The Show "MLB 07" Thread

[ScoopBrady]

As much as I like the game I do want to clarify that this is not a 'run out and buy a PS3 just for this game' game. I said earlier that I'd be happy with a sharper looking game that played like the PS2 version and that's what it seems to be.

[Leadfoot5]

Presentation is great, but several things leave me scratching my head. You have an all around good presentation but when you sub in a pitcher he just changes on the mound, really don't get that.

In the two offline games I've played, when either myself or the CPU brings in a releiver, I get a cut scene of the manager coming out of the dugout or a cutscene of the manager and the infielders at the mound and the reliever getting the ball... Now, in on-line games with quick play "on", yes, the pitcher just changes on the mound.

I've had multiple pitching changes and I always see a cut scene with the CPU. But if I'm on the mound and go to the quick menu, then move over to where you see your current pitchers energey etc, and I select sub in from there. The guy literally changes on the mound. I mean he doesn't even come out of his set or stretch position.

So while I'm happy you're seeing something different, I most certainly am not.

Ok, the difference is that I am not using the quick menu. I am pausing the game, and getting to the bullpen through Manager Options. Honestly, I didn't even know about the quick menu. Maybe the developers thought that if you were using the quick menu, you wanted a quick transition without the cut-scenes?

[Leadfoot5]

As much as I like the game I do want to clarify that this is not a 'run out and buy a PS3 just for this game' game.

Agreed.

[wco81]

Quick or slow, you can dismiss the cut scenes of the relievers coming to the mount right?

[Diablo25]

As much as I like the game I do want to clarify that this is not a 'run out and buy a PS3 just for this game' game.

Agreed.

Yeah, its one hell of a game but I can't justify a $600 purchase JUST for this game. My PS3 was a gift so I can't complain. I'm sure glad I have a PS3 though

[Diablo25]

Either way I am sitting here at work and all I can think about is playing some more games tonight so that's always a godo thing.

Me too. Can't wait to get into it more tonight.

[Leadfoot5]

Quick or slow, you can dismiss the cut scenes of the relievers coming to the mount right?

You probably can with a press of the X button, but I haven't wanted to yet...

[sportdan30]

As much as I like the game I do want to clarify that this is not a 'run out and buy a PS3 just for this game' game. I said earlier that I'd be happy with a sharper looking game that played like the PS2 version and that's what it seems to be.

G*d d%mn m&*^er f*&^er! Now you tell me! Thanks for nothing Scoop! Actually, I got a pretty good deal on the trade in for my 360. Plus, the unreliability of the 360 has gotten me more and more concerned. I know I really put the heat on Sport73 when he was deciding whether or not to purchase the PS3, but in the end I wanted something that so far has been a pretty solid system. Also, I like having a couple choices when it comes to baseball video games.

[bkrich83]

Picked up the PS3 version last night. Gotta say, I absolutely love it.

I am totally addicted to Manage Only Mode, with Pressbox view. (Reminds me of old school High Heat MO Mode). Only with better graphics, hit variety and presentation.

Loving it so far.

[jLp vAkEr0]

As much as I like the game I do want to clarify that this is not a 'run out and buy a PS3 just for this game' game. I said earlier that I'd be happy with a sharper looking game that played like the PS2 version and that's what it seems to be.

G*d d%mn m&*^er f*&^er! Now you tell me! Thanks for nothing Scoop! Actually, I got a pretty good deal on the trade in for my 360. Plus, the unreliability of the 360 has gotten me more and more concerned. I know I really put the heat on Sport73 when he was deciding whether or not to purchase the PS3, but in the end I wanted something that so far has been a pretty solid system. Also, I like having a couple choices when it comes to baseball video games.

Wait, you got the PS3?

I thought you where gonna hold off.

I'm trying to hold off too but I may cave in soon.

[GTHobbes]

If anyone's up for trying an online game later this evening (10 pm or so est), lemme know.

[sportdan30]

I was going to hold off and I really planned on doing so, but when I sold my unused HD receiver (five months sitting in storage) last week for $250, it made the trade in of the 360 that much easier. I don't mean to make this a 360 vs. PS3 thread (I very much enjoyed the 360), but what I've come to realize is that I'm not an online gamer in the least. Thus, I don't need the flashy XBL interface. What I wanted is the option of two baseball games along with a reliable system.

[Blublub]

Actually, for me it WAS a run out and get a PS3. The way I look at it was inevitable anyway, might as well be now rather than later. No regrets yet either with The Show or the console. It's early, but right now it's my console of first choice for the future when it comes time to decide on stuff like NCAA and WE.

