MLB 2K8 interview

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:43 am

MizzouRah wrote:Enough 2k vs The Show BS.. this IS the 2k8 thread for pete's sake!

I've been home for the last 3 days sick and I really have put in a lot of time with this game today. First impressions are the opposite of last year for me, but after playing many games, 2k8 kills 2k7 in every faucet of gameplay.

Take the manual and flush it down the toliet, they must have written that up before actually making the game this year. The in game tips/tutorials are your friends! Study them!!!

Swing stick 2.0, I love it! just before the pitch, pull back - from there forward swings the bat straight, RS to the left and you can attempt to pull one, to the right and attempt one down the line, opposite field (rh hitter), in between.. you get it. I've had hits all over the place now that I understand what I'm freaking doing. The only bad thing is , I don't strike out much at all. Hopefully a slider thing.. but damn do hits FINALLY feel realistic with the 2k series!

I love when I have a reliever warming up in the pen, as soon as he's warm, I get a chime and a pop up telling me so! I love all the different throws that are made, very few are perfect. I love the fact I can pitch 4 shutout innings with Wainwright and I'm working the new pitching system with perfection, then BAM! just like that give up 3 runs as I get over confident and I'm not making perfect pitches anymore. I also love it when I forget to call off my LF and he runs into me as the ball drops between us. Everything is quick thinking in this game and I like that.

You all know I hate walks in a video game, that's just me and on Pro, I'm getting fun games. Just lost to Oakland 6-3, they had 11 hits, I had 8, they also had an error on a pb that allowed me to advance to first base and keep a drive alive. The game is fun, very far from being perfect, but very fun for me.

Some of the presentation gets cutoff and I wish they would have smoothed those out a bit, but for a 9 inning game of baseball, I will NEVER go back to 2k7, not in a million years.

There are some neat things like watching the camera pan after an inning in New York.. it goes past the subway and climbs over the top of the stadium as you can see the players tossing the ball around as the next inning is about to start. VERY COOL

I'm babbling...... once the rosters come out after opening day, I'm ready to start a franchise!

Great Impressions Mizz...keep em coming! I seem to be in the same "gaming boat" as you with most games. I sometimes prefer fun over realism, as long as the fun is believable. I am having fun with the demo, but can't wait for my copy to come from Gamefly. I had to return something, so it wont be until mid next week

Also, I can't believe nothing has changed with The Show.....control wise, for about 3 years now. Still the same old pitching meter and button pressing for hitting. It sure seems to play a solid game of hardball, but it doesn't seem "interactive" enough for my ADD-laden brain. I think I will be just fine with 2K8 for the time being. Maybe we can get some online games in?

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:44 am

JackB1 wrote: Maybe we can get some online games in?

Good luck with that. I've tried a couple of times, and it's completely unplayable with the lag.

ddtrane · Post by **ddtrane** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:14 am

MizzouRah wrote:
ddtrane wrote:I still have a PS2 and prefer the Show(and PSP) to this on the 360. But hey, at least the jerseys don't flap like theres a full gale wind blowing.
Was this copied from the OS forums?

Not at all. Thats my opinion after a spending time with it after I picked it up this morning.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:43 am

JackB1 wrote:
Also, I can't believe nothing has changed with The Show.....control wise, for about 3 years now. Still the same old pitching meter and button pressing for hitting. It sure seems to play a solid game of hardball, but it doesn't seem "interactive" enough for my ADD-laden brain. I think I will be just fine with 2K8 for the time being. Maybe we can get some online games in?

Seek some help Jack. You really have acceptance issues. You know damn well The Show has classic pitching as well as the meter. Classic pitching is very well done in the Show. And you also know to hit you have to do more than just push a button. You had to marry the ugly sister because you don't have a PS3. We all get it. Enjoy the ugly sister!! In the meantime I'll be fcking the hell outta the pretty sister and I don't have to be embarrassed to take her outside.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:59 am

JackB1 wrote:Also, I can't believe nothing has changed with The Show.....control wise, for about 3 years now. Still the same old pitching meter and button pressing for hitting. It sure seems to play a solid game of hardball, but it doesn't seem "interactive" enough

"Interactive" can mean so many different things to different people. The Show to me is about as interactive as a videogame can possibly be because it makes me feel like I am controlling a baseball game that is on TV. The sound effects, the commentary, realistic swings/practice swings/player routines, smooth animations, realistic player ratings, solid AI, ball physics, etc all make it incredibly realistic. Interactive to me is hitting a 400 foot homerun with Ryan Howard or Jason Bay and having it look like it was them doing it or coaxing a walk in a 12 pitch at-bat. It's throwing a 4 pitch walk to a hitter that's gone yard previously in the game when I'm trying to throw a strike. Interactive is the announcer telling me that Chase Utley just hit his 100th HR or a certain player was a former Rule V pick.

