MLB 14 The Show News Post

MLB 14 The Show PS4 Hands-On Preview (SI Extra Mustard)

01:07 PM - April 11, 2014 by Steve_OS

After playing it for two days, Jon Robinson from SI Extra Mustard has posted his hands-on impressions of the PS4 version of MLB 14 The Show and claims it is the best next-gen sports game he has ever seen.

Quote:


	In terms of the actual gameplay, I was only able to compete head-to-head and against the CPU (online isn�t ready yet), but I have to say, the PS4 version is not only looking better than its PS3 counterpart, it�s playing better as well. Over 200 new fielding animations were added exclusively to the PS4 field, and I saw everything from a ball ricocheting off Matt Cain�s leg only to be barehanded by (a now slimmer-looking) Pablo Sandoval as he gunned the runner out at first, to all new catcher animations showcasing the masked men jumping out from their crouch to pounce on bunts out in front of the plate. Other new animations include helmets flying off sliding runners and the Ichiro slap swing. Says Russell: �We even added lean animations for baserunners so they don�t look so robotic. Everything about the game just looks, feels, and plays more natural.�

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

MLB 14 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 21 Moegames @ 04/12/14 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew127


	I feel like this article is just hype, none of the features described (besides the graphics and new animations) are specific to the PS4. Also, once again that false statement of 1,000 fan models. I get it...the PS4 is capable of it...but it's not in the game this year for valid reasons. Despite the valid reasons, it doesn't make it any less annoying when false statements are repeated over and over again. Statements like this are misleading for casual readers.

Regardless...i believe most unbelievers will have a huge plate of crow to eat sitting before them May 6th.

Same things were said about NBA2k14 before it launched on PS4...and yup, they had to eat a huge plate of crow as well lol

Yeah first year games all have flaws and arent up to what they are 2-3 years later in a new console's lifespan but for what its worth....whats being said is we are getting a full fledged MLB The Show with some nice additions to boot along with some greatly enhanced visuals.

I just hate the nitpicking and men that act like women...that bugs me for some odd reason and im not directing it you the person im quoting..its more for some other guys in a few other threads. Give respect were respect is due...and these dev's deserve it!

# 22 Shakedowncapo @ 04/12/14 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moegames


	Man ..do you guys remember all the people saying how NBA2k14 before it launched how it didnt look that much better? I swear so many people were saying this and many people believing them as well! ..that is...UNTIL...people started having time to sit down and give a preview impression of the game in motion....lol and yup ..i believe we are seeing the same thing happening here with MLB The Show as it was with NBA2k14 next gen. To this day NBA2k14 on next gen is still by far the best looking sports game but i've been saying over at neogaf that MLB The Show is going to triumph it as the best looking next gen sport game!! Good preview..thanks for sharing

In the player model department, no...But as an overall package with the ball parks...AB-SO-LUTELY.

# 23 Dude731 @ 04/12/14 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BA2929


	He's brand new here. The odds are he has no idea there have been issues with The Show's online stability. I've never played The Show on PS3. Had I not been getting on these boards the last 4-5 months to check out new PS4 info, I wouldn't have known about them either. Being naive about online issues when you've never heard about them before is a pretty good excuse, if you ask me. Anyway, on topic: I usually gloss over these write ups by si.com and espn. They're usually 95% stuff we've already heard and seen. Plus, I doubt these guys play as many video games as the staff at OS. They're not looking for anything I care about.

I've been a member since 2008, but recently created a new account. I'm aware online is an issue (for the ps3). And that's not even what I was referring to.

# 24 Garrett67 @ 04/12/14 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blzer


	I gotta be honest, if this wasn't a PS4 article I would have sworn that Yankee Stadium shot was from the PS3 version. Some shots have impressed me so much. Others have not in the slightest.

I agree with this. The grass and dirt look the same.

I'm guessing the whole "individual blades of grass" is for cutscenes.