I did see my first borderline-questionable AI decision. Bottom of the 11th in a 1-1 game. Runner on third with one out. I hit a chopper to third and send my guy home. Third basemen fields, decides he probably won't get me at home and throws to first. Good news is that he was playing in to protect the run. Bad news is that that runner at third is all that mattered and he should have went home regardless - it would have been close. I don't think this is a game-killer but hope I don't see it again.

[Danimal]

I was going to hold off and I really planned on doing so, but when I sold my unused HD receiver (five months sitting in storage) last week for $250, it made the trade in of the 360 that much easier. I don't mean to make this a 360 vs. PS3 thread (I very much enjoyed the 360), but what I've come to realize is that I'm not an online gamer in the least. Thus, I don't need the flashy XBL interface. What I wanted is the option of two baseball games along with a reliable system.

You don't think you will regret that decesion with the excellent fall lineup the 360 has in store? I guess if Bio Shock, Mass Effect and a few others don't peak your interest I could see it, but man there is too much good stuff coming out on the 360 for me to even think about it.

[10spro]

I was going to hold off and I really planned on doing so, but when I sold my unused HD receiver (five months sitting in storage) last week for $250, it made the trade in of the 360 that much easier. I don't mean to make this a 360 vs. PS3 thread (I very much enjoyed the 360), but what I've come to realize is that I'm not an online gamer in the least. Thus, I don't need the flashy XBL interface. What I wanted is the option of two baseball games along with a reliable system.

You don't think you will regret that decesion with the excellent fall lineup the 360 has in store? I guess if Bio Shock, Mass Effect and a few others don't peak your interest I could see it, but man there is too much good stuff coming out on the 360 for me to even think about it.

The only game I look forward and I categorize it as 'must buy' is Halo 3. The games library definitely is in favor of the 360 but if it keeps breaking on people, eventually one ends up saying enough is enough.

Back to MLB 07, I finally got the game today after EB's screw up and the gameplay hasn't changed from the technically inferior PSP or PS2. Solid and silky smooth. Graphics & presentation are not the quality of 2K7 but I'll keep Sony's gameplay & fastplay anytime. No AI issues for me so far, but I only played two games so far. Good animations and yes I wished the grass texture was better. Also, I wished there was a save option in the game. Updated rosters are a nice welcome. Overall, as I mentioned earlier, I think most PS3 owners will buy the game but the game itself will not convert many into buying a PS3.

[MizzouRah]

I was going to hold off and I really planned on doing so, but when I sold my unused HD receiver (five months sitting in storage) last week for $250, it made the trade in of the 360 that much easier. I don't mean to make this a 360 vs. PS3 thread (I very much enjoyed the 360), but what I've come to realize is that I'm not an online gamer in the least. Thus, I don't need the flashy XBL interface. What I wanted is the option of two baseball games along with a reliable system.

You don't think you will regret that decesion with the excellent fall lineup the 360 has in store? I guess if Bio Shock, Mass Effect and a few others don't peak your interest I could see it, but man there is too much good stuff coming out on the 360 for me to even think about it.

Yeah, I think Dan is nuts.. but hey, aren't we all when it comes to gaming?

I had that thought (get a ps3), but I know the cycle with me. Like it for the initial WOW factor and feed my jones, then it sits around and collects dust.

I'm much more looking foward to the 360 lineup, plus the ps3 doesn't even have NHL 2007. It's one game (the show) and the psp version feeds my crave just fine.

[Sport73]

In case it isn't obvious, I DID buy the $600 console for this game...

Fortunately, it seems to be (mostly) worth it. The game is damn solid and fun, and far better than 2k7 in every meaningful way. The PS3 online system is lame, and the disconnects are infuriating, but the game itself is killer.

I didn't give up my 360, so I've reached the pinnacle of videogame dorkiness by simultaneously owning all 3 'next-gen' systems simultaneously (for the first time ever).

The buying experience was interesting. Got to EB yesterday, still a little unsure of my decision. I waited behing a woman and her son, who slapped 2 games on the counter; the first the clerk pulled new off the shelf, and the other he went into the CD 'rolodex' to retrieve. The mom asked for a new one, and he said "This is new, it's just our shelf stock"; she didn't raise a fuss, but I was annoyed because of the many times its happened to me and the hypocrisy of thier policy.

