MLB 2K8 interview

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:09 pm

Inuyasha wrote:Well I'll probably finally pick this one up this Friday.

Sounds like it takes a while to get use to, but once you do, people are really enjoying the game.

If you can get past the annoying frame rate issues and the occasional quirky play then you'll really enjoy this game. Sure the graphics seem to have taken a bit of a hit but the overall gameplay experience is much improved from last year with the new analog pitching and fielding. And if you have half as much fun collecting those darn cards as I do you'll love it:)

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:09 pm

I'd strongly recommend a rental at first if possibly, Inu. There are certainly things to like in the game (IMO), but the presentation issues are really a pretty large obstacle.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:34 pm

Sign out of VIP and framrate issues are a thing of the past, I'm hoping that patch comes soon as I want to start trading cards.

Other than that, I'm loving this game. I don't care about perfect batting orders or 15 pitch at bats, it's fun and I'm enjoying it.

I have 100 songs I'm going to put into the game tonight, can't wait to hear some Metallica when Pujols comes to bat!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:40 pm

MizzouRah wrote:Sign out of VIP and framrate issues are a thing of the past...

I disagree that they are gone. Better, yes, but not gone. And by presentation I also include animations, graphical glitching, etc...

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:34 pm

webdanzer wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:Sign out of VIP and framrate issues are a thing of the past...
I disagree that they are gone. Better, yes, but not gone. And by presentation I also include animations, graphical glitching, etc...

I'm not saying everyone likes this game, but for me, I'm really enjoying myself. With that fix, the framerate is not noticeable to me anymore.

I just put 100 player/pitcher intros into the game and it really adds to the immersion. Can't wait to put the Fox Sports baseball theme as the game intro song!

Gameplay is still so much better than last year. Graphics do not look near as good, but I'll take it with the improved gameplay.

Again, YMMV.. a rental is definitely a good choice!

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:28 pm

MizzouRah, I've actually have stopped signing out of my VIP. I haven't had the framerate issues affect any onfield play whether batting or trying to field a ball. I've started collecting my cards and I already have triples of Derrick Lee, doubles of Felix Pie and several wild cards. This really takes me back 30years ago when I first started collecting baseball cards.

Also, are you able to access the players beats? everytime I go into the game freezes on me. I can do stadium music but not the player beats. I want to give my players signature songs, I just keep getting frozen.

I do agree with Web, I suggest renting the game first. while I love the game it doesn't mean anyone else will and I'm always a proponent of saving money.

Jack, my first 4-5 games, I was averaging 8-12 runs allowed in the first inning before I got used to total control pitching.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:52 pm

I'll try staying signed in to see if the studdering has gone away.

I haven't messed with the player beats as I've just assigned all 100 songs for all players, home and away. I think I might change it to home players only as well as pitchers.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:24 pm

Relocated:

Here are my settings/sliders. The sliders calculate out to Custom A, which I guess means allstar. Disclaimer: these are for my skill sets, they may be too easy or too hard for someone else. Well anyway:

1. ) VIP settings:
Vibration Off
Fielding Cam: Pole
Batting Cam: Default Zoom
Zoom 43
Pitch Cam: Pitch
In Game tips, Inside edge Off
Controls: Custom
Pitch & Throw interface: Total control
Pitch Aim: Pinpoint
Pitcher Composure: on
Batting Interface: Classic
Batters Eye on, Feedback Off
Step & Swing feedback off
Catcher suggestions, Auto Round Bases, Assisted Baserunning, Assisted fielding & Auto reselect fielder all OFF
Hold runners Smart Hold.

2.) Presentation

Replay Freq Sometimes
Inning, player highlights, Cutscenes TopLine Dropdowns, Keep Fielder in view: on
Stike zone, break point, Score ticker, Ball Trail, Challenges, HR Inning Meatball, batters eye, & batters eye indicator: Off

3.) Audio: all crowd sounds maxed.

4.) Game settings:

Inside Edge, Auto Dive Back, Off
Arguments, Around the horn: on
Ball indicator: Dynamic
Broken Bat: Sometimes

5.) Game Setup

Length 9 innings
DH: AL Hosted
Ejections, injuries, Pitcher Fatigue, Active Bullpen all: on

6.) Difficulty

Human

Bat Skill 46
contact 66
power 57
foul tendency 17
Bat influence 50
step influence 50
pitch diff 89
batt bunt ass 50
but for hit 50
runner speed 100
steal success 50
infielder errors 55
outfielder errors 53
Throw meter diff 100
infield & outfield speed 39
infielder & outfileder reaction speed 69
fielder agression 49
pitcher fatigue 67
total control pitcher 50
injuries 50
pitch speed 45

AI

infield & outfield errors 59
infield & outfield speed 36
fielding aggression 86
hit & run 93
sac bunt 56
squeeze 38
runner aggression 100
steal aggression 90
steal 2nd 81
steal 3rd 66
diveback 60
infield & outfield reaction speed 72

AI Batting

Inside edge ON
take strike overall 68
take strike ahead 100
behind 39

Take balls: all at 100

Skill 28
contact 43
power 20
foul ball 20
bunt for hit 38

AI Pitching
inside edge on
corner 100
change speed 100
strikes all 15
fatigue 67
pickoff 42
pitchout 50
meat pitch 0

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 11:30 pm

Damn.. I was so close to my first win, then lost 7-6 to the Orioles in an excellent see-saw game.

