MLB 09 The Show Sneak peek
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sportdan30
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sportdan30
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Now, around four hours later, I'm at 61 percent. I set the PS3 to shut down after the download. I may try and play before heading to work in the morning. Dial up internet days indeed. This is exactly why I don't download full retail games like Burnout Paradise off PSN.snaz16 wrote:I feel your pain Dan..31% after 3.5 hours.sportdan30 wrote:Downloading at a speedy 21 percent....how pathetic!Safe to say with a 5 am wake up call for work , I won't get any playing time until tomorrow. Reminds me of the old dial up internet days.
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dbdynsty25
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Color me impressed. Sure its the same basic gameplay we've seen for like 5 years now but yet somehow the batting feels a bit tighter and more responsive. Graphics are better than last year and the new animations are very nice to watch (2K9 is going to be able to compete with the lighting and shadows). The new RTTS features aren't playable in the demo (i.e. batting practice) we'll have to wait and pick up the full version next month to try all that stuff out.
Thumbs up from me!
Thumbs up from me!
I absolutely agree. I have always had trouble with the pitch speed/responsiveness of the swing but this demo has me excited. I am getting around on pitches at the default speed which I never did before. Always had pitch speed at 0. I'll be leaving speed at default this year.macsomjrr wrote:t yet somehow the batting feels a bit tighter and more responsive.
Thumbs up from me!
On default sliders the game plays well but I can see tweaking a few after getting the feel for gameplay. The good news is the sliders are very responsive this year....according to the guys who were testing the game from over at OS. I am very excited for the full version.
XBLive Gamertag - Diablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
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sportdan30
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I tend to agree with Db, however that's not necessarily a bad thing. This demo feels like an enhanced MLB '08. There is nothing extraordinarily different, but it is the subtle things that really have me excited about picking up the full version.
The lighting looks phenomenal. It really gives the game a more realistic look. The shadowing just looks so nice.
The crowd which I thought looked nice in '08 looks even better in the '09 demo. Seriously, they look like they real people!
The overlays are similar but different from '08. It's as if you're tuning in to the next baseball season and they've upgraded the overlays.
The commentary obviously sounds familiar, but of course they've seamlessly tied in new commentary about the Phillies and Rays. You'll hear how the Phillies are coming off a W.S. championship and the Rays desperately want to get back to post season. But, you'll also hear how Victorino is a first time gold glover, etc. That alone shows you that they have indeed added some new lines that just flow very naturally.
I toyed around with the "quick" feature where it allows less fouls and walks. I still saw the occassional foul ball, but there did seem to be a quicker pace to the game. I'll probably experiment with this option on and off and see if it something I want to play with all the time.
They have added new camera angles on replays, and I especially love the new press box angle. It looks a lot like a tv presentation.
I turned one double play and it was seamless. I also fielded a couple ground balls and can already tell you have a bit more control over the players.
The pitching meter is indeed different and I found it remotely more challenging to hit your spots. It does remind me of the MVP meter.
The dirt on the field degrades over the course of the game which again is just another little addition that gives you the sense you're engaged in a live game.
I'm excited to dig more in to the demo this weekend, and play around with the different sliders. I have no reservations at this point that I'll bore of this series anytime soon. That said, I'm also excited to see what VC has in store for 2K9. Having a choice on the PS3 is golden.
The lighting looks phenomenal. It really gives the game a more realistic look. The shadowing just looks so nice.
The crowd which I thought looked nice in '08 looks even better in the '09 demo. Seriously, they look like they real people!
The overlays are similar but different from '08. It's as if you're tuning in to the next baseball season and they've upgraded the overlays.
The commentary obviously sounds familiar, but of course they've seamlessly tied in new commentary about the Phillies and Rays. You'll hear how the Phillies are coming off a W.S. championship and the Rays desperately want to get back to post season. But, you'll also hear how Victorino is a first time gold glover, etc. That alone shows you that they have indeed added some new lines that just flow very naturally.
I toyed around with the "quick" feature where it allows less fouls and walks. I still saw the occassional foul ball, but there did seem to be a quicker pace to the game. I'll probably experiment with this option on and off and see if it something I want to play with all the time.
They have added new camera angles on replays, and I especially love the new press box angle. It looks a lot like a tv presentation.
I turned one double play and it was seamless. I also fielded a couple ground balls and can already tell you have a bit more control over the players.
The pitching meter is indeed different and I found it remotely more challenging to hit your spots. It does remind me of the MVP meter.
The dirt on the field degrades over the course of the game which again is just another little addition that gives you the sense you're engaged in a live game.
I'm excited to dig more in to the demo this weekend, and play around with the different sliders. I have no reservations at this point that I'll bore of this series anytime soon. That said, I'm also excited to see what VC has in store for 2K9. Having a choice on the PS3 is golden.
