MLB '08 news and info

b_assassin · Post by **b_assassin** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:29 am

The game looks pretty good and plays a lot like last year's title (good thing). I'm happy to see that they were able to put in different sized player models into this title, having everyone the same height in the last game just looked silly.

I'm not sure if these were bugs or not, but I thought it was strange that in one inning the CPU had 2 fielding errors in a row, and 2 wild pitches right after that, which allowed me to score 3 runs. The pitcher's head doesn't seem to track the ball when they cover 1st base either.

I'm sure they'll get everything tidy'd up for launch, or at least patch things if something is amiss.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:51 am

So i download the demo and play one game on AS with no tweaks and get smoked 7-0 by the Rockies. Next game i make some minor contact tweaks, slide up pitch movement, and a few other things and 9 innings later, yes i said NINE innings later, Manny drives Ortiz home in the bottom of the ninth for a 1-0 Red Sox win. Nice to see "extras" even in a demo.

This game is just awesome. Can't wait for March 3rd.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:03 am

Great demo. Gorgeous graphics and the colors seem brighter than 07. Stances of players are very accurate as the animations. Gameplay wise is not that much different than last year's which is very good. I still can hit homers with the X instead of the square button. The hit variety along the foul ball variety is the best in any baseball game.

Pace of the game was fine although I do hope for a fast play feature as last years. Will there be an in game-save?

Minor gripe: D. Ortiz should look at least look 12 pounds heavier and Manny 10.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:43 am

Regarding "fast play", I switched to it in my second game. The game definitely felt like it had a better pace to it. Especially considering Francis has such a sloooow delivery. I'll probably play the first five games of the season at the default pace. But, not very soon after that I'm switching it to "fast". That way, I complete a game within 30-35 minutes.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:03 am

sportdan30 wrote:Regarding "fast play", I switched to it in my second game. The game definitely felt like it had a better pace to it. Especially considering Francis has such a sloooow delivery. I'll probably play the first five games of the season at the default pace. But, not very soon after that I'm switching it to "fast". That way, I complete a game within 30-35 minutes.

Me and you both

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:09 am

Quick question, is there a way to turn off the directional arrows that are just below the ball marker indicating the amount of break on a pitch. It wasn't a huge deal as even with them i had very realistic pitch counts, but i worry that will become too much of a crutch the longer i play the game. I looked everywhere but couldn't see anything. I guess i could set the ball marker to off but i like to use fade at least to get that initial look at where i want to start my pitch.

On another note, in two games last night i saw no fewer than 10 new animations or hit variety that i didn't see, or at least don't remember seeing, last year. (i realize that's horrible grammar but i mis-remember the correct way--thanks Roger) I can only imagine what that means for the full version.

All i can say is i better bust some ass on Mass Effect, Bioshock, and NHL because come March 3rd they probably won't be doing much more than acting as a coaster for my nice tall glass of MLB Kool Aid.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:15 am

RallyMonkey wrote:Quick question, is there a way to turn off the directional arrows that are just below the ball marker indicating the amount of break on a pitch. It wasn't a huge deal as even with them i had very realistic pitch counts, but i worry that will become too much of a crutch the longer i play the game. I looked everywhere but couldn't see anything. I guess i could set the ball marker to off but i like to use fade at least to get that initial look at where i want to start my pitch.

On another note, in two games last night i saw no fewer than 10 new animations or hit variety that i didn't see, or at least don't remember seeing, last year. (i realize that's horrible grammar but i mis-remember the correct way--thanks Roger) I can only imagine what that means for the full version.

All i can say is i better bust some ass on Mass Effect, Bioshock, and NHL because come March 3rd they probably won't be doing much more than acting as a coaster for my nice tall glass of MLB Kool Aid.

Yes. Its called pitch callout or something in the display menu. There is simple, full and off. I usually go with ALL pitching aids off and use CLASSIC pitching. Meter pitching is of but I like the classic model because it relies on the pitcher's ability more than my ability to time the meter.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:17 am

Call me crazy but I think they have Matt Holiday's "strut" in the game. I hit a HR with him and as he crossed the plate and slapped hands with the next hitter he had a certain, noticeable strut going...and I know that strut - he hit several bombs against my Phillies last year. Anyone else notice? If this is true I am hoping other "signature struts" are in the game. Since my boy Ryan Howard is the cover boy I am hoping he has some signature moves in the game. He has a little skip to his last step before crossing the plate on a HR. Its just a little thing but its one of the things that makes this game so great.

fanatic · Post by **fanatic** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:19 am

Really enjoying the demo thus far. As a first time player of the Show, I think I'm most blown away by the animations. Simply beautiful (especially on double plays). I also love how catching/throwing animations are dependent on the type of play unfolding. This really adds to the realism.

Last year, when some of you guys played for the first time, did you find the pitch speed to really really fast? I tried lowering the slider all the way, but man, it takes some super reflexes to hit no?

Anyways, the demo is defnitely a nice reminder that baseball season and warm weather are not too far off!

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:23 am

fanatic wrote:Really enjoying the demo thus far. As a first time player of the Show, I think I'm most blown away by the animations. Simply beautiful (especially on double plays). I also love how catching/throwing animations are dependent on the type of play unfolding. This really adds to the realism.