I've never seen so many cool animations, guys jumping up and making snow cone grabs, balls bouncing off legs and players adjusting to get the ball, an offline throw that killed what should have been a double play and cost me a run, etc...

The Cardinals play so true to life it's errie. When Wainwright isn't starting, I am happy to get 5 innings out of my starter, bullpen is VERY shakey.. and hit comes in spurts.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 1:20 am

MizzouRah wrote:Damn.. I was so close to my first win, then lost 7-6 to the Orioles in an excellent see-saw game.

I've never seen so many cool animations, guys jumping up and making snow cone grabs, balls bouncing off legs and players adjusting to get the ball, an offline throw that killed what should have been a double play and cost me a run, etc...

The Cardinals play so true to life it's errie. When Wainwright isn't starting, I am happy to get 5 innings out of my starter, bullpen is VERY shakey.. and hit comes in spurts.

I hear ya. I just started my franchise as The Braves and lost a great, really fun, back and forth game to the Nationals 8-6. I hit a deep fly with Kotsay in the 9th that would have tied it up, but Nooooo...it's caught on the track. The AI played smart and moved runners over when they had to and also bunted when they were supposed to. They even surprised me with a squeeze play that worked perfectly. I am using slightly modified PRO sliders and the game played out pretty nicely. Strikeouts were a little low (about 5-7 each) and hits were a little high (about 13-15 each) but nothing unusual. So far I am pleasantly surprised with this game. I just finished a game and can't wait to play the next. The hit variety is great.

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:13 am

After tweaking around with the sliders too get things just right for the way that I play I'm now seriously enjoying this game. The main issues I was having were not enough balls from the AI (fixed with sliders) and not enough foul balls (fixed with sliders). I've also turned off the base running assists so I have to make sure to jump the runner back to the bag on a pick-off attempt and turned down fielder aggression cause its silly having to call guys off of the ball on routine pop ups all the time.

One thing that is really neat is how you can close the pitch selection window (RT) and pitch purely from the catcher signals, its beautiful! OK back to earning some more cards:)

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:09 am

Got my second W last night in a great 5-4 win over the A's with the Reds.

With two outs in the 1st, A's go back-to-back. I thought, "Oh boy, here we go". But then Bailey settled down. Freel made two great catches at the wall. I think the wind was blowing in, but cannot find a wind indicator in the game. Eventually took a 5-2 lead into the 7th when Homer got tired. Gave up a 2 out double, brought in a reliever and promptly gave up two more hits.

"Stormy" Weathers got out of a jam in the 8th and Cordero set them down 1-2-3 for the save and a player card.

Last two innings were just great. Just some good, fun baseball gaming.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:45 am

I need a taser implanted in my controller that will zap me when I start swinging at crap pitches. I'm hitting more, I just leave too many runners on base! (hmmm, wait, I'm playing as the Nationals, so maybe it IS realistic)

I even hit a lead off TRIPLE with Felipe Lopez, only to ground out trying to hit a sac fly, earn a walk I think, then hit into a double play with Pena!

In one way I'm happy that when the pitcher is giving me low pitches, the hits will all be grounders, but I swear when I do the same to the CPU they somehow lift them into the outfield, or even for Homers..... but then again I might just be bitter.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:59 am

Pete, you playing Freel over Jay Bruce in center? You're going to be accused of being a veteran lover like Dusty Baker by your fans.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:10 am

TheGamer wrote:Pete, you playing Freel over Jay Bruce in center? You're going to be accused of being a veteran lover like Dusty Baker by your fans.

Still just playing exhibition, so old Griff is roaming center with Freel in right.

Have Votto, Hopper, Valentin and Castro on the bench. When I start a Franchise I will switch some things around.

Votto is a beast in the game. Small strike zone, huge batter's eye!

Gamer, I was surprised to see in your settings that you are playing with Classic hitting. Swing Stick not working out for you?

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:17 am

my nephew keeps telling me I should try it out. I'm just old school. I was really stepping out using the total control pitching. I'll give it a shot eventually.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:19 am

The PS3 version must be vastly different than the 360 version, because this game is poorly represented.