# 25 Blzer @ 04/12/14 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett67


	I agree with this. The grass and dirt look the same. I'm guessing the whole "individual blades of grass" is for cutscenes.

No, it's there the entire time (at least it is when you're in the batter's box). When you're zoomed out it's a different look though.

I just mean that the picture isn't at the right resolution to pinpoint anything, and although they have rebuilt stadiums, the overall feel of the game is still exactly the same.

But yes, the grass and dirt still have the same color tones, splotchy patterns, etc. That might change in coming years, but for now that kind of hinders the look.

And like I said, for all I know maybe that is a PS3 shot. I'm not being placebo'ed here,.. that could explain why it looks like that.

# 26 johnlnames @ 04/12/14 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garrett67


	I agree with this. The grass and dirt look the same. I'm guessing the whole "individual blades of grass" is for cutscenes.

Booo, booo wendy testaburger booo. Liar

# 27 Dude731 @ 04/12/14 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlamingWeazel


	My gues is most people trying to nitpick and bash everything are ps3 owners who don't have or cannot afford a ps4, trying to convince themselves they are not missing out.

That's exactly what I'm thinking.

# 28 Blzer @ 04/12/14 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlamingWeazel


	My gues is most people trying to nitpick and bash everything are ps3 owners who don't have or cannot afford a ps4, trying to convince themselves they are not missing out.

I can somewhat attest to this notion, not for this particular example but for past situations. When World Series Baseball 2K3 came out, I was pissing about the PS2 version not having self-shadowing or 60 FPS while the Xbox version did, etc. When I got an Xbox for sports games the following year, I was ultimately not at all concerned about what the PS2 version got, and I said: "Screw that one, just bring on the goods for the Xbox version!"

Now in this example, you bring up one valid point: I don't own a PS4. I keep debating when I should get one. I could walk into Best Buy right now and buy one, but I just do not see the advantages of owning one at this point. I have yet to beat GTA V, The Last of Us, I haven't even taken GT6 or R&C: Into the Nexus out of their shrink-wrap, and with us being able to take our PS3/Vita franchises of The Show into the PS4 version, I would rather just wait until both versions get more separate from one another.

As I said before, some screenshots really impress me with the amount of visual detail and fidelity that there is on screen. I know what this game can look like in screenshots and YouTube videos on the PS3, and how justice just is not served for it until you actually play it at home, so I really do know what it will be like for some of you to play the PS4 version for the first time (and yeesh, with a DarbeeVision Darblet it just must be jaw-droppingly gorgeous!).

I don't doubt what any reviewers or impressionists say about the visuals. This game is also certainly not just a port. However, there is just enough that keeps it close to the PS3 version that has not changed that can keep me waiting. Things like the grass and dirt (and I know we have blades of grass, but there are other irks I have about it), the same broadcast fielding camera, the same skeletal body, still no transition delay after contact, some night skies that I've just been praying to get right since MLB '09... there are just little things that I've always wanted to see adjust in this franchise, and until they do no amount of power on the PS4 will make me budge just because it has more detail everywhere.

If I owned a PS4, I would be getting this game at midnight. However, if I owned a PS4, I would still be saying the same things. I'm not trying to defend my PS3 or anything like that. I haven't played my PS3 since January. Too much going on in my life to really care, I guess. Rest assured though, I'll probably be getting a PS4 by the end of this year. The next target times are my birthday (June), Black Friday, or Christmas. There will be a lot of factors to determine when it is I'll actually get it though. I know what I'm missing out on, but I also know what I'm holding out on too. I wouldn't label myself as someone who is playing a jealousy card though. That's not my game here at all.

Oh and again, I really am curious as to if that headlining photo is from the PS3 version or PS4 version, no sarcasm. Can anybody clue me into what to look for to be able to distinguish one from the other in that shot? I know the resolution is just too small to be able to tell and a larger resolution would probably give it away, but that aside... does anyone know for sure which version it is and why? (I'm guessing the flags are different in the two versions)

# 29 seanjeezy @ 04/12/14 01:52 PM

Day 1 PS4 owner and I still have complaints...

