, I'm not ever one to complain -- because I play this game for the enjoyment (not looking for flaws like folks on most gaming message boards), and damn near ignore this franchise's flaws (I guess it's the baseball being first in me...) -- but it feels like a baseball version of the heat seeker/ball hawk button. Feels kind of forced. A 'showtime' button? What are we playing? MLB Slugfest? I know all the info is so far from being out, so I could be overreacting. That said, until further notice, this seems off for THIS sport for me. I'll trust Ramone and 'nem to get something like this right, but as of right now...ehh.

Fair enough, and I appreciate the explanation. I normally might agree with the thought process, if it wasn't SCEA as a developer. Now I am not claiming they are perfect, and impervious to mistakes or criticism. What I do know is this - If SCEA decides to implement a new mode or game option, while everyone may not like it, it will at least get the proper attention it needs from the developer - and not that tacked on feeling. While I am a firm believer in the fact that everyone has a right to post their own opinion(s) on these forums, your original post just came across as a dig towards a company that has done extremely well by its customer base over the years -

Please take no offense to what I am saying - that's why I asked for an explanation, and I really did appreciate you taking the time to explain yourself.

# 31 Joey @ 03/28/14 09:51 PM

I love how we're already judging something that's not even in the game. Or even planned, for that matter. Pretty sure these guys have no desire to go the arcade route so I'll reserve judgment when/if something like this is ever implemented.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

# 32 ThaShark28_316 @ 03/28/14 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS


	Fair enough, and I appreciate the explanation. I normally might agree with the thought process, if it wasn't SCEA as a developer. Now I am not claiming they are perfect, and impervious to mistakes or criticism. What I do know is this - If SCEA decides to implement a new mode or game option, while everyone may not like it, it will at least get the proper attention it needs from the developer - and not that tacked on feeling. While I am a firm believer in the fact that everyone has a right to post their own opinion(s) on these forums, your original post just came across as a dig towards a company that has done extremely well by its customer base over the years - Please take no offense to what I am saying - that's why I asked for an explanation, and I really did appreciate you taking the time to explain yourself.

No offense taken at all. Thanks for hearing me out. Wasn't really a DIG, more than it was concern. I love what SCEA does (I'll be buying all 3 versions to SHOW--see what I did there?--my love and support.

I may have had a Bill moment when he found out Beatrix was alive and about to be married. I....overreacted.

# 33 agentlaw13 @ 03/28/14 11:03 PM

I think the showtime button would be a cool feature. I would want it to be limited to players with a certain fielding rating or give us the option to toggle it on/off for certain players in the player editor. With having a high risk/high reward type animation tied to the button, I would personally use it in early innings or blowouts on certain plays, where the risk of an error might not be quite as critical. With myself being more of a sim/true to life type player, I wouldnt use it on every grounder or fielding opportunity, therefore preventing it from giving my game an arcade type feel.

# 34 scottyp180 @ 03/29/14 12:03 AM

It would be cool if this ended up being a ps4 exclusive feature by using the touchpad to attempt these plays.

# 35 chitownwonder @ 03/29/14 12:45 AM

I truly don't understand the problem with having a Showtime button. If this was put into the gm I would want total control over when it happened, instead of it being ratings based. Just have it as an option you could toggle on/ off.

We should all know by now SCEA won't implement something like this until it is done correctly. Not jumping on anyone but complaining about something before it's even in the game or how it would work is jumping to conclusions. Just because this or that company didn't do it right doesn't mean it can't be done right!!!

# 36 bwiggy33 @ 03/29/14 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrOldboy


	I think the concern with this isn't that its not required, but more that some people may have trouble using it and would miss out on a really cool feature. They may want to use those animations, but aren't great at using the "button". I think having it triggered automatically based on how high a player's ratings are is the best way to handle this, but have the option to only have it triggered manually if you want that difficulty. Maybe just a difference between the default difficulty setting and HoF or Legend.

Got ya. I hear and understand that now. Definitely makes sense. Thank you for the clarification. I'm sure the dev's can find a way to make it work for everyone, especially since they are on this site reading feedback.

# 37 MrOldboy @ 03/29/14 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chitownwonder


	I truly don't understand the problem with having a Showtime button. If this was put into the gm I would want total control over when it happened, instead of it being ratings based. Just have it as an option you could toggle on/ off. We should all know by now SCEA won't implement something like this until it is done correctly. Not jumping on anyone but complaining about something before it's even in the game or how it would work is jumping to conclusions. Just because this or that company didn't do it right doesn't mean it can't be done right!!!

No one is complaining, its the same type of discussion that happens when someone makes a thread with "I have a great idea for _______" or when a new feature is announced. People see something that could be in the game and then discuss ways it could work, or not, or if they just hate the idea or love it.

# 38 nemesis04 @ 03/29/14 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrOldboy


	Showtime button would be nice, but only in that it would add more flamboyant animations to the fielding. I think I'd rather that these animations only express themselves when a player has high fielding ratings, but have them trigger automatically when the situation calls for it. If its another button I feel like many players may not get to use/see those animations.

To a certain extent the Show does this now. Each player has a specific portfolio of animations so to speak available to them based on their ratings. It is not perfect as we still see certain players doing certain fielding animations that are beyond their scope of ability. It has come a long way from where it started though. Personally I like that they happen automatically now but I would be open to seeing what they could do tying those specific highlight type actions to a button.

# 39 JoshC1977 @ 03/29/14 10:18 AM

I like the concept if it applies to CPU players as well with a "spectacular play likelihood rating" in which the higher the rating, the more likely a player is to try a "spectacular play" (humans have the button which they could use anytime). If one of these are triggered, it would automatically cause a percentage reduction in a player's fielding and/or throw rating (think like a 75% reduction in fielding ratings as a baseline). However, there would be a second rating that the higher it is, the less of a hit players take a when trying one (up to say only a 25% reduction). So, if a player has a 100 in the second rating, and a 100 fielding, trying for a spectacular play would give them an effective fielding rating on that play of 75.

Thinking of Shortstops as an example, there are numerous types (some examples below):

The ones that don't belong there; know they don't and don't do anything stupid.
The ones that have limited raw ability but can generally make the routine play IF they get to the ball (someone like Jeter). They don't try to go overboard on making a big play.
The ones that have high natural ability, but tend to try too often for the "big play" but fail more often (most commonly seen in younger players)...Rey Ordonez comes to mind. Shawon Dunston used to get himself in trouble back in the day by showing off his elite arm.
The elite guys that have the ability and successfully execute Sportscenter type plays routinely (the Ozzie Smith types).

As long as they don't incorporate unrealistic antics and incorporate it properly; this could really add some variety to the game.

# 40 DGuinta1 @ 03/29/14 10:39 AM

Just hope they don't implement this poorly, normally an EA move.

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MLB 14 The Show Gets Assist From Players - New "Showtime" Button Coming Next Year?