Here's just a few of my glaring issues with this game, sprinkled with some positives:

The player models have this outline glow to them. They look detached from the playing field.

The bats look aluminum. Honestly, none of them have a wooden look to them. And the black bats sparkle?!?!?

On a ground ball out, the runner doesn't run through first base. Instead he runs down the line but never touches the first base bag. What?

Runner at first. Ground ball to second. The second baseman runs about five steps and then tosses the ball underhand to the SS. Fine, one weird animation. Then, Molina who is chugging down first base line, keeps running after he's been called out. He takes this quick angle as if he's heading to second base.

After an out the ball gets tossed around like normal. The SS throws the ball to the second baseman, and the ball disappears in to the second baseman's body.

I haven't seen the 360 version, but this game is UGLY. Seriously, I feel like I'm playing a last gen game. What a step backward this game is compared to last game visually. I threw in The Show immediately afterwards, and it's like the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen. There's no comparison.

Pitching is fun, that I agree. But after a few innings, I start to wonder if I could play a full season with the right analog stick. A resounding NO NO NO, I cannot. That's just my opinion. I guess it comes down to preference.

Fielding is indeed the best part of this game. I love using the right analog stick for throwing. Great addition!

OMG, I almost feel asleep listening to the commentary by the third inning. It's dreadful. Seriously, it's unforgiveable. Get somebody in the booth with enthusisam. Also, Morgan repeats himself too much. This game would be better suited with the commentary set to OFF.

Why is there still organ music playing during game play? This is not a circus. It's a baseball game!

Holy crap, are some of the fans are scary looking! I saw this one dude with "sports" written on his t-shirt, and his buddy next to him had these really bright eyes, but he had no pupils!

I thought I was playing this game on fast play. Lee goes deep on me, there's little applause, and then the next batter is up? Am I missing something here.

It took me a game to figure out pitching. Because of that, the Cubbies drilled me for 12 runs in the first inning. But, I guess I didn't have to worry about getting razzed, because the crowd was for the most part talking amongst themselves. I'd hear the occasional cheer, but I think they were more excited about the beer vendors.......????? Where's the atmosphere in this game?

Hey, there are ball boys in this game. That's cool at least.

Throwing animations are better than they have been in the past. However, the players still look and move unnaturally.

I hit a long foul ball down the third base line, and the fans just sit on their hands, don't stand, look straight ahead.

It looks weird to see so much space between the seats. The seats behind home plate must be first class seats. It looks like you can set up a recliner there and chill out.

In conclusion,

A baseball sim, this game is not. I really don't know how to describe it really. To me, it took a couple steps forward, but several steps back. I would be incredibly disappointed if this was our only option for baseball on the next gen systems. Again, the PS3 version appears to be the ugly step child, and is treated as such. It's frustrating and makes me a little angry, because I bought in to what Brinkman was saying in regards to beefing up the game play and visuals on the PS3. I'm assuming the 360 version is not only a better playing game, but looks better as well. Only can only hope....

icvu42 · Post by **icvu42** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:21 am

Whoever suggested the wide camera for hitting was correct. You can see the pitches out of the strike zone better this way. Really helps me from swinging at crap most of the time.

Rick

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:34 am

sportdan30 wrote: A baseball sim, this game is not. ... I bought in to what Brinkman was saying in regards to beefing up the game play and visuals on the PS3. I'm assuming the 360 version is not only a better playing game, but looks better as well. Only can only hope....

To be fair, Dan, you barely mentioned gameplay in your criticisms. As far as I can see, the only gameplay you mention is the pitching, which you say is fun but not your preference to play a long time with; and fielding, which is great. All of your other concerns involve presentation.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you that this game has tons of presentation issues that can be a big roadblock to enjoyment, and based on what you posted I have no doubt that it is not the game for you. But in just looking at what you wrote about the gameplay, it actually looks like you liked most of what you were doing...you just didn't like what you were seeing.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:37 am

icvu42 wrote:Whoever suggested the wide camera for hitting was correct. You can see the pitches out of the strike zone better this way. Really helps me from swinging at crap most of the time.

Rick

I've switched to wide, and agree you can see the pitches a little better. I had to get use to seemingly swinging 'earlier' now, though, since I was used to being in much closer.

Now I just need to get the pitchers throwing more crap. The last two games I played I didn't get much, even with all cpu strike sliders at zero.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:48 am

icvu42 wrote:Whoever suggested the wide camera for hitting was correct. You can see the pitches out of the strike zone better this way. Really helps me from swinging at crap most of the time.

Rick

if you like "wide", try the "wide/zoom". It's similiar, but the camera zooms forward a bit as the pitch comes in. I like it.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:50 am

Dan, That is some strange stuff you're seeing. Sorry it didn't work out for you. Hope it was a rental.

Good thing you have an option.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:55 am

Game play wise, it does has potential. That I will admit.

What I didn't like however, and maybe it's because of lack of positioning, there were an insane number of gappers over either the second baseman's head or the shortstop's. It was rare for me at least to see singles up the middle, or between short and third. The game to me played more like an arcade game.

Batting was a mixed bag for me. I'm not sold on the swing stick. Sometimes it was responsive, and other times it wasn't.

Even with turning "strike overall" all the way down, I've seen far too many three consecutive strike pitches.

The frame rate does hurt the game play experience, but I've looked past that as it seems it will be remedied before too long.

There is some good to be had with this game, but poor player models, weird animations, dreadful presentation, and weak atmosphere unfortunately cannot save an average game play experience.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:01 am

webdanzer wrote:
sportdan30 wrote: A baseball sim, this game is not. ... I bought in to what Brinkman was saying in regards to beefing up the game play and visuals on the PS3. I'm assuming the 360 version is not only a better playing game, but looks better as well. Only can only hope....
To be fair, Dan, you barely mentioned gameplay in your criticisms. As far as I can see, the only gameplay you mention is the pitching, which you say is fun but not your preference to play a long time with; and fielding, which is great. All of your other concerns involve presentation.

Don't get me wrong, I agree with you that this game has tons of presentation issues that can be a big roadblock to enjoyment, and based on what you posted I have no doubt that it is not the game for you. But in just looking at what you wrote about the gameplay, it actually looks like you liked most of what you were doing...you just didn't like what you were seeing.

Web...I was just about to say the same exact thing. Dan...all your negative comments have to do with visual things and not the core gameplay. I agree the game did take one small step back visually from last year and that is puzzling. But I feel the core gameplay...the pitcher/hitter/fielding/throwing took a big step forward. If you can get past the graphical glitches or occasional weird animations, there is a solid, fun game under there. It's funny, but I didn't even notice most of the stuff you commented on.....glowing players, sparkling bats, fans with no pupils,
crowd talking to themselves, etc. If this stuff bothers you, then I don't know what to say. Also, if you don't like pitching mechanism, you can always switch to a more traditional method, but the pitching is probably my favorite part of this game. True, The Show may look better, but to be honest, I played it on the PS2 last year and it does play a very "pure" game of baseball, but after a while it was just boring for me. I am just happy that I have a decent bb game this year for the 360, but it doesn't sound like the right game for you. Those things that bother you aren't going to go away. I do appreciate your detailed analysis though

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:28 am

sportdan30 wrote:Game play wise, it does has potential. That I will admit.

What I didn't like however, and maybe it's because of lack of positioning, there were an insane number of gappers over either the second baseman's head or the shortstop's. It was rare for me at least to see singles up the middle, or between short and third. The game to me played more like an arcade game.

Batting was a mixed bag for me. I'm not sold on the swing stick. Sometimes it was responsive, and other times it wasn't.

Even with turning "strike overall" all the way down, I've seen far too many three consecutive strike pitches.

The frame rate does hurt the game play experience, but I've looked past that as it seems it will be remedied before too long.

Dan, very nice follow-up!

I agree that there is a dearth of solid shots between the middle and corner infielders (SS-3b, 2b-1b) but I get enough up the middle. And compared to the Show, there is no doubt 2k8 feels more arcade.

I haven't really ever had the swing stick be non-responsive, but I have an issue with it in that I think it's too easy to make contact. Even lowering contact all the way, the bat still connects with the ball way too much. Sure, the quality of the resulting hits is lessened quite a bit, but the bat simply hits the ball far too much for my liking when I swing at pitches in the zone.

Absolutely agree with you on too many strikes. The way the umps call things strikes on the corners adds to the issue as well. Big negative, IMO.

I really haven't had the framerate affect me at all in the gameplay department, but it is certainly unpleasant to see.

You hit on most of the major issues I have with the game. The other big one is that I think your success (or lack of) with the pitching system has *too* much of an effect on how the CPU offense does. There should be some sort of balance. I know comparison's are frowned on in individual threads, but in the Show, you pretty much can't influence the cpu's output much at all with your pitching performance. The meter is too easy, and you aren't really punished that much if you miss. Classic pitching will get you more varied location results, but there you allow the cpu to locate for you. I'm also not even sure that pitch location matters all that much in The Show. Far more weight is based on your pitcher's stats.

In 2k8, on the other hand, it seems like almost everything is based on the player's performance with the pitching system. You screw up, and even scrubs will be going yard on you. I wish I got something in between the two systems, where the user had more impact than in the Show, but less than in 2k8. I feel like I'm pressing a button to view 100+ 5 second cutscenes when pitching in the Show, and yet I sometimes feel like I am playing an 'insert quarter' arcade machine with 2k8.