MLB 12 The Show

[ScoopBrady]

I am interested in hearing about how the Vita version stacks up to the PS3 version in terms of gameplay, presentation, and features. Are they pretty much the same game or is the PS3 version phenomenal and the Vita version merely really good?

[Rodster]

I am interested in hearing about how the Vita version stacks up to the PS3 version in terms of gameplay, presentation, and features. Are they pretty much the same game or is the PS3 version phenomenal and the Vita version merely really good?

I think that's what you'll find Scoop. If you love the series i'd get both.

I'm interested to hear if they fixed the buggy multiplayer? Any improvements to RTTS (PS3) and is it included in the Vita version?

[sportdan30]

Really like the inclusion of the opposing pitcher's feedback regarding his delivery (early, late, etc). If you're patient at the plate, you can quickly find that the pitcher is erratic and that helps you work deeper counts.

I awoke at 4:30 this morning to go to the bathroom and for a few seconds I thought about going downstairs to play a game....that's a sign of a great game.

[Brando70]

- Speaking of fast play, I love you can customize the settings. So, I leave on home run celebrations, and occassionally they pan to the pitcher just to break up the quick pace.

That's awesome. Can you enable batter walkups? I like to do that so I can see the hitting stats for the CPU -- otherwise I always had to pause and check.

I'm going to hold off until it gets closer to the start of the season, but the game sounds great. Thanks for the impressions.

[Slumberland]

The only thing the Vita version is missing is the PS3's presentation, and possibly custom cameras. I thought it would be super-fast based on descriptions, but it's pretty much how I've played it forever. Fast play, manual replays if I want to see something again.

The new ball physics and everything are all there. I get a little stutter when a batter is first at the plate.

[sportdan30]

- Speaking of fast play, I love you can customize the settings. So, I leave on home run celebrations, and occassionally they pan to the pitcher just to break up the quick pace.

That's awesome. Can you enable batter walkups? I like to do that so I can see the hitting stats for the CPU -- otherwise I always had to pause and check.

I'm going to hold off until it gets closer to the start of the season, but the game sounds great. Thanks for the impressions.

Yes, you can customize it so you only see batter walkups if you like. However, now for whatever reason I'm not seeing the homerun celebrations and I have it "on" within fast play. It worked seamlessly my first two games but now it isn't. Not sure if it's a bug or what. I'll have to play with the different options some more tonight.

[ScoopBrady]

I awoke at 4:30 this morning to go to the bathroom and for a few seconds I thought about going downstairs to play a game....that's a sign of a great game.

And a weak bladder.

It's nice to hear that the Vita version has the gameplay of the PS3 version. I am still undecided just because I am not the biggest baseball game player.

[lexbur]

I awoke at 4:30 this morning to go to the bathroom and for a few seconds I thought about going downstairs to play a game....that's a sign of a great game.

That's funny, the same thing happened to me, except it was my dog that woke me up at 5:30 to let him out and I took it one step further and actually played a game.

I dove right in to my Tribe season with a 4-1 Opening Day loss to the Blue Jays last night. Jiminez had SEVEN walks in only five innings (All-Star, classic pitching, timing hitting).

Then this morning's game I won 6-5, a real nail-biter! It felt better coming in to work today knowing I have my first W under my belt.

This game is AWESOME!!! Once again, THANK YOU San Diego Studios!!!

[AJColossal]

Love it.

I think The Show is doing a great job negotiating between trying to do things that improve the game & keep it fresh, and not breaking what ain't broke.

All of the major additions this year (pulse pitching, ball physics, improved broadcast presentation) are very welcome additions for me. I can't wait to dive back into it, and I don't say that very much about games anymore.

This could be an all-timer for me.

[dbdynsty25]

The Vita version and the PS3 version are nearly identical from a gameplay standpoint. As was mentioned before, the only real difference I can see is just in the presentation. Everything else feels console-ish. Outstanding.

[toonarmy]

Tried the new Diamond Dynasty mode and I think it's a neat addition to the game. I still need to learn the ins and outs of it, however, as it looks incredibly detailed compared to HUT.

I slept very little last night since I was basically too awestruck by the Show to care to sleep. I know it's too early to be saying what I am about to say, but I will say it anyway -- MLB 12 is the finest representation of its respective sport over the course of years I've been gaming. The sheer level of detail, depth, attention to gameplay elements, AI, and ability to customize the experience is unmatched IMO. I realize the game is not perfect, but it's closer than anything else I've played in the genre of sports games to nailing its sport. And, hell, I still am waiting for the Vita version to arrive at my house. Being that I'm a big handheld gamer I may piss myself once I see how nice the Vita version is. The whole cross play aspect is smart of Sony, and will ensure I spend a ridiculous number of hours with the Show.

[dbdynsty25]

The whole cross play aspect is smart of Sony, and will ensure I spend a ridiculous number of hours with the Show.

It's a good start, but I REALLY wish it would automatically sync to the cloud when you saved a game, even if you are in the middle of the game. As it stands, the game will Auto-Save after you complete a game, but only locally. You have to go into the menu and upload it to the cloud, and then on the Vita you have to go download it from the cloud to continue. And again, it's only when the games are completed...you can't do it mid game. I tried it just for fun...saved mid-game and uploaded to the cloud. When I launched the save on the Vita, it went back to the beginning of the game like I had never started it.

There are some tweaks they need to do to make it perfect, but I guess it's better than nothing. Hell, I believe they mentioned they were gonna do this on the original PSP with MLB12, but that never happened.