Next up, I asked the clerk for a PS3 and MLB. Despite being the same guy that had tried to talk me out of it before, he dutifully went to grab a system. Back he came with a PS3 in a torn box that had clearly been opened. I said a wanted a new one and he claimed it was. He then went one to explain that they were robbed and that's why the boxes were damaged "they're all like that", he said. I made him get another and again he brought out a CLEARLY used and returned system. I could understand if he would just admit that it was returned, or had been 'borrowed' by an employee, but he wouldn't fess up that the unit was opened (I inspected the contents and confirmed the inner plastic HAD been opened).

Enough's enough; so I left and went to a new Gamestop 2 miles away. Met the manager and asked for a new system. Got one, and came home happy.

I used to love my main store (and have purchased thousands in games/systems there) because of a trustworthy Manager who hooked me up on the 360/Wii launches. Great, ethical guy. He quit recently, so I won't be going back to that store after this experience.

As for the PS3. Sexy, Shiny, Black, New...Ahh.

[dbdynsty25]

As for the PS3. Sexy, Shiny, Black, New...Ahh.

I thought you only liked the whites?

[JRod]

I didn't give up my 360, so I've reached the pinnacle of videogame dorkiness by simultaneously owning all 3 'next-gen' systems simultaneously (for the first time ever).

By owning all three systems, I think you have now balanced the gaming universe, canceling out PK's return to 1993 PC gaming.

[Sport73]

By owning all three systems, I think you have now balanced the gaming universe, canceling out PK's return to 1993 PC gaming.

They said the same thing about Annakin Skywalker, and we know how that turned out...

[sportdan30]

Having not played but one game of MLB '06, I am mighty impressed with '07. To me, it has that fresh feeling and I so enjoy playing this game.

The first thing that jumps out at me right away is the control I have with the fielding. It wasn't long ago that the fielding in this series felt extremely detached. Now, I feel like I have complete control. To top it off, the implementation of the strength of throws is very welcome in this game. It just give you a more immersive feeling in playing the field. While I got used to the camera angle in 2k7, the momentum of the fielders drove me crazy.

The next thing I immediately noticed in terms of a positive was the batting. No matter how much I messed with the zoom in 2k7, I just never could find that happy medium. I was always up there guessing for the most part. In this game, for whatever reason I feel like I can follow the ball better out of the pitcher's hand. I'm using the guess pitch feature for right now, but will most likely turn it off down the line.

Loving the hit variety as well. Whereas I didn't think 2k7 was that bad, this game just expands on it two fold. Additionally, I love that you can really work the count and fight off pitches. Foul balls are plentiful. I have a good sense of where the ball is going in reference to where and I when I swing. I just felt like it was too random in 2K7. With regards to walks, I'm drawing two to four a game. For whatever reason, I feel like I have a lot more plate discipline with this game.

I enjoy the pitching a bit better in 2K7, but I love the randomness of the umpires in this game. Also, if you're not perfect with your accuracy, the ball tends to hang over the plate. Also, the precision with your pitches was a bit too easy it seemed in 2K7. There's definitely room for improvement in both games. However, I am walking two to three batters a game in '07! That's a big positive.

Graphically, definitely I'd give the nod to 2k7. But, it's not by a huge margin. I'd expect enhanced graphics for '08, on par with this year's 2K7.

Personally, I like the announcing crew in '07 hands down over Miller and Morgan. Miller to me is just boring. He just sounds too matter of factly. That said, I'd much prefer Mike Shannon calling the game over pretty much anyone!

Overall, I feel as though I could start my season right away on Veteran. I turned down throw strength a couple notches and now I'm golden. Whether I could make it through more than 30 games remains to be seen. This game definitely needs an in game save feature. With quick play on, the pace is very good though. It's on par or perhaps a bit faster than 2K7. While my preference is clearly '07, I very much look forward to the competition next year. I think 2K will make a huge leap in terms of gameplay, and I think Sony's game will put a lot more emphasis on polishing an already exceptional game.

p.s. No A.I. issues to report.

[Leebo33]

This game definitely needs an in game save feature.

I *REALLY* wish the SCEA guys and developers of all games would realize that this is a big deal to a lot of people. It's a feature that should be in every single sports game.

It's cute that we can model Big Papi's crotch scratching, but it doesn't mean anything if I can't save a game and lose a half hour or 45 minutes of my time investment. Console and game makers like to build machines and games for adults and charge adult-like prices but can't deliver something that adult gamers really need. It's extremely tough for any parent to play for an hour straight.

People can rag all they want to on the Wii graphics, but Madden on the Wii has an in game save. 2K baseball has an in game save.

[Sudz]

In case it isn't obvious, I DID buy the $600 console for this game...

Fortunately, it seems to be (mostly) worth it. The game is damn solid and fun, and far better than 2k7 in every meaningful way. The PS3 online system is lame, and the disconnects are infuriating, but the game itself is killer.