Dan, you took the words out of my mouth. I love the demo, but then, I've loved this game for a long time now and all they have done is make subtle improvements to just about every aspect of the game. The signature stances look better, there seems to be a smaller strike zone (i.e., one that only goes to about belt level) for taller hitters, the lighting is incredible, the replays are awesome, the commentary is just about perfect at this point, the new animations and cut scenes are excellent, etc. About the only complaint that I have with the game is that they don't allow you to use any of the terrific broadcast replay angles as your fielding camera angle. If they did this, it would make the game pretty close to perfect in my eyes. As it stands, I can't wait to get the full game to play with the Cards, and I'm also looking forward to giving 2k a shot when it's released as well. Like Dan said, it's a great time to be a PS3 owner if you're a baseball fan.sportdan30 wrote: I'm excited to dig more in to the demo this weekend, and play around with the different sliders. I have no reservations at this point that I'll bore of this series anytime soon. That said, I'm also excited to see what VC has in store for 2K9. Having a choice on the PS3 is golden.
The new lighting effects in the game gives you a phenomenal view of the ball in the air. Manage only guys will love this camera angle.sportdan30 wrote: They have added new camera angles on replays, and I especially love the new press box angle. It looks a lot like a tv presentation.
XBLive Gamertag - Diablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
Not sure if you guys already know this, or will care to use it, but it's pretty easy to take and save screenshots of the game. PastaPadre explains:
Use the replay feature to position the screenshot you would like to take. Everything on the screen will be captured so be sure to hide the replay option bar and get the selection circle out of view. Pull up the XMB and scroll over to to the Photo section. There will now be a “Save Screenshot” option there. Click on that and it’ll take you back to the game where you can now hit X and capture the screen. Under the Photo section there will now be a folder with your saved images. Then use a flash drive to get the images from your PS3 to your computer by scrolling onto them, hitting the triangle, and choosing to copy.
Use the replay feature to position the screenshot you would like to take. Everything on the screen will be captured so be sure to hide the replay option bar and get the selection circle out of view. Pull up the XMB and scroll over to to the Photo section. There will now be a “Save Screenshot” option there. Click on that and it’ll take you back to the game where you can now hit X and capture the screen. Under the Photo section there will now be a folder with your saved images. Then use a flash drive to get the images from your PS3 to your computer by scrolling onto them, hitting the triangle, and choosing to copy.
Like most of you, I see the demo as evolutionary, not revolutionary, but that was to be expected and not at all a bad thing.
+ The progressive lighting is very well done and adds oomph to the visuals.
+ Hit variety seems improved again. L3 swing feedback enhanced to graphically show swing region relative to pitch location. Nice touch.
+ Hot shots at infielders nicely done and varied.
+ Going the short way for the final out of the inning finally works better.
+ Saw a nice double play animation where Bartlett started the play with a gloved toss to second.
- Still had an instance where the fielder did not make an attempt on a grounder up the middle. Even if the play would require a dive, the player should take a stab at it.
- I don't recall it last year, but the swing animation where the batter drops to one knee on a ball pulled well foul seems too frequent. I get the impression that this happens far too often.
- Substitutions are disabled? Would like to have checked out a couple of bench players and pitchers.
Other thoughts:
I don't know whether it was in last year's or not, but I rather liked the strategy guide section. Lots of useful info in there as well as good descriptions of player attributes.
I saw "Pitch Stick" controls on the RS. Is there a new control option? I know some guys on OS have been debating the possible inclusion of RS controls either soon or in the future, but this seemed to be a new addition? It's been a while since I've played last year but I don't recall this.
+ The progressive lighting is very well done and adds oomph to the visuals.
+ Hit variety seems improved again. L3 swing feedback enhanced to graphically show swing region relative to pitch location. Nice touch.
+ Hot shots at infielders nicely done and varied.
+ Going the short way for the final out of the inning finally works better.
+ Saw a nice double play animation where Bartlett started the play with a gloved toss to second.
- Still had an instance where the fielder did not make an attempt on a grounder up the middle. Even if the play would require a dive, the player should take a stab at it.
- I don't recall it last year, but the swing animation where the batter drops to one knee on a ball pulled well foul seems too frequent. I get the impression that this happens far too often.
- Substitutions are disabled? Would like to have checked out a couple of bench players and pitchers.
Other thoughts:
I don't know whether it was in last year's or not, but I rather liked the strategy guide section. Lots of useful info in there as well as good descriptions of player attributes.
I saw "Pitch Stick" controls on the RS. Is there a new control option? I know some guys on OS have been debating the possible inclusion of RS controls either soon or in the future, but this seemed to be a new addition? It's been a while since I've played last year but I don't recall this.
I think the demo is great. It's not very different in gameplay mechanics from MLB 08. But that's a good thing, since I think MLB 08 had the best batter-pitcher interface in any baseball game ever. The fact that batting is a little tighter now just makes it better; not to mention the much improved lighting, better crowd, better DP control, etc. It's a tweak, but it's making an excellent game even better.
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phantompain
- Mario Mendoza
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I think when the ball is too close for a dive you can still hit the dive buttong but instead of diving the player will simply reach for it. At least that is how I interpreted some reports from the Community Day Event.GameSeven wrote:Like most of you, I see the demo as evolutionary, not revolutionary, but that was to be expected and not at all a bad thing.
+ The progressive lighting is very well done and adds oomph to the visuals.
+ Hit variety seems improved again. L3 swing feedback enhanced to graphically show swing region relative to pitch location. Nice touch.
+ Hot shots at infielders nicely done and varied.
+ Going the short way for the final out of the inning finally works better.
+ Saw a nice double play animation where Bartlett started the play with a gloved toss to second.
- Still had an instance where the fielder did not make an attempt on a grounder up the middle. Even if the play would require a dive, the player should take a stab at it.
- I don't recall it last year, but the swing animation where the batter drops to one knee on a ball pulled well foul seems too frequent. I get the impression that this happens far too often.
- Substitutions are disabled? Would like to have checked out a couple of bench players and pitchers.
Other thoughts:
I don't know whether it was in last year's or not, but I rather liked the strategy guide section. Lots of useful info in there as well as good descriptions of player attributes.
I saw "Pitch Stick" controls on the RS. Is there a new control option? I know some guys on OS have been debating the possible inclusion of RS controls either soon or in the future, but this seemed to be a new addition? It's been a while since I've played last year but I don't recall this.
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jLp vAkEr0
- DSP-Funk All-Star
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- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2003 3:00 am
- Location: : Bayamon, Puerto Rico
You may be able to save yourself another download...the same thing happened to me last night when I fired it up. I switched inputs through my receiver for just a second and when I went back over to the input with my PS3, the sound was working fine. That happens to me every once in awhile with my PS3...not sure why, but the fix has worked every time. You might want to give it a try before spending the time for another download.jLp vAkEr0 wrote:I tried the demo this morning. No sound.
Will download it again tomorow.
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sportdan30
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Same thing happened with me when I downloaded Skate 2. Then, I booted up Fifa '09 and again, no sound. A couple of my other demos worked fine, as did my download of Wipeout HD. I too did some toying with the audio through XMB, and after a couple unsuccessful tries, it started working again.jLp vAkEr0 wrote:I tried the demo this morning. No sound.
Will download it again tomorow.
What I did was set it to optical which I knew I wouldn't get any sound. Then I changed it back to HDMI, and now everything works fine. It's as if it need a restart or something. Scared me however!
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jLp vAkEr0
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Yeah I tried others demos and they worked fine.sportdan30 wrote:Same thing happened with me when I downloaded Skate 2. Then, I booted up Fifa '09 and again, no sound. A couple of my other demos worked fine, as did my download of Wipeout HD. I too did some toying with the audio through XMB, and after a couple unsuccessful tries, it started working again.jLp vAkEr0 wrote:I tried the demo this morning. No sound.
Will download it again tomorow.
What I did was set it to optical which I knew I wouldn't get any sound. Then I changed it back to HDMI, and now everything works fine. It's as if it need a restart or something. Scared me however!
I'll reset sound settings.
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WillHunting
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I downloaded this tonight with no problems. Graphics look even better than last year and it feels great as well. I like some of the new animations but it is still very close to 08.
One thing that bothered me from 08 is that runner would run into the 2nd baseman, I mean they would literally run into each other (polygons overlapping) and it is still there now. You would think they can fix this easy enough. It takes me out of the game whenever that happens. Hope they fix this in the final version.
One thing that bothered me from 08 is that runner would run into the 2nd baseman, I mean they would literally run into each other (polygons overlapping) and it is still there now. You would think they can fix this easy enough. It takes me out of the game whenever that happens. Hope they fix this in the final version.
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Gamertag: The Praxis
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Gamertag: The Praxis
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Just thought I'd post quickly on one of the coolest features of this game, but one that remains a bit confusing.
You can turn off the catcher's pitch location icon and target within the menus, and use the Pitcher's view to see the catcher issue actual signs for each pitch. Reading the signs is a little difficult, at least as someone who was never a professional pitcher, but I think it works like this:
1. The catcher will issue a number, 1 for the X pitch, 2 for the O, and so on in counter-clockwise order.
2. The catcher will make a 'patting' motion downward, the speed and 'distance' of which determine the height of the ball in the strike zone. Short taps for up high, mid-level motions for mid-height, and decidedly downward motions (with at least 4-6 inches of 'throw) for pitches low in the strike zone. These motions are relative to each pitch type, so a very short fast ball tap means HIGH, while the same relative motion for a curve-ball will be for a pitch that ends more in the middle of the zone (because no one throws a curve that hangs intentionally).
