MLB Power Pros

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:25 pm

Leadfoot5 wrote: - For the player "Form" icons, Red is good form, and Green is injured. Er...

Nice! Team DRTFM keeps wondering why he keeps losing...

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:08 pm

Wow... This game is really really good. So far I've done batting, pitching, and fielding practice, and I've played one exhibition setting on the default settings. I don't know where to begin, so here are some random thoughts.

- playing PS2 version on my PS3
- game took 25 minutes to play
- Beat the Rockies 5-1
- all sorts of hits
- I threw over to first and caught the runner leaning, and he got into a pickle where I finally tagged him out.
- The 7th inning stretch had some odd Japanese tune
- Petco looks really good.
- Played a night game, which started at sunset, then the sky got dark and the stars came out.
- They somehow translated Hoffmans delivery into these little no leg characters perfectly.
- Khalil's hair is a riot.
- Yeah, the announcer is as bad as you have been told, but it's not a game killer or anything. He does mention things like what the batter did the last time at bat, etc.
- Replays are nice, and not too frequent
- After the game, the players congratulated themselves out in the field just like after a real game
- Mike Cameron was the player of the game for his game winning RBI, and you could choose to replay that play
- It's MUCH harder to spot your pitch with men on base

Gotta go play some more!!

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:28 am

Ok, more really cool stuff...

Started a season... Had a jet flyover on opening day... Peavy is nowhere near as effective as he was in my exhibition game... The game calls out milestones. For example, before Cameron came to bat, I was told he was 5 HR's away from 200.

Had the craziest thing just happen though. Foul ball to shallow left and I had Jose Cruz Jr. going for it, and for fun I pressed the dive button as I got near the wall. Oh crap... The trainers have to come out, and Cruz has to come out of the game!!!

Oh, and double plays are pretty hard to pull off, you've got to be really quick to pull them off.

nyisles16 · Post by **nyisles16** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:16 am

this game is a hoot.. besides the fact the announcer is bad (too excited even on pop-ups, and calls Glavine "GlaVIINE") the little things stand out to me..

a lot of stuff to edit, and do in franchise mode..

try catching a ball on expert mode in the OF.. I can't

this is a solid title

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:17 am

I probably shouldn't even post yet until I've played some more, but my first impressions are that I'm going to need to do the equivalent of slider-tweaking here before I can get what I'm looking for.

Normal level is far too easy in all regards, and even on expert I'm not seeing many walks and I'm K'ing the cpu far too often.

Only played 3 games, though, And there are 2 higher levels to try.

Definitely a solid game, though. On par with the Western offerings. I think I probably hyped myself up to expect something instantly recognizable as noticeably better. It still may be in there, but it looks like I'll have to work for it a bit, tweaking the various options.

I really enjoy the foul balls and stat tracking, though!!!

EDIT: Oh, I picked it up for the Wii. You can use a gamecube controller, but I figured I'd go ahead and try it using the 'chuck and remote, and I'm having no problems with that combo at all. Not an issue for me.

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:48 pm

webdanzer wrote:I probably shouldn't even post yet until I've played some more, but my first impressions are that I'm going to need to do the equivalent of slider-tweaking here before I can get what I'm looking for.

Normal level is far too easy in all regards, and even on expert I'm not seeing many walks and I'm K'ing the cpu far too often.

Only played 3 games, though, And there are 2 higher levels to try.

I am still playing on "Normal",and after I racked up 16 hits in a 5-1 opening day win against the Giants with Peavy (9 K's), I was thinking about upping the difficulty, but I'm glad I didn't. Zito threw a frickin 6 hit shutout in game 2 of the series and I went down 2-0 with an ineffective Chris Young getting the loss.

The only thing that is frustrating me is Practice in Season mode. Not sure how to set it up correctly....

By the way, I know the announcer is not great, but I'm getting used to him, and he does make some comments within the context of the season, so it's really not as bad as some make it out to be.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 1:56 pm

On Expert level, manual cursor (no lock), no strike zone and no pitching cursor hitting was pretty challenging for me, which is great, because that is usually what does a baseball game in for me. Even as I get better, I still can make things harder, so I am very happy about that.

I do have some concern that to avoid K'ing the cpu so much I may have to crank it to a level where things tend (in other games) to become 'out or Home Run' kind of situations. We'll see.

I'm definitely still enthused about it, though. With Halo out there, a couple of good hockey games, etc. I'm thinking about this one the most today.

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:21 pm

This game must be good, it is nothing but a love fest about it on OS.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:20 am

There are some things that bother me that I really want to see in a baseball game. I think walks are low, but then again I swing at a lot.

However this game is deeper than any other sports game made in the US. I'm trying to think of a game that is this complete and I can't think of one aside from Football Manager.

I'm impressed. First on the features.

The whole thing about training with other players to share traits is genious. On top of that there's trust built into the game. You can assign training batteries. The franchise mode is really deep.

The gameplay is RBI baseball, High Heat and MVP all rolled into one. It has the responsiveness of The Show. The ball physics are something else. From texas leaguers, to rockets off the green moster, to strange hits off the walls. I can't believe what I'm seeing from this game.

And I'm also suprised by how the CPU calls a game. Overall they do a great job. It's not perfect but its pretty good. Like last game, they took out Mussina because he was getting rocked in the 5th. On the bad side, in the 9th with a 1-run lead, they didn't put in their closer.

Now its not all perfect.

Runners are too fast almost elimating any really tough double plays. I don't see a lot of walks. Fielding is really tough for me atleast.

Overall it plays just as good as MVP and the Show. Each of them has their strengths and quirks but they play a good game of baseball. PowerPros plays a solid game of baseball.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:20 am

Double Post

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:28 am

Is anyone noticing too many groundballs? I don't seem to be seeing many flyouts to the OF for either myself or the CPU.

BTW, I'm playing the Wii version with a GC controller. I didn't notice this the first 2 night playing with the Wiimote. I don't know how it could be affected by changing the controller, but stranger things have happened.

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:35 pm

So is it fun on the Wii with the wiimote and nunchuck? Done well? Shallow? Some depth?

May pick it up for games against the lad if its done well with the wii controls.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:00 pm

I honestly haven't even tried the Wiimote control scheme. I used the Wiimote at first, but I used the standard controller options, meaning I not waving my arms around, just using the analog stick and pressing buttons.

slyguy · Post by **slyguy** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:17 pm

Wow this game wasn't even on my radar. I thought it was going to be geared more towards a kids game, well with all the cartoony graphics (i guess don't judge a book by its cover) From all the impressions I've been reading seems like most love the game. Well I'm convinced i am going to pick this up. Baseball is my sport so nothing wrong with another good baseball game

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:36 pm

can u create players?

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:19 pm

If you are looking for a solid baseball game for your Wii, by all means pick this up. It has great stat tracking, fun gameplay, and the cool but wacky career mode!

Don't go looking to this as the title to out-sim the current sim titles out there, though, as it doesn't quite do it. I'd say it plays on par or close to it with those, but it still fails a pretty standard litany of what is usually not sim about baseball titles.

-Lack of user or CPU walks.

-Dichotomy of power/regular swing is very strong. Power swings yield one range of results, contact swings another. I really don't like this at all in a baseball title.

-Abner's peeve of shots down the line almost always being singles. Doubles are the gap shots. In fact, I have yet to see a double down the line.

-Issues with being able to go from first to third on singles to the outfield.

-I find it too easy to K the cpu on most levels.

-BIG strikezone

-Really out of date rosters.

But, the game is overall a really solid title. Some smart AI in most instances, especially in offensive substitutions. The stat tracking is incredible, and there is really a lot to look at before, during, and after games. A lot of interesting game modes as well. The Wii-specific motion control games are like an expanded version of Wii Sports Baseball, and it is quite fun to see your grandma stand strong under Josh Beckett's stare.

I'm glad I grabbed it, but I see myself playing for the Wii modes and the Career mode. I think the Show outdoes it between the lines, but if you have become too good at hitting in that title, Power Pro might be a nice change of pace for you if you have a harder time with cursor hitting.

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:25 pm

webdanzer wrote: -Abner's peeve of shots down the line almost always being singles. Doubles are the gap shots. In fact, I have yet to see a double down the line.