I didn't give up my 360, so I've reached the pinnacle of videogame dorkiness by simultaneously owning all 3 'next-gen' systems simultaneously (for the first time ever).

The buying experience was interesting. Got to EB yesterday, still a little unsure of my decision. I waited behing a woman and her son, who slapped 2 games on the counter; the first the clerk pulled new off the shelf, and the other he went into the CD 'rolodex' to retrieve. The mom asked for a new one, and he said "This is new, it's just our shelf stock"; she didn't raise a fuss, but I was annoyed because of the many times its happened to me and the hypocrisy of thier policy.

Next up, I asked the clerk for a PS3 and MLB. Despite being the same guy that had tried to talk me out of it before, he dutifully went to grab a system. Back he came with a PS3 in a torn box that had clearly been opened. I said a wanted a new one and he claimed it was. He then went one to explain that they were robbed and that's why the boxes were damaged "they're all like that", he said. I made him get another and again he brought out a CLEARLY used and returned system. I could understand if he would just admit that it was returned, or had been 'borrowed' by an employee, but he wouldn't fess up that the unit was opened (I inspected the contents and confirmed the inner plastic HAD been opened).

Enough's enough; so I left and went to a new Gamestop 2 miles away. Met the manager and asked for a new system. Got one, and came home happy.

I used to love my main store (and have purchased thousands in games/systems there) because of a trustworthy Manager who hooked me up on the 360/Wii launches. Great, ethical guy. He quit recently, so I won't be going back to that store after this experience.

As for the PS3. Sexy, Shiny, Black, New...Ahh.

what a dink. seriously....trying to pass off a game is one thing...but a system? come on.

andyway...you now must update your avatar.

[drbaseball]

I hate to admit it, but MLB 07 The Show became a system seller for me. I "drank the kool-aid" last night and purchased a PS3 and the game. I feel okay about the $599 simply from the perspective that I used to game exclusively on the PC and was constantly upgrading. I haven't purchased a new computer/video card in the past 3 years...but during that time I have acquired a PSP, XBOX 360 and now a PS3. Combined, these 3 cost me around what I used to spend in the same cycle to keep my PC current. In addition, I have become a TV snob and really prefer to watch everything, as much as possible, in High Definition. As such, the Blu Ray player on the PS3 was a real draw as well. With the Xbox 360 add-on, I'm now covered in that department, too. Now I can look forward to the release of Pirates on May 22nd on Blu Ray.

Played one game last night. My Giants beat the HATED Dodgers 4-0 at Pac Bell (ATT). The graphics were clean, crisp, with impressive stadium renderings...but all in all, nothing to write home about. The good news was that on All Star there did seem to be the vast inordinate amount of hits that have plagued other versions (I've played 06 and 07 on the PSP extensively). In fact, I don't think I have EVER pitched a 5 hit shutout on the PSP. On the PSP, the computer routinely slaughters my pitching.

The only negative was that in the first inning, Barry Bonds (aka Reggie Stocker) was hitting 3rd and he smashed a ball into right center field. It rolled to the base of the outfield fence and from there the ball appeared to get stuck/roll through the fence. The centerfielder went into a "stuck" animation and Barry coasted home for an Inside the Park Homerun and the Giants led 1-0. Later, however, the announcers noted that he had "singled" in his first at bat and this is what was reflected in the box score.

I hope the above was an anomaly, because everything else was good.

[RallyMonkey]

I have now played 4 games in my Sox franchise, as well as the spring and 32 regular season games with the Portland Sea Dogs in RTTS and all i can say is that i'm not sure i've been more drawn to play a sports video game (certainly a baseball game) than i am to this one. To be able to play a franchise game then jump over to RTTS and squeeze out a handful of games all in a span of 60-75 minutes is just awesome.

I have Guess Pitch On fully in RTTS just to help the kid (me) get some decent stats. (Through 32 games, .286, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 2 Steals...and currently on a 10 games hit streak which was needed as after 12 games i was batting .057 )

But in the franchise i have Guess Pitch On but then i turned Guess Pitch Notification to NO FDBK (no feedback) and it's great. Basically you still guess the pitch and location, but even if you're right it doesn't give you the red circle notifier. Instead if you're sitting dead red and inside, say, and it comes there, you are "rewarded" with better contact. This to me is spot on as, like in real life, every player is looking for something on every count but the catcher isn't back there whispering "hey, high and inside".

As a new MLB'er (sort of--played '06 on the PSP for a bit), i recommend to those in the same boat to try the above NO FDBK idea. I'm enjoying it.