# 30 eoebucco23 @ 04/12/14 02:27 PM

I just hope pitchers get hurt more when balls hit them in the face or leg. The same with batters too. If a batter takes a ball to the head they probably wouldn't just casually walk to first lol

# 31 Dude731 @ 04/12/14 03:41 PM

Complaints are fine I suppose, I was pointing out the overwhelming negativity. People accusing devs of lying and articles that say anything good about the game must be hype. It's just gotten weirdly negative this year and I don't remember it being this way any other year on here. That's all.

# 32 thaSLAB @ 04/12/14 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude731


	Complaints are fine I suppose, I was pointing out the overwhelming negativity. People accusing devs of lying and articles that say anything good about the game must be hype. It's just gotten weirdly negative this year and I don't remember it being this way any other year on here. That's all.

It's just the nature of the beast. This is the first year where it is the only game out there. Look at NBA 2K. Reading their forum you would think that was the worst game ever!

Visual and animation concerns about the game that was arguably best in those areas are kind of funny. Especially when it's already been stated that the next gen version will animate and transition smoother, with unique and yes, some carryover animations.

htcONE [M8] | Tapatalk Pro

# 33 EUBlink @ 04/12/14 05:39 PM

People are going to whine and moan and groan over little things. I get that.

What grinds my gears is the fact that these people have yet to play it or see it extensively in action, yet still complain about little things. Some people are never, ever happy. They're going to complain. And I'm going to utilize the ignore feature. That simple.

Don't crap on everyone else's party just because you enjoy that kind of bandwagon. Play the game THEN complain. They've got time to fix the online.

# 34 HustlinOwl @ 04/12/14 05:46 PM

Ps4 owner day one and pay to play online a sony studio better deliver

Sent from my LG-L40G using Tapatalk

# 35 ShowTyme15 @ 04/12/14 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaSLAB


	It's just the nature of the beast. This is the first year where it is the only game out there. Look at NBA 2K. Reading their forum you would think that was the worst game ever! Visual and animation concerns about the game that was arguably best in those areas are kind of funny. Especially when it's already been stated that the next gen version will animate and transition smoother, with unique and yes, some carryover animations. htcONE [M8] \| Tapatalk Pro

I'd say it is the worst game ever made in terms of how they implemented features and modes. NEVER again will I buy a game that is DRM driven. That's a story for another time/day.

# 36 Drew127 @ 04/14/14 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude731


	Complaints are fine I suppose, I was pointing out the overwhelming negativity. People accusing devs of lying and articles that say anything good about the game must be hype. It's just gotten weirdly negative this year and I don't remember it being this way any other year on here. That's all.

I think you are referring to my post. Fine. I was simply pointing out that over and over, the claim is being made that there are 1,000 unique fan models in the game. It has been confirmed on this board that it isn't the case for this year. Therefore, claiming otherwise is blatantly misleading. It might not be significant in the grand scheme of things, but you are missing my point entirely if that's what your focus is on. I just have an issue with saying misleading things about a product, when there is no need to.

I don't really see a gray area here. The fact was mis-stated and I take issue with it.

# 37 Blzer @ 04/14/14 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew127


	I think you are referring to my post. Fine. I was simply pointing out that over and over, the claim is being made that there are 1,000 unique fan models in the game. It has been confirmed on this board that it isn't the case for this year. Therefore, claiming otherwise is blatantly misleading. It might not be significant in the grand scheme of things, but you are missing my point entirely if that's what your focus is on. I just have an issue with saying misleading things about a product, when there is no need to. I don't really see a gray area here. The fact was mis-stated and I take issue with it.

I've tried to remain spoiler-free within articles and interviews, so besides the very first interview (which I haven't seen in a month), I haven't picked up on the wording on how it's being advertised from SCEA or media outlets.