I agree with everything but this. I have been playing most of my games at PETCO and have had multiple doubles with Giles and Gonzales that were pulled down the line and rattled in the corner by Petco Porch.

The cool thing is that the RF plays into this issue BIG TIME. Yes, they get the ball in to the 2nd baseman about the same time that the runner arrives at the bag, but more often than not, the throw is a bit off line, so my player slides in safely. So maybe I wouldn't have this luck against Ichiro, but against the Rockies and Giants, I've been successful.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 11:29 am

Leadfoot5 wrote:
webdanzer wrote: -Abner's peeve of shots down the line almost always being singles. Doubles are the gap shots. In fact, I have yet to see a double down the line.
I agree with everything but this. I have been playing most of my games at PETCO and have had multiple doubles with Giles and Gonzales that were pulled down the line and rattled in the corner by Petco Porch.

The cool thing is that the RF plays into this issue BIG TIME. Yes, they get the ball in to the 2nd baseman about the same time that the runner arrives at the bag, but more often than not, the throw is a bit off line, so my player slides in safely. So maybe I wouldn't have this luck against Ichiro, but against the Rockies and Giants, I've been successful.

Agreed. I am seeing double down the line also.

I hit a pair of doubles down the left field line last night, one with Vlad, and one with Figgins.

pigpen81 · Post by **pigpen81** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:54 pm

I just saw one thing I have never seen in any baseball game ever:

A slash!

The CPU showed bunt, pulled back at the last moment and swung away,. WOW!

I am absolutely loving this game.

I am saiving for 10,000 points, then will by a stadium and start an expansion team and cannot wait. What a BLAST!

I look foreward to sseing how the game plays over a season as far as fatigue and player progression etc.

The game oozes personality and is the most fun I have had with baseball in ages.

I hope it sells well so we can get future Konami games.

Leadfoot5 · Post by **Leadfoot5** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:39 pm

I feel the same way. I'm sitting here in the SD Airport waiting for a flight to Atlanta for a 4 day business seminar. I have my slim PS2 and PowerPros right next to my laptop in my carry on bag.... Can't wait to get some free time this week!!

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:42 pm

Might be a reason to pick up a Wii seeing that my son was sad when I sold it several months ago.

Pigpen, do you find it more fun than The Show?

pigpen81 · Post by **pigpen81** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:51 pm

At this point Dan, YEAH!

MLB's engine has grown stale for me...still a terrific game in its own right but MLB Power Pro's is like Baseball Stars, RBI Baseball, Bases Loaded, and Ken Griffey Baseball all wound up together. This is the kind of game that got us started with video game baseball to begin with.

I wish my son was older because playing this with him would be nirvana.

Worth buying a new Wii for? Only if you will use the Wii with other games.

Would I replace a broken PS2 for this game? Probably.

Also, the stadiums are great. Fianlly, full collision detection on HR's. HR distance on every HR....no dumb cutscene for a HR.

I can't wait to play more tonight. I have burned over 3 hours just in general batting practice alone.....I keep saying, just one more time through the line-up.

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 3:09 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Might be a reason to pick up a Wii seeing that my son was sad when I sold it several months ago.

Pigpen, do you find it more fun than The Show?

Dan, that's one of the reasons I held on to my PS3...being able to play the PS2 games. So now I have two games, The Show and this. Still using it as my blu-ray player, and that gets the most use!

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 3:14 pm

Sudz wrote:can u create players?

Yes, but you need to unlock the option to create players. What I've been doing is editing existing scrubs. In order to add Gallardo to the Brewers I simply edited Aquino(?). Since you can edit EVERYTHING, it's just like creating a new player.

fanatic · Post by **fanatic** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 3:34 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Might be a reason to pick up a Wii seeing that my son was sad when I sold it several months ago.

Pigpen, do you find it more fun than The Show?

This game has definitely inspired me to buy a Wii. While some recent 360 titles like NBA2k8 and NHL08 have got me a bit excited, I'm missing that fun factor lately. Thinking about Power Pros, Metroid Prime, etc..has got me feeling like a kid again.

Will probably pick up the console this week. Part of me feels like I should trade in the 360 for it, but I know I will regret it later. Things would be different if I could get fair value for it, but that ain't gonna happen.