Last year, when some of you guys played for the first time, did you find the pitch speed to really really fast? I tried lowering the slider all the way, but man, it takes some super reflexes to hit no?

Anyways, the demo is defnitely a nice reminder that baseball season and warm weather are not too far off!

I agree with the pitch speed. I am a Vet and I always use the slowest setting. I can hit on faster settings but have found I can get more walks with the slower setting...helps with pitch recognition.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:14 pm

Now this is what a next generation sports game is supposed to be like, IMO. I'm sitting in the office today thinking about playing a 3 inning demo that uses 2 teams I don't even like. God bless you, SCEA, for delivering the baseball game I've wanted to play for 30+ years.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:18 pm

GTHobbes wrote:Now this is what a next generation sports game is supposed to be like, IMO. I'm sitting in the office today thinking about playing a 3 inning demo that uses 2 teams I don't even like. God bless you, SCEA, for delivering the baseball game I've wanted to play for 30+ years.

LOL, you are absolutely right GT

Can you imagine the full version? Tuned better, RTTS improvements, etc.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:20 pm

GTHobbes wrote:Now this is what a next generation sports game is supposed to be like, IMO. I'm sitting in the office today thinking about playing a 3 inning demo that uses 2 teams I don't even like. God bless you, SCEA, for delivering the baseball game I've wanted to play for 30+ years.

Exactly GT. I very much despise playing with or against the Red Sox, much less in their stadium. Still, that lineup of theirs is just awesome and the ball park is beautiful. I'm going to attempt to not play too much of the demo, as I'd rather game feel a bit more fresh come release day. I say that now, but I know I'll most likely play the demo at least a few times a week.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:51 pm

The demo, I'm sure, will run its course in a few days. You can't make any subs, use your pen, etc. It will be fun when you get into the late innings and need to make pitching changes, etc. That is what is fun about the NL...you must remove your starter before he's done due to the lack of a DH. This is something Johan will be experiencing for the first time now that he is in the NL...where REAL baseball is played. <<ducks for cover from AL fans.>>

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:33 pm

I'm jealous after watching those videos!

fanatic · Post by **fanatic** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:38 pm

Diablo25 wrote: This is something Johan will be experiencing for the first time now that he is in the NL...where REAL baseball is played. <<ducks for cover from AL fans.>>

True...he may have a hard time adjusting to AAA level hitting.

Agreed though....I usually try to play a season with a National League team just so I can get a taste of the strategy that I don't get while watching my Jays in real life.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:38 pm

MizzouRah wrote:I'm jealous after watching those videos!

And those videos don't do the game justice unless of course you're watching it in HD. That's been the biggest improvement from '07.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:43 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:I'm jealous after watching those videos!
And those videos don't do the game justice unless of course you're watching it in HD. That's been the biggest improvement from '07.

Yeah...I played 07 right after I played 08 and it was laughable how bad 07 was compared to it. I mean, the graphics were pretty good in 07, they just look a lot more cartoonish. 08 is a HUGE jump.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:47 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:I'm jealous after watching those videos!
And those videos don't do the game justice unless of course you're watching it in HD. That's been the biggest improvement from '07.

I'll be over.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:27 pm

MizzouRah wrote:
sportdan30 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:I'm jealous after watching those videos!
And those videos don't do the game justice unless of course you're watching it in HD. That's been the biggest improvement from '07.
I'll be over.

You're welcome any time. Now, that I've met you and know you're not a serial killer.....plus, you get bonus points if you watch my kids.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:55 pm

Who plays with "behind the pitcher"? The following video has peaked my interest in seeing how well it plays that way. Check out the catch by Jacoby in center, crashing in to the wall.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=x-4vANLni5Q

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:00 pm

I always pitch from the "outfield" camera.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:04 pm

Diablo25 wrote:Yes. Its called pitch callout or something in the display menu. There is simple, full and off. I usually go with ALL pitching aids off and use CLASSIC pitching. Meter pitching is of but I like the classic model because it relies on the pitcher's ability more than my ability to time the meter.

How does classic pithing work? I always liked High Heats Pitching interface because it was more about the pitchers ability (or whether he was "on" or "off" that day) opposed to how good the gamer is at a little mini-game. I think the pitching meter is fine in this game. There were times when I had trouble throwing strikes even on Veteran, but I would love to try the old High Heat model again.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:10 pm

I really can see why you guys have been so crazy about this game. It's my first time playing The Show, and you can tell immediately how much care and attention have been put in the game.

The pitcher/batter matchup is incredible. It's like the realism of High Heat with the control of MVP. I love how better hitters will foul more.

I stuck with the Veteran setting to get used to the controls, but I need to bump it up as I've played 11 innings without giving up a run. I've also not scored one yet but I have been hitting -- just don't have the hang of the running controls yet as I blew some scoring opportunities.

Can't wait for the full game to come out.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:13 pm

Brando70 wrote:...just don't have the hang of the running controls yet as I blew some scoring opportunities.

Switch to classic running control. It's soo much more intuitive than the new version. It's the same as MVP 05 w/ the classic controls. I prefer that by far.

And King...classic pitching is like High Heat. The games become very similar when you turn off the aids and switch to classic pitching/running.