MLB 2006 The Show Demo at EBGames for a Pre-Order

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 11:28 pm

kicko wrote:I figured ou the pass ball thing if anyone was wondering like i was, since i'm new to the series this year. Forgive me if this is already known, it works something like each pitch has a variable of movement, fastball will always hit about where your aiming but something like a slider will have movement. So when i would aim low with some pitches them movement would would naturally make the ball drop low anyways so by me aiming low only adds to the movement, making the ball hit the dirt and go for a pass ball. wild pitch. So 1st see what pitches do and then you can aim according.

Exactly...the cursor is where the ball STARTS, not where it ends, a la MVP. So you have to be concious of how much the ball breaks for certain pitchers based on fatigue and accuracy of their pitches. That's what makes this pitching system so much better than anyone elses.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 11:40 pm

I found that first person view when you press down the Right Analog while batting. Can you use this for anything else than just viewing the fielders?

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:51 am

kicko wrote:I figured ou the pass ball thing if anyone was wondering like i was, since i'm new to the series this year. Forgive me if this is already known, it works something like each pitch has a variable of movement, fastball will always hit about where your aiming but something like a slider will have movement. So when i would aim low with some pitches them movement would would naturally make the ball drop low anyways so by me aiming low only adds to the movement, making the ball hit the dirt and go for a pass ball. wild pitch. So 1st see what pitches do and then you can aim according.

I could have told you that a long time ago. Some people at OS are even complaining about a "passed ball bug". Pitching is different in this game, much more different than the other baseball games. That's why I like it so much. If you have two strikes on a guy, you have to really think about what you are going to throw him. If you try and throw the guy a curve ball anywhere near the low part of the zone and miss your mark on the pitching meter, then the ball might wind up at the backstop. This is the way it should be. There should be some risk involved when throwing breaking balls, but in other baseball games there is none.

People that try and pitch in this game like they pitched in MVP are going to throw a lot of passed balls or wild pitches. Basically, if you throw anything other than a fastball anywhere near the corners of the zone, you run the risk of missing the zone altogether and that's how it should be in my opinion.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:57 am

I've only played 5 or 6 games, but I'm very happy to report that the computer is scoring on me, and doing so with a nice bit of variety...3...5...7, etc, both on all star and hall of fame. Very nice!

I haven't had any fielding glitches in the last three games. I *have* been trying to hang back on those one hoppers a bit more, and so far none have skipped by me again. Not a huge sample size, though.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with hitting yet, though. I hit too well on AA with or without Guess Pitch, and on HOF level I'm getting realistic hit and HR results while using Guess Pitch, but also too many strikeouts. (Basically, I strike out a lot when I don't successfully guess the pitch on HOF levels) I'm playing with the pitch count maxxed.

I think I'll try playing on All-Star level with guess pitch off, and boost the hit speed way up. I think Guess Pitch is overall far too effective.

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:23 pm

I started a franchise yesterday and simmed through Spring Training. Played the first game of my season (I'm Milwaukee and hosted the Pirates). It seriously might have been the single-best gaming experience that I've ever had.

The Pirates took an early one-run lead and I was having a hard time doing anything other than striking out at the plate. In the 4th inning I got solo shots from Carlos Lee and Bill Hall to take the lead. The Pirates stormed back to take a 3-2 lead as Ben Sheets left a curve hanging. Bill Hall hit another solo shot in the 6th and Carlos Lee hit a run scoring double in the 7th to tie the game. In the top of the 8th the Pirates took the lead again when Sean Casey hit a double to score a runner from 1st. In the bottom of the 8th Rickie Weeks hit a rope down the line that was just foul and then hit one in the gap that was robbed by Jason Bay. Carlos Lee walked to get on first and Prince Fielder followed that up with a blast down the right field line to take the lead. Turnbow came in and closed down the Pirates in the 9th. Just a fun-as-hell game to play. This is the first game I've ever played in which I don't automatically skip the cutscenes because the presentation and commentary are so good.

What else can I say? I'm hooked.

AJColossal · Post by **AJColossal** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:30 pm

Agreed, great game. Could end up being my favorite console baseball game ever.

And here I thought this would just be a holdover until MLB 2K6 for the 360. I could be wrong, but I can't see 2K6 being better than this, even on the 360.

And even with the power of the 360, how much do you wanna bet that MLB: The Show will have better commentary and overall presentation than 2K6?

I've seen so many ridiculously cool little presentation details in this game that I just cannot get over. I just heard the "L" train go by at Wrigley for instance!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:33 pm

Badger_Fan wrote: This is the first game I've ever played in which I don't automatically skip the cutscenes because the presentation and commentary are so good.