However, you're kind of right. If it sounds like it's being advertised that there are 1,000 character models for fans and there are only 100, then it is kind of strange that isn't better clarified. The developers here are clarifying that it's merely possible to get 1,000, correct? I mean wouldn't that kind of be like saying it's possible to have cross-platform online play between PS3 and PS4 even if it's not available this year, but then every interview reports that feature like it is in this year?

Maybe I will have to read some portions of the interviews that say what they say, including this one. It seems like a strange thing to "lie" about (I'm not saying they're lying at all, I'm just saying that of all things for there to be a strong emphasis on anyway, it's just a bizarre one in general), so even if they were caught with their pants down, there's not really going to be any backlash for fan models. Personally, I can't wait to see the day of that many... but I've seen worse misleading statements from game developers, even from this company.

And this is besides that topic, but I must ask one more time because I still am truly curious: is that Yankee Stadium shot in the OP a PS3 or PS4 shot, and how can you tell? I seriously have no idea one way or the other.

# 38 Drew127 @ 04/14/14 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blzer


	If it sounds like it's being advertised that there are 1,000 character models for fans and there are only 100, then it is kind of strange that isn't better clarified. The developers here are clarifying that it's merely possible to get 1,000, correct? I mean wouldn't that kind of be like saying it's possible to have cross-platform online play between PS3 and PS4 even if it's not available this year, but then every interview reports that feature like it is in this year? Maybe I will have to read some portions of the interviews that say what they say, including this one.

EXACTLY!!! This is a quote pulled straight from the article that this thread is the subject of:

Quote:


	In the PS3 game, we only have 42 people in the crowd, and those people are just duplicated all over the stadium,” explains Ramone Russell, the game’s producer, as we get our hands on The Show for the first time. “You’ll see the same fans over and over again and they’re always wearing the same clothing. In the PS4 version, we have 1,000 people, so there is just so much more variation, including kids in the stands for the first time. It’s crazy, our fans in the PS4 game are made of about the same amount of polygons as the players in the PS3 version.

It's very misleading, since that certainly isn't the case this year. It will be in the future, perhaps, since the capability is there. But it isn't there now, so it's wrong to word things in a way that will make readers think it IS there now. And it has been stated like this in every media outlet that I've seen so far. Ramone did clarify it on the board here, but it's misleading to the masses who don't come here.

It might seem like I'm harping on a small detail, but keep in mind that media outlets find this detail worth highlighting as a selling point of the PS4 version of the game. Otherwise, they wouldn't mention it.

I'm still buying the game, and in no way am I claiming that someone should change their mind just based on this fact alone. I just think it's slightly frustrating that it isn't being clarified.

# 39 ryanmc564 @ 04/14/14 11:02 AM

Obviously, I can't speak for everyone else but I don't ever recall SCEA (Ramone) saying they will have 1000 different crowd models. I always heard him say that with the power of the ps4 they can have UP to 1000 different crowd models

# 40 Woodweaver @ 04/14/14 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew127


	EXACTLY!!! This is a quote pulled straight from the article that this thread is the subject of: It's very misleading, since that certainly isn't the case this year. It will be in the future, perhaps, since the capability is there. But it isn't there now, so it's wrong to word things in a way that will make readers think it IS there now. And it has been stated like this in every media outlet that I've seen so far. Ramone did clarify it on the board here, but it's misleading to the masses who don't come here. It might seem like I'm harping on a small detail, but keep in mind that media outlets find this detail worth highlighting as a selling point of the PS4 version of the game. Otherwise, they wouldn't mention it.

Do a search on posts by Ramone and myself regarding this matter. There is a very clear explanation of what went on with the crowd models. There was no intentional misleading. Luckily, if this is a large issue for you, you know far enough in advance that you can simply skip this years iteration. But I think most of the media speaks for itself...even though we did not max out on the crowd this year, we certainly have many more than 100 models, and I think you will really enjoy the results.

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