Xbox owners: Baseball games discussion

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:06 am

EDIT: I titled this "Xbox owners" but really it doesn´t need to be. It´s just that it´s my platform of choice for online play.
 
 Well, the flood of information at OS is starting, especially with respect to ASB and ESPN (World Series.)
 
 Both will have online play on XBL, and ESPN is going to support leagues on PS2. ASB also added a "fielder cam" which looks really really good in the movies, and they´ve supposedly tweaked zone hitting to make it work properly.
 
 ESPN looks like there is some sort of first-person view for both pitching and for hitting. It looks really really nice.
 
 Thoughts? I´ll probably do some trades to get an online baseball game this year. I enjoyed ASB last year, and right now I´m playing some WSB 2K3 and really liking it.
 
 MVP on Xbox is a must-miss for me... no online play.
 
 Has anyone heard of any rumours of a release from Microsoft?
 
 PS2 owners look like they´ll be getting two extra great options with online play: MVP and MLB 2005 from 989.
 
 PS... I´ve recently realized why I really enjoy baseball games often more than any other team games. They require less joystick jockeying than others. Great for a slow moving old klutz like me.
 [ This message was edited by: James_E on 26-01-2004 07:08 ]

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:37 am

>>>PS... I´ve recently realized why I really enjoy baseball games often more than any other team games. They require less joystick jockeying than others. Great for a slow moving old klutz like me.<<<
 
 Indeed.
 
 My library now consists of just five games: Links, ESPN NFL, Project Gotham 2, Ghost Recon Island Thunder and Rainbow Six 3. Only one of those can be considered a "twitch, joystick jockey" game, ESPN NFL, and there are breaks between plays.
 
 I find myself gravitating toward the same types of games as you, James. And that´s the reason I´ll pick up a baseball title on the cheap a month or so after they´re all released even though I´m not a big fan of the sport in real life.
 
 Like you, I´m curious about Microsoft´s plans. It won´t sit out an entire season, will it?
 
 Take care,
 PK [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 26-01-2004 07:37 ]

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 11:45 am

Yeah, "twitchy" games are going by the wayside for me. My game collection right now is:
 
 Xbox: Links, PGR2, WSB 2k3 (yep, Top Spin, Rivals, ID all traded in... got lots of credit.)
 
 PS2: My RPG machine: FFX, FFX-2, Dark Cloud-2, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer
 
 PC: Star Wars: Galaxies, Tiger 2004, Call of Duty, Flight Simulator 2004, Falcon 4.0, GPL, F1 2002 + GTR2002 Mod
 
 Only two "twitchy" games: Call of Duty which I play it on normal difficulty and am doing just fine, and Dark Cloud 2... which is kind of twitchy but not bad.

blueduke · Post by **blueduke** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:00 pm

>>>PS... I´ve recently realized why I really enjoy baseball games often more than any other team games. They require less joystick jockeying than others. Great for a slow moving old klutz like me.<<<<
 
 I hear you. "The older you get the slower you get" is certainly true in my case. Baseball games are the most often played on my machine although I do play Rivals with the game speed set as low as it can go. I also play NBA Live 2004 with game speed set to 37.
 
 i´m probably going to get ASB 2005 and ESPN Baseball for my playing this year. I´m really going to miss High Heat this season as it was imo the most realistic of all the games last season. I think Inside Pitch will be geared mainly for online play with little simulation elements for offline play [ This message was edited by: blueduke on 26-01-2004 08:03 ]

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:05 pm

I thought Microsoft (Inside Pitch) bought the High heat engine?

James_E · Post by **James_E** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:15 pm

laurenskye they did... but there is no info on what is being done with it. Everyone hopes they take the game engine... and just build presentation/graphics around it, but nobody seems to know what is actually happening.
 
 haven´t even heard if Inside Pitch is even coming out. Anyone?

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:22 pm

I really liked WSB last year the most, so I am leaning toward ESPN MLB. But no online leagues on the XBox really stinks, and may push me toward MS.
 
 I liked ASB in the past, but the other games have since passed it by IMHO. It will need to improve it´s gameplay substantially to get my gaming dollars.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:14 pm

I will be getting all of them...trying them all out for a while, then returning all but one of them. Then, most likely, I´ll be trading that one in later down the road for one of the ones I previously returned and playing it for a while. Then I´ll trade that one game in for the game I returned 2nd. Basically it´s a never ending cycle.
 
 The LAST game I had this year was High Heat, and I traded that in about 2 weeks ago. It WAS the best game of last year, even if it was the ugliest of the bunch.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:31 pm

Surprisingly I had a lot of fun with ASB last year even though it was frustrating as hell. I liked the expansion mode. Plus I had to let it go when my expansion team was batting .340 and no one else was even close.
 