[MizzouRah]

Explain timing hitting.. is it just pressing a button to swing?

[lexbur]

Explain timing hitting.. is it just pressing a button to swing?

Yes.

[MizzouRah]

Explain timing hitting.. is it just pressing a button to swing?

Yes.

Ok thanks

[Slumberland]

Is there still no playoff mode? I though they were putting that in this year.

[macsomjrr]

I am interested in hearing about how the Vita version stacks up to the PS3 version in terms of gameplay, presentation, and features. Are they pretty much the same game or is the PS3 version phenomenal and the Vita version merely really good?

I think that's what you'll find Scoop. If you love the series i'd get both.

I'm interested to hear if they fixed the buggy multiplayer? Any improvements to RTTS (PS3) and is it included in the Vita version?

RTTS is included in the Vita version. I haven't been able to check out any MP yet.

[Diablo25]

I'm fn done with GameStop. My overnight shipping order still hadn't shipped by the end of work today so I cancelled the order and sent them 'nicely worded' email blasting them. I ran down to Walmart and luckily they had some copies so I'll be firing it up in a bit. I downloaded the Vita version earlier. Love it. Can't wait to play the PS3 version.

And.....F@CK GAMESTOP. Amazon is my new friend.

[sportdan30]

Explain timing hitting.. is it just pressing a button to swing?

Yes.

Ok thanks

It's a little more strategic than that. In it's simplest form, you can just press X to hit. Go for a power swing by pressing square, but you have less
chance of contact. Or press circle for a contact swing, but more than likely, you're going to just move runners over. I generally use the X button, but when
I'm ahead in the count sitting fastball, I'll just the power button, or the square button.

[Diablo25]

It really is sick how good this game is. Polish polish polish is all I can think so far. LOVE the new physics and bat sounds. Such a joy to play.

[MizzouRah]

It's a little more strategic than that. In it's simplest form, you can just press X to hit. Go for a power swing by pressing square, but you have less
chance of contact. Or press circle for a contact swing, but more than likely, you're going to just move runners over. I generally use the X button, but when
I'm ahead in the count sitting fastball, I'll just the power button, or the square button.

I wish analog was just swing and connect, why do you also have to press buttons for contact, power, or normal swing? Overall, I like 2k's hitting better, but I'll try the other modes.

[MizzouRah]

Let me eat my words.. analog hitting - you do not need to press any buttons to swing power/contact/normal, at least I can't find anything in the controls or in the tutorial that says anything about that.. which is great, btw.

Played another game tonight vs Anaheim and let me just say this game is baseball nirvana. I practiced with analog hitting and along with Pulse Pitching, it's like you have total control over your actions and it pairs that with the abilities of the players.

Final
STL - 4R 11H 1E
LAA - 2R 5H 1E

From start to finish, there was nothing and I mean nothing that had me say anything except for, "Did that just happen?". I hit my first HR against CJ Wilson with Berkman and took a 2 run lead in the first inning. Carpenter was his normal self, giving up 2 runs in the bottom of the first innning and then went on to pitch 8 innings, striking out 8 Angles. Brought Motte in to close the game out and with pulse pitching, you can tell the difference with a tired Carpenter vs a rested Motte. This game plays a game of baseball better than anything ever programmed, nothing even comes close. Bunting is even a blast with analog hitting. Hitting variety, ball physics? I saw singles, doubles, a triple, 2 HR's, a nubber down the line for a single, a wicked opposite hit that tailed away into the corner. I still think I haven't seen the same hit twice.

I found some options I turned on to see foul balls and HR celebrations, so I can't wait to see one of those after a big HR (I found that setting after my 2 HR's).

It's just a complete package, nothing feels added in just for adding it in.. and the game is beautiful in 1080p. Just the way the views change during the game on broadcast is a thing of beauty and playing a night game as the sun sets in Anaheim was surreal.

Pujols was 1-3 with a walk and I was stressing out everytime he came up to bat. So far, veteran feels perfect.. but I assume as I play more the next step will be all star.

What an experience....

[sportdan30]

Great impressions Todd. I might give analog hitting another go. I enjoy the timing base hitting, but analog as I recall in a couple times I've played with it feels more rewarding.

I too have bumped down to Veteran for both pitching and hitting. I'm getting a very good challenge without it being too frustrating.

I read a preview for this game a few weeks ago that it's now even more important than ever to think about your defensive players. It couldn't have rang more true the other night playing against the Brewers. I was down 2-1 in the eighth inning and felt as though I still had a come back left in me. However, with a Brewer on second with two outs, Freese booted a ball and the inning stayed alive for the next batter to double in two runs. Game over. I was cursing myself, but thought back to last year when LaRussa would take Freese out in the late innings and bring in a more solid defensive third baseman. At that moment, I thought how cool and realistic is this game!?!?

[Slumberland]

Hey, for those rocking the PS3/Vita transfer, I was a bit disappointed to see that my RTTS player's face doesn't really make the transition to the Vita (on the Vita he looks generic). Is everyone else seeing that as well?

[lexbur]

Just the way the views change during the game on broadcast is a thing of beauty and playing a night game as the sun sets in Anaheim was surreal.

Yeah, I think that's part of what helps keep the game so fresh over the course of a 162-game season, the atmosphere. They do an AWESOME job in that department. Last night I played the third game of my season, it was a cold, windy, rainy, gray Sunday afternoon. The stands were more than half empty (after being filled for Opening Day). It just FELT like early April in Cleveland. They nailed it!!!