The Show is catering to the simulation crowd and has finally reached the point that it lets us forget about losing High Heat. In that regard many don't care at all if we are using buttons. We love the fact that the MLB team has focused on gameplay rather than gimmicks. I'm all for innovations. NHL08's control scheme is great because it's well implemented, seems natural, and makes perfect sense. I hope to play MLB 2K8 sometime, but I'm not hearing that the controls *this* year are intuitive or groundbreaking enough that it's worth running out seeking a rental.

Sorry to further add to the interruptions of 2K impressions. Even though I don't have the game, I really enjoy reading the impressions and I'm so glad many of you have a good baseball game to play on the 360. There were years were that wasn't the case so it seems like there has been good progress.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:10 am

I have a question regarding the hitting. I played 2k7 (on the Xbox1), and what did it in for me was being able to pull the ball anytime I wated to. In that game, if you moved the analog stick to pull the ball, it would work 90% of the time, regardless of pitch location of timing of the swing.

I've been toying with the idea of the Wii version, which has been getting (surprisingly) favorable reviews from users.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:49 am

Well, I think I've finally gotten the hang of the hitting. I first turned off the step/swing feedback, as I found myself getting too caught up in it. As I mentioned before, I lowered the step influence too, which helps. But the most important thing for me?

Rhythym! (even if i can't spell it)

I started thinking of it like the swing in Tiger Woods. Find a groove where you step back, then swing right away..... Just like real baseball, if you go back, coil your body, then swing, you're a lot better off then pulling back, hesitating, then lunging forward.

Once I (finally) got that thought in my head, I started hitting the ball hard, and not just flyouts and weak grounders the infielders would get to. I still think the infielders get to to many balls, but I'll save tweaking that for a while now.

After a bunch of games where I couldn't even score a run, I pulled an inside fastball by Nick Johnson into the bleachers, and it didn't feel cheap at all!

I also hit another homer with Ron Belliard.... for my only two runs of the game, but it's a start. I'd be worried I might only score on homers, but there were several occasions where I left runners on the bases (just like the real Nats!) including bases loaded, where Willy Mo Pena screwed up a sac fly, and then I hit into a double play with Milledge I think......

(I still blame the players though)

I played the hell out of MVP on the PC, with the 06 and 07 mods to boot.... as long as 2k patches the stutters, and a few other things like the disappering pitchers, or rotation screen bug, I could see myself playing this for many hours this year too....

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:11 am

My Nats are sitting at .500, in third place behind Atlanta and the Mets. I'm now playing an Atlanta series away, and man they are a tough team. I was trailing most of the game 3-1, played small ball to scratch across 3 runs in the late innings, then brought in my closer who gave up back to back homers to lose the game for me, DOH. What was cool was the way that the Braves came storming out of the dugout after the win, they were jumping around, then the camera turned to my dugout and most of my team were sitting with their heads down. Very cool.

A quick question for those who have SECA's MLB game. Does the 08 (or 07) version on the PS2 have the feature where you create a player and take him through his whole career?

Once the opening day rosters come out I'll most likely start up a Pirates franchise. I must be a glutton for punishment.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:21 am

I'm going to politely decline posting my impressions, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed in my time spent with this game.

TJ39 · Post by **TJ39** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:30 am

After playing around 25 games of The Show and 2K8, I can say without hesitation that 2K8 is more FUN. The Show looks better and has much better presentation, but I prefer the pitching and fielding in 2K8. Also, the framerate is a non issue once you sign out of you profile. I like being able to see the batter and pitcher stats by pressing the d-pad left and right in 2K8. That said, I am keeping The Show indefinitely because it is a damn good game.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:44 am

sportdan30 wrote:I'm going to politely decline posting my impressions, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed in my time spent with this game.