3. The catcher will then tap his left thigh, right thigh or none to show the side of the pitch.
4. Finally, if he wants you to be sure to throw a strike, he'll tap his mitt against the ground, as a way of saying (we need this pitch to get ahead in the count etc.).
In my testing, this appears to be the meaning behind the signals, and I have checked my accuracy by turning off all aids and guessing pitch location, then hitting R2 which has the catcher repeat his signal, and temporarily displays the pitch target. I'm right about 90% of the time now.
Can anyone else comment/confirm if this interpretation seems accurate?
Thanks,
You can turn off the catcher's pitch location icon and target within the menus, and use the Pitcher's view to see the catcher issue actual signs for each pitch. Reading the signs is a little difficult, at least as someone who was never a professional pitcher, but I think it works like this:
1. The catcher will issue a number, 1 for the X pitch, 2 for the O, and so on in counter-clockwise order.
2. The catcher will make a 'patting' motion downward, the speed and 'distance' of which determine the height of the ball in the strike zone. Short taps for up high, mid-level motions for mid-height, and decidedly downward motions (with at least 4-6 inches of 'throw) for pitches low in the strike zone. These motions are relative to each pitch type, so a very short fast ball tap means HIGH, while the same relative motion for a curve-ball will be for a pitch that ends more in the middle of the zone (because no one throws a curve that hangs intentionally).
3. The catcher will then tap his left thigh, right thigh or none to show the side of the pitch.
4. Finally, if he wants you to be sure to throw a strike, he'll tap his mitt against the ground, as a way of saying (we need this pitch to get ahead in the count etc.).
In my testing, this appears to be the meaning behind the signals, and I have checked my accuracy by turning off all aids and guessing pitch location, then hitting R2 which has the catcher repeat his signal, and temporarily displays the pitch target. I'm right about 90% of the time now.
Can anyone else comment/confirm if this interpretation seems accurate?
Thanks,
Sport73
"Can't we all just get along? I'll turn this car around RIGHT now!"
"Can't we all just get along? I'll turn this car around RIGHT now!"
I've been intrigued by this as well, although I can't say I'd have the patience to play a considerable length into a season that way as it lengthens game time quite a bit. I hadn't gotten around to digging online, but what you wrote seems to reflect my impressions.Sport73 wrote:Just thought I'd post quickly on one of the coolest features of this game, but one that remains a bit confusing.
You can turn off the catcher's pitch location icon and target within the menus, and use the Pitcher's view to see the catcher issue actual signs for each pitch. Reading the signs is a little difficult, at least as someone who was never a professional pitcher, but I think it works like this:
1. The catcher will issue a number, 1 for the X pitch, 2 for the O, and so on in counter-clockwise order.
2. The catcher will make a 'patting' motion downward, the speed and 'distance' of which determine the height of the ball in the strike zone. Short taps for up high, mid-level motions for mid-height, and decidedly downward motions (with at least 4-6 inches of 'throw) for pitches low in the strike zone. These motions are relative to each pitch type, so a very short fast ball tap means HIGH, while the same relative motion for a curve-ball will be for a pitch that ends more in the middle of the zone (because no one throws a curve that hangs intentionally).
3. The catcher will then tap his left thigh, right thigh or none to show the side of the pitch.
4. Finally, if he wants you to be sure to throw a strike, he'll tap his mitt against the ground, as a way of saying (we need this pitch to get ahead in the count etc.).
In my testing, this appears to be the meaning behind the signals, and I have checked my accuracy by turning off all aids and guessing pitch location, then hitting R2 which has the catcher repeat his signal, and temporarily displays the pitch target. I'm right about 90% of the time now.
Can anyone else comment/confirm if this interpretation seems accurate?
Thanks,
I can add the closed fist signal for pitchout. I wasn't sure about the glove tap on the ground as I'd always found it to coincide with placing the pitch at the knees at the midline of the zone but that may be coincidence.
It is quite obvious that the makers of this game are baseball fans. Things like the above are going to be discovered along with many other nuances that will make the game that much better. The attention to details really help a baseball game.
I am really looking forward to this game, so much so, that I purchased a PS3.
I am really looking forward to this game, so much so, that I purchased a PS3.
More than that, they seem committed to authenticity while still allowing a lot of human influence over the game.Pete wrote:It is quite obvious that the makers of this game are baseball fans.
I might be a little rusty, but I found the throwing meter much harder this year. I was all over the place with Hammels in the demo.