I find myself letting a bunch of them play out as well. Hell, that quick fade to black they have going on between innings always fools me into thinking that it's time to go grab another beer during commercial time...

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 3:34 pm

damn. makes me wish i had a ps2... phooey.

how are the simmed seasons?

lexbur · Post by **lexbur** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 4:08 pm

Yeah, you definitely miss alot using the "fast play" option. I've been going back and forth with it during my season, depending on how much time I have to get a game in. One game when I was using "fast play" my batter got hit by the pitch, next thing I know the other team is replacing their pitcher and a window pops up telling me my batter was ejected and I had to replace him. I get the feeling I may have missed a little scuffle or something. I tried but I couldn't find a way to go back and see what I missed. That kinda sucked. I wondered if there was a bench-clearing brawl. Has anyone seen one yet?

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 5:22 pm

Haven't simmed any seasons yet, so I'm not sure how they do statistically. Also haven't seen a bench-clearing brawl or any sort of dust-up for that matter.

I agree about the little fade-to-black that they do between innings. Just another example of a great presentation for the game. I've always been a guy that didn't really pay attention to presentation as long as I liked the way the game played, but to have a game that does both really well, damn.

I'm going to have to mess around with the batting view to see if I can find a view that I like better. I'm having a hard time distinguishing between balls and strikes low in the zone. If I can cut back on the strikeouts I'll be a happy man. But the cool thing is that I can honestly say that they are truly a result of me being bad at hitting and they don't feel at all cheap. Dave Campbell is just ripping me apart with some of the hacks I take.

Chris_SCEA_Sports · Post by **Chris_SCEA_Sports** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:47 pm

Slumberland wrote: Could it be my PS2? Does it have to read the disc to pull up the proper animation to field a ball?

No, we do not stream any fielding animations off the disc. They are stored in memory when the game loads.

Are you still having the fielding problem?

Chris

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:47 pm

After all the good comments, I had to rent the game finally last night. After a few games, I must say that with the exception of the crowd, graphics are a delight to watch, players look very similar to their life, and the gameplay is tight. One thing, I am not sure if anyone touched on yet, is that I am glad Sony left the old X button for hitting instead of the analog button which I just didn't like in NCAA.

My favourite pitch is the curveball and depending I guess on the pitcher, the movement of the CB is just amaizing. I used Halladay as my pitcher and I had like 10 strikeouts with him on the mound, varying at all times his pitches and using the CB as the finisher.

Had my sight originally set on 2K for my baseball game this season, but I must say this MLB game is a keeper. Loved the commentary.

billharris44 · Post by **billharris44** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 7:43 pm

Hey Chris, you guys absolutely kicked ass this year. Congratulations and thanks for a fantastic game.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:18 pm

Great to see your presence here Chris. The game is absolutely super. I can't tell you how much the animations, stances, etc. make this game flow. You guys nailed it. Thanks again.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:19 pm

billharris44 wrote:Hey Chris, you guys absolutely kicked ass this year. Congratulations and thanks for a fantastic game.

HELL YEAH!

I just want to know how long you guys had to lock up the announcing crew to give them time to record all that commentary.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:22 pm

Chris_SCEA_Sports wrote:
Slumberland wrote: Could it be my PS2? Does it have to read the disc to pull up the proper animation to field a ball?
No, we do not stream any fielding animations off the disc. They are stored in memory when the game loads.

Are you still having the fielding problem?

Chris

Thanks for the info, Chris. I have tried to stay VERY aware of not charging the ball with my outfielders and have avoided the problem in my last couple games. What may happen the next time I actually have to charge the ball to make a throw home, only time will tell.

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:17 pm

Badgun wrote:
kicko wrote:I figured ou the pass ball thing if anyone was wondering like i was, since i'm new to the series this year. Forgive me if this is already known, it works something like each pitch has a variable of movement, fastball will always hit about where your aiming but something like a slider will have movement. So when i would aim low with some pitches them movement would would naturally make the ball drop low anyways so by me aiming low only adds to the movement, making the ball hit the dirt and go for a pass ball. wild pitch. So 1st see what pitches do and then you can aim according.
I could have told you that a long time ago. Some people at OS are even complaining about a "passed ball bug". Pitching is different in this game, much more different than the other baseball games. That's why I like it so much. If you have two strikes on a guy, you have to really think about what you are going to throw him. If you try and throw the guy a curve ball anywhere near the low part of the zone and miss your mark on the pitching meter, then the ball might wind up at the backstop. This is the way it should be. There should be some risk involved when throwing breaking balls, but in other baseball games there is none.