Sportdan, I don't think you would offend anyone in here, we're all adults. I'd be interested in a little detail from you as to what you don't like about the game as you seem to know your baseball.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:05 pm

webdanzer wrote:
JackB1 wrote: Maybe we can get some online games in?
Good luck with that. I've tried a couple of times, and it's completely unplayable with the lag.

Is it due to the "stutter" or "online lag"? I am hoping these issues will be resolved when they issue the patch to fix the stuttering problem.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:06 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I'm going to politely decline posting my impressions, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed in my time spent with this game.

You're not going to offend me. I knew you wouldn't like it as you're a big Show fan.. and that's ok!

The Show is definitely polished and smooth.. 2k8 is not, but it gets the job done for someone like me who doesn't have a ps3.

[rant]
One thing I wanted to vent about with sports console gaming is I'm sick and tired of games being released so gosh damn early nowdays. It's stil 20 degrees here and out comes two baseball titles. I would be VERY surprised if many people actually start a franchise before opening day.

The Show benefits from their game only needing to fix some things and enhance the graphics, commentary, etc... MLB 2k series went under the knife once again this year and I scratch my head wondering who they paid to come in and test their game? You have to be a moron to NOT to notice the framerate and choppy presentation in the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Did they tell 2k this and the big wigs said, "We don't have time to fix those issues"? I just don't get it.

Is is absolutely necessessary to release the game the same day as The Show? Would they really lose tons of money if it came out on opening day? I like the game, but the finished product reeks of incompletion.

You turn off the ticker and it still displays (I know there is a workaround), commentary at the beginning of each game gets cut off as well as replays during the game. What happened to the player highlights from a previous inning when the player is up to bat again? I just don't get this early release bs!

I would bet $1000 that another month of tweaking/fixing some of the code in this game would have done wonders for it.

For me, 2k is lucky there is enough in 2k8 for me to keep my $400 in my pocket.. but I just don't get why more and more sport games seem to release way to early.

I will tell you this, once consoles start installing full games on their HD's, we'll be back to the pc days where games will require release day patches before they are playable - heck, we are almost there now.

[/rant]

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:10 pm

JackDog wrote:
JackB1 wrote: Seek some help Jack. You really have acceptance issues. You know damn well The Show has classic pitching as well as the meter. Classic pitching is very well done in the Show. And you also know to hit you have to do more than just push a button. You had to marry the ugly sister because you don't have a PS3. We all get it. Enjoy the ugly sister!! In the meantime I'll be fcking the hell outta the pretty sister and I don't have to be embarrassed to take her outside.

I am seeking help.....HERE!

Funny stuff, JackD. Remember, sometimes the "ugly sister" really puts out and the pretty sister just lays there like a log

Like I said....all I mostly care about is having fun with these games and if I get it, I'm happy. I really know nothing about The Show08 until I read some impressions yesterday in the other thread. I would have though they would have added some innovation to it by mow, but they are staying with the tried and tru formula. "If it Aint Broke, Dont fix it"

If I had a PS3, I would definitely give it a shot at lease, but for now I have to find my happiness with the "ugly sister". Hopefully she'll "put out"

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:15 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I'm going to politely decline posting my impressions, as I don't want to offend or upset anyone. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed in my time spent with this game.

Go ahead Dan! That's what impressions are all about...good and bad.
As long as you say more than..."This game plays like ass"

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:13 pm

JackB1 wrote:
I am seeking help.....HERE! Funny stuff, JackD. Remember, sometimes the "ugly sister" really puts out and the pretty sister just lays there like a log If I had a PS3, I would definitely give it a shot at lease, but for now I have to find my happiness with the "ugly sister". Hopefully she'll "put out"

You make some some valid points there my friend.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 4:52 pm

Well, allow me to play a couple more games before I post some impressions. That's only fair. Granted, I played last night fairly late, around 10 o'clock. I had waited all day to play, but honestly I was pretty tired when I finally sat down to play.