 MVP will be the game I buy and ASB along with WSB will be renters. The minor league option is too attractive. And the ability to play as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox is mouthwatering. If they have the minor league stadiums as well, it will be an amazing effor t by EA Sports. But knowing EA Sports I´m sure there will be one fatal flaw in the game, like CPU being too conservative. CPU won´t swing at certain times. Strange things like that.

FloridaGators · Post by **FloridaGators** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:34 pm

I am gonna go with MVP Baseball this year for PS2. I really enjoy the pitching meter and the hitting system looks great this year. That to go along with a nice dynasty mode, great graphics and sound and a lot of fun multiplayer options makes it my choice.

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:05 pm

I loved MVP last year. I actually finished a 162 game season with the Texas Rangers and I played every single game...didn´t sim any! More importantly I looked forward to playing every game. MVP always gave me that "just one more game" feel. Anyway to recap my Rangers season. I won the AL West by 8 games over Seattle. Arod was the league MPV and he led the league in HR´s and RBI´s and just missed out on the triple crown by just a few percentage points. Carl Everett won the batting title.
 I had 3 20 game winners in Colboy Lewis, Rick Ankiel(who I traded for) and Chan Ho Park. Lewis also took home the Cy Young award.
 In the postseason I beat the Minnesota Twins in the first round and then I lost to the Yankees in the ALCS. The Yankees just killed me all year. Giambi was the toughest out I´ve ever seen a video baseball game. When I played the Yankees....there was definite tension there. I really felt like I was actually playing against them. They were so darn tough. All in all MVP was probably my most favorite sports game last year and it´s a no brainer for me this year with the online play. I doubt that i´ll even try the other games this year because i´m so stoked for MVP 2004.
 
 Tim

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:20 pm

I don´t think it´s just about slower reflexes. It´s a change in temperament. You may still occasionally listen to hard rock but not as much as you used to.
 
 Because none of the sports games offer you so much control that lightning reflexes which are also precise makes that much a difference. It´s not like playing shooter games with keyboards and mice.
 
 I got some extended time with NFL Street, including online. The game does place more of a premium on control pad skills than the sim football games. But the styling points are mostly about holding down button combos, not really the "hands are quicker than the eye" tricks of a magician.
 
 I think a reason why an older gamer might not be into NFL Street as much is the lack of strategic options, like the presnap changes, the limited playbooks. Not because slower reflexes would prevent you from playing the game well.
 
 Baseball, the sport, just has a different vibe than other sports. It´s more leisurely and you can watch a game on TV or go to the park and put the game on background until there´s a rally developing.
 
 Baseball video games on the other hand, actually can require MORE physical skills, especially timing on swings, bat or pitch location, fielding balls, etc.
 
 The pace of the game might seem more leisurely but they require as much focus and concentration as any other sports game out there in order to play them well.

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:03 pm

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
 On 2004-01-26 07:37, pk500 wrote:
 
 My library now consists of just five games: Links, ESPN NFL, Project Gotham 2, Ghost Recon Island Thunder and Rainbow Six 3. Only one of those can be considered a "twitch, joystick jockey" game, ESPN NFL, and there are breaks between plays.
 
 
 
 Take care,
 PK
 
 [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 26-01-2004 07:37 ]
 </BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
 
 PK, no ID for you my friend?

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:09 pm

Steve:
 
 ID 2004 will be gone tonight -- eBay auction ends around midnight.
 
 Take care,
 PK

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:20 pm

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
 On 2004-01-26 13:09, pk500 wrote:
 Steve:
 
 ID 2004 will be gone tonight -- eBay auction ends around midnight.
 
 Take care,
 PK
 </BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
 
 Why PK? I thought you were enjoying it.

snate · Post by **snate** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:14 pm

I will be getting all of them as I do every year.
 
 Everything I have heard so far leads me to believe Microsoft will indeed be taking the baseball season off.
 
 I think MVP has the most potential for this year. I thought last years game was dog butt. It was a rushed 1st year project and had some severe gameplay issues. That aside, there was some redeeming value to the game engine and I have been impressed with what I have read and seen on the improvements for this year. Add to that the fact that some former High Heat developers are on the EA payroll these days, and it gives me hope that the game will be decent. No online play for XBOX is the big negative for this game.
 
 ASB has some great features, interface and captures many of the nuances of the game of baseball well. The fielder cam will be a big. It remains to be seen whether they can pull it off. If they do I´ll be impressed. The game will lack L/R stats and ratings again which is dissapointing. I am hoping that the batting/pitching/fielding models are all improved.
 
 ESPN supposedly has fixed the baserunning model and has added player scaling and more faces this year. They have also supposedly worked on the cameras. There are also some interesting features like 1st person mode being added. I really hope that they work on the pitching animations and ball movement. There was something very off about it last year.
 