People that try and pitch in this game like they pitched in MVP are going to throw a lot of passed balls or wild pitches. Basically, if you throw anything other than a fastball anywhere near the corners of the zone, you run the risk of missing the zone altogether and that's how it should be in my opinion.

Well then you should have

I had only one pass ball in 9 innings since i figured how the pitching works. I think the problem is that its not very well explained anywhere that i have seen. Other then the running controls are hard to get used to from MVP, but not bad, this game is so solid, very nice choice for anyone that might be still unsure on buying. The other thing that was nice is you really have to throw some balls in there, mvp it didnt seem to matter since the batter hardly chased, but it also seems hitters catch on, so you have to keep them guessing.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 10:38 pm

Only thing I miss from the previous years is the play of the game sequence at the end where you could choose it with different camera angles. It was some nice eye candy to see after a game.

I also played a game with the Giants and was surprised to see they had the Bonds shift on in the game. The 2nd baseman was in the outfield and the SS was right behind 2nd base, sweet.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:49 pm

billharris44 wrote:Hey Chris, you guys absolutely kicked ass this year. Congratulations and thanks for a fantastic game.

Amen!!

I've been on call all week and can't wait to get some more MLB time this weekend! I think it about it at work, what batting order I'm going have, who's starting, how I'm going to pitch Derek Lee.

Do the difficulty levels also increase the CPU AI or does it just change the way you bat? Just kind of curious as it seems to me the AI plays a good game on all levels.

Thanks!

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 1:02 am

Funny thing about the fielding problems I've been having... I picked up the PSP version today, and there isn't a trace of these fielding issues. Everything works like a charm.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:38 am

Plain and simple, the game is awesome. Still too early to place The Show ahead of High Heat as my favorite game ever...but it could be. I played 2 more games in my franchise last night. I'm playing on hall of fame with slightly adjusted sliders. Won 5-0 in the first game. Ryan Franklin threw 8 shutout innings for my Phils. Don't know how he made it to through the 8th...he was leaving pitches over the middle of the dish all game long but the Dodgers just didn't cash in. I ended up with 14 hits. The "Play of the Game" was a key 5th inning double play that killed a Dodger threat. Very cool that the "game" chose that play because it really was the play of the game. Lost the second game on a combined 2 hitter by 3 Dodger pitchers. Couldn't get anything going. Ryan Madson got roughed up in the first for 3 but then held LA in check through 5. Unfortunately Rheal Cormier gave up 2 runs in the 8th to make it a 5-1 loss. 3-2 in my franchise and LOVING IT. This is a tremendous game.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 9:23 am

Got to play it at EB last night for a bit and am VERY impressed. Might even edge out MVP in my book. I just like everything about the entire package. It just feels right on every level.

lexbur · Post by **lexbur** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:05 am

billharris44 wrote:Hey Chris, you guys absolutely kicked ass this year. Congratulations and thanks for a fantastic game.

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!
DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!
DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has anybody else seen any classic uniforms yet? I played a game last night in my Tribe season in Detroit, and the Tribe came out in their 1901 all-blue unis! Detroit had old unis too, baggy pants, high socks and pillbox caps! Very cool!

BTW, it was a great game, CC Sabathia and Kenny Rogers hooked up in quite a pitcher's duel, 0-0 in the 7th, Rogers started getting tired, Tigers went to their bullpen and the Tribe lit their bullpen up for 8 runs over the last 3 innings. I wanted to get CC the CG shutout, even though he was struggling in the 9th, Tigers had loaded the bases on him with one out. But then he got the game-ending DP! Sweet!!!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 11:13 am

That fielding glitch is indeed ugly when it happens, though.

I played a game last night where I saw it at shortstop. There was a bouncing ball hit towards the second base side, not even all that fast, and so I ran Jeter to his left then turned forward to field the ball. Went literally right through him, (his torso) and he was there with plenty, and I mean plenty, of time left to field. It ended up being the difference in the game, too.

I can now see where this bug can really, really detract from the overall experience if it happens at anything more than an occasional rate of frequency.

It's those hopping, bouncing balls that the game seems to have a problem with.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 2:00 pm

lexbur wrote:Has anybody else seen any classic uniforms yet? I played a game last night in my Tribe season in Detroit, and the Tribe came out in their 1901 all-blue unis! Detroit had old unis too, baggy pants, high socks and pillbox caps! Very cool!

I really wish there was a way to turn off the alternate uni feature. The Braves wear their Reds on Sundays if their HOME game is during the day...that's the only time they where them. So like 10-15 times a year. Why have they worn them in 75% of the 20 games I've played so far? It's annoying and stupid to have all of the alternate unis being worn nearly all the time. Why can't we decide which uniform they where like we can in virtually ever other game made?