Also, remember I'm playing this game on the PS3. From what I've read, there really are some differences between the 360 version and the PS3 version.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 4:52 pm

I played another game this morning and I really like the pitching mechanic. I do think I'm going to have to start messing with sliders thought because I'm not seeing a lot of balls from the cpu pitchers. They are way too aggressive with first and second pitch strikes and the strike zone seems a little too big for my taste. I wouldn't mind it if it was handled like that other game I shouldn't mention where the strike zone is variable because that seems realistic to me. In this case it seems as if the strike zone is always big. I rented it from GF and don't have the manual so maybe it mentions in there that the ump are variable.

I think it bears repeating that the full version is much better than that crappy demo they put on the marketplace. If you were turned off by the demo at least give the game a rental. Even with owning the Show for PS3 I'm still going to hang on to this rental for a while.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:46 pm

Good to hear Scoop!

There are supposed to be variable umps and I agree, the strikezone is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to big. With me though, I don't care.. I hate walks.

I still haven't won a game yet on default Pro, I'm like 0-9 now!

Just played Boston and they kicked the living shee-it out of me and my ace Wainright! Big Papi can hit just about anything

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:50 pm

I almost picked up a PS3 for the show yesterday - They had the show bundled with the PS3 for $399 Canadian (that would work out to slightly more in US dollars

). Only problem was that although they had the sign up in the store there were no bundles there - and I don't think they'd had any in yet.

Weird - but I guess I save $400+ for a little while anyway.

Best wishes,

Doug

MUTTS · Post by **MUTTS** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:59 pm

Didnt Brinkman say in one of those conference calls that he doesnt like to work the count/draw walks in videogames? That may help to explain the large strike zone, impatience of the cpu hitters and abundance of strikes being thrown. FWIW.

Tony

My brother--ICVU42 around these parts--thinks its the greatest game since sliced bread. Ive only played the demo myself. Havent seen enuff yet to warrant a purchase.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:03 pm

MUTTS wrote:Didnt Brinkman say in one of those conference calls that he doesnt like to work the count/draw walks in videogames? That may help to explain the large strike zone, impatience of the cpu hitters and abundance of strikes being thrown.

Actually I think he said that some people like to play a "strikes only" style of baseball so they added that option into the XBL play in the form of a lobby for those types of players.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:08 pm

MizzouRah wrote:Good to hear Scoop!

There are supposed to be variable umps and I agree, the strikezone is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy to big. With me though, I don't care.. I hate walks.

I still haven't won a game yet on default Pro, I'm like 0-9 now!

Just played Boston and they kicked the living shee-it out of me and my ace Wainright! Big Papi can hit just about anything

Damn MizzouRah, I thought it was just me who couldn't get a win. My only victory was when I used the Cubs vs the Cubs AA team I updated the rosters on. I've had a couple games where I had the lead or was tied in the 9th against the Cards only to have Kerry Wood give up walk off homers to Pujols, who btw will never see another strike from any of my pitchers. Brinkman must be a Cardinal fan

Scoop, glad to see the game is growing on you a little bit.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:41 pm

TheGamer wrote:Damn MizzouRah, I thought it was just me who couldn't get a win. My only victory was when I used the Cubs vs the Cubs AA team I updated the rosters on. I've had a couple games where I had the lead or was tied in the 9th against the Cards only to have Kerry Wood give up walk off homers to Pujols, who btw will never see another strike from any of my pitchers. Brinkman must be a Cardinal fan

Scoop, glad to see the game is growing on you a little bit.

I'm getting better though!!! I just think it's going to be a long year for me and the Cardinals.

icvu42 · Post by **icvu42** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:14 pm

First let me get these two things off my chest...

1 - A blind man would get more use from this manual than me
2 - Why the hell can't they put numbers on their sliders??????

Having said that... Im really enjoying this game. (I played MLB '06 on the PSP and last year I played the modded MVP '07 on my PC so I haven't played the Show current Gen to make those comparisons) But the feel of this game reminds me alot of MVP.

I went to the classic hitting as I couldn't hit a lick. With some slider adjustments, the CPU is throwing plenty of balls at me. I walk 1-2 times a game, and it would easily be more if I didn't swing at everything.

Ive seen good hit variety. Fielding is really well done. Turning two feels sweet.

This game will more than satisfy my baseball craving this summer.

Rick