 To be honest I think that all will dissapoint ... again. Oh well, I´m used to it by now. [ This message was edited by: snate on 26-01-2004 14:15 ]

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:54 pm

Steve:
 
 I´m cutting WAY back to just the games that are essentials for me and deliver every time I play them. ID didn´t make that cut.
 
 ID is a fine game -- the best hoops title out there -- but I just got bored with it. Plus I´m not much of an NBA fan at all. I never play the game online, either, so I figured now would be the best time to sell.
 
 The five games I´m down to now are pretty much my "pantheon." They deliver every time, are never dull and are pure fun to play. That´s what this hobby is all about.
 
 Take care,
 PK

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:16 pm

Pk is the video game equivilent of a bolemic.
 
 Binge, purge, binge, purge. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 -Matt

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:38 pm

Matt:
 
 You´re right, but the binging part is over. Before, I always had new targets when I purged.
 
 Now, I have Full Spectrum Warrior as my only must-buy through the spring. That´s it. I´m giving a long look at Rallisport 2 and probably will get CMR 4 gratis from Codemasters. But FSW is the only sure thing for me.
 
 I really am cutting way, way back. No more "boy who cried wolf."
 
 New year, new deal. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 Take care,
 PK

Cincinnati_Kid · Post by **Cincinnati_Kid** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:29 pm

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
 On 2004-01-26 14:54, pk500 wrote:
 Steve:
 
 I´m cutting WAY back to just the games that are essentials for me and deliver every time I play them. ID didn´t make that cut.
 
 ID is a fine game -- the best hoops title out there -- but I just got bored with it. Plus I´m not much of an NBA fan at all. I never play the game online, either, so I figured now would be the best time to sell.
 
 The five games I´m down to now are pretty much my "pantheon." They deliver every time, are never dull and are pure fun to play. That´s what this hobby is all about.
 
 Take care,
 PK
 </BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
 
 im in the middle of doind exactley the same thing myself
 
 i only game a couple hours a night when i get home from work for the most part....too many other things going on so i want too spend that time with my preffered games
 
 ID was the first too miss the cut....and for the very same reasons....funny last year i played out a whole single player season but im just not feeling it this year....really not feeling the NBA other than carmello,king james sightings anymore
 
 winning eleven 6 is out simply because im making room for WE7
 
 ghost recon island adventure i gave too a family member i can simply borrow it if i get the urge
 
 rivals....going
 
 links .... just never touch offline...online im too busy playing football too give it anytime
 
 keepers...madden ps2,espn football 2k4 league play alone keeps them rotating
 
 halo...isnt going anywhere
 
 waiting on WE7 must buy if there ever was one.....a baseball game we will see which (mvp starting too peak my interest heavily ..minor leagues <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_razz.gif"> )
 
 and im getting NFL STREET i waited on this as i will do with the baseball games this spring and rented it....my son and i had a total blast with this game couldnt put it down....not much of a single player maybe but for father/son replay value....dynamite <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_biggrin.gif">
 
 my son even purged....
 <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif"> ace combat 4 , LOTRROTK ,ratchet n clank going comando being his favorites besides halo
 and his gba sp collection...mario & lugi superstar saga (thanks again coach its his favorite by far) , techmo bowl ,namco museum,madden 2002 ,tetris,godzilla,bust a move(heck cant have enough gba games <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_wink.gif"> )

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:24 pm

I think I´m in the same boat as a lot of you, having to do without High Heat this season.
 
 But has anyone seen the info on MLB 2005 at OS? Check out those vids, as well. Sweetest animation I´ve ever seen in a baseball game.
 
 Plus the fact that they promise over 500(!) real batting stances...I´m in heaven, I tell ya.
 
 I know this thread is XBox only, but for those with a PS2, MLB just may be THE game this year...
 
 -AJ

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:15 am

Anyone know which game is going to have authentic batting stances for the Cooperstown players? I remember reading one of the games was going to have it, but can´t remember which one now.
 
 I´ll at least pick up ASB, ESPN and MVP. My dilemma now is whether to rebuy the PS2 of MLB2005 delivers. That´ll suck if the dark horse is on PS2, when I got rid of mine a long time ago.

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:00 am

Seriously, check out the vids. Just some sweet animations...
 
 Some of the development team has been on the OS boards answering questions. I know it´s easy to get swayed by developer talk, but it really seems like this could be the sleeper hit.
 
 With High Heat out of the picture, it looks like it´ll either be MLB 2005 or MVP. Played both WSB and ASB and just couldn´t get into them last few years.
 
 -AJ

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:33 am

While those graphical touches is nice, I would hope they come accompanied with solid gameplay.

Cincinnati_Kid · Post by **Cincinnati_Kid** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:44 am

yeah agreed mlb 2005 has me very intrigued as well as i thought last years version was pretty fun...especially fielding