MVP Impressions

vinny-b · Post by **vinny-b** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:54 pm

wow.

*if* MLB 2006 is not all that, i will be checkin the used racks for this title.

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:33 pm

This game is crack on a disc. I cannot stop playing it. I haven't been so hooked on a game I had no pre-release intention of buying since Inside Drive 2003. I got off to a 3-6 start in my Cubs dynasty and got an angry e-mail telling me to get my ass in shape. I played a series at the woeful Pirates and the stadium was not only half empty, the crowd audio was really different and reflected the small crowd. Random cool stuff I like:

--Injuries are really context-specific. I dove for a ball with Nomar in game 1, and after he landed, he separated his shoulder. In a game against the Padres, Woody Williams went into the 9th with a 1-hitter against me, but pulled his back and had to leave. I now don't go diving for balls if I don't have to and pay attention to fatigue levels a lot.

--The fielding is the best ever. One of the things I love is the way guys can misplay a ball and still recover. I've seen a wide variety of bobbles that a fielder has been able to still keep in front of them and make a play. Usually, most games trigger the "where did the ball go" error animation in that case. I had one play where Aramis Ramierez misplayed the ball, tried to pick it up, then dropped it again from his bare hand.

--Despite striking out like a madman, I love the hitters-eye batting camera. The way it changes based on the hitter/pitcher matchup is a stroke of genius. I wish the pitcher looked a little further back the way he does in the #4 view, but I like the camera variation too much to change.

--The variable stuff and variable calls are great. In his second start, I walked my first three batters with Mark Prior because he was off a little and I was having trouble hitting my usual spots. It was subtle, though, not the way HH would go crazy and not let you control your pitcher at all. Another game, I figured out early that the ump had a low strike zone and started laying off the chest-level pitches.

I'll say this -- if MLB 2006 *is* better than this game, I would seriously consider buying a PS2 again. That's how much fun MVP is.

vinny-b · Post by **vinny-b** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 1:56 pm

thank you, Brando.

excellent. Especially pitching 'stuff' fluctuations.

are you walking? What are you seeing on a per game basis?

Granatofan · Post by **Granatofan** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:20 pm

I'm walking 1-2 times per game (not counting intentionals) on All Star default. My highest was 3 with default, and I always draw 1. I could get a little more if I was more patient.

Ted

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:28 pm

I love the variable umpires. You can really tell the different strikezones by each one.

Each game is refreshing and I agree with the non-scripted part.

Todd

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:39 pm

I agree that MVP is the dogs balls...but I am still just annoyed with the batting/pitching interface. I fully expect MLB to surpass it when it's released next week. However, if there are flaws to the extent of last years version, MVP will definitely suffice...because like it's been said before, no game has ever been as good in the field, it's simply brilliant.

The nuances are second to none and I know MLB just will not be able to compete, but if it's anywhere close and they stay true to their hitting interface from last year, I'll sway over to MLB...the hitting system is just bothersome in MVP.

But I repeat, it still is one of the best baseball games ever made. I have yet to find any bugs...which is freakin' amazing 25-30 games into a frachise.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:44 pm

I don't know why, but I'm just not feeling the love for MVP this year. I gamefly'd it just to try it some more, but it always pales in comparison to MLB2K5 for me. It certainly is the best MVP game EA has made.....no doubt about that.

Here is what I don't like about MVP:

-the batting cameras.......the best I liked was "other angle". The only one where you can see the "hitter's eye" colors is the "hitter's eye" cam, but that one makes the pitcher look like he is 10 feet away from you. So if you use any other camera besides "hitters eye"...than that feature basically goes away.

-the hitting model....it's not horrible, but it's 95% timing based. I feel as though I have no control over where the ball hits the bat on the vertical plane. There is no "fine control" that would determine a pop fly to the infield or a fly to deep OF.

-the overall "look" of the graphics. Again....not horrible, but much more "cartoon-like" than MLB2K5 and all the players look beefed up
like Jose Canseco.

-the gameplay sounds and atmosphere........the sounds seem very lackluster to me in comparison to MLB2K5's. The play by play is dull and drab compared to MLB's also. You can barely hear the crack of the bat.

-the "small" look of the field. They just don't "feel" large and spacious enough to me.

-the online play just doesn't have the robust packaging of the online play in MLB2k5. The leagues in MLB are so well done and 99% of my playing is going to be online, so this is a huge factor for me.

I am glad that most of you are liking this game, but my nod goes to MLB2K5 so far. It's not even close for me. Maybe I place more emphasis
on graphics, sound and overall immersion factor than most, but MVP is just "OK" for me.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:45 pm

I started a post and then got sidetracked by this thing called actual work...Brando stole some of my thunder, but I will post anyway because I'm too lazy to edit:

As long as I can learn to hit (and I'm getting better every day) *and* there are no crazy bugs uncovered after more play, I will safely be able to say MVP is the best baseball game I have ever played. This is coming from someone who didn't really care for last year's version.

I have even changed my mind about the hitting model. I still dislike the *swing* mechanism, but I really like everything else. I think the hitter's eye is a great addition and I like how the camera changes for lefty/righty matchups. I like the speed and movement of pitches. I like how CPU pitchers throw plenty of balls out of the strike zone right out of the box without slider adjustments. I like how you can move in the batter's box.

I think the fielding is just about perfect. MVP blows away every other game IMO in this regard (good out of the box...perfect with just a couple slider tweaks to fielder speed, throw accuracy, and error rates). Player momentum is perfect. Arm strength and accuracy are spot on. There are many different types of errors, bobbles, offline throws, etc. The ball is a separate entity. Your throws can bounce off people, bases, the mound etc. There are so many fielding animations it is just sick. On a double play you may 5 or 6 different animations when the second baseman or shortstops turn it. The fielder may jump, side step, stop and plant, etc. It all depends on what is going on around the fielder. It is truly amazing IMO.

Although I have seen a few too many pitchers injured on balls hit up the middle, I love the injury model. Players get injured based on what happens on the field. You had better think twice about making a futile dive for a fly ball with your star player.

Baserunning is well implemented. Player speed is accurate with sliders up a few notches. It is great to avoid a tag or breakup a double play.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:46 pm

Has anyone been able to jump on the other team early? I'm seeing a lot of "0-0 going into the 7th" and "15 innings before I won 2-0". This is great for baseball purists, but the reality is lots of games today end up 15-10. I just want to confirm that it is possible to jump on the CPU early. I already know first-hand that the CPU can do it to me

After a full week of flip-flopping between MVP and 2k5, I have finally given in to a single game, and that's MVP. "IF" 2k5 gets patched, I'l bring it back out of hibernation, but right now I just want to havefun playing and not worry about house rules (not taking the base on passed balls) and what strange sthings may happen during my franchise.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:50 pm

Brando70 wrote:This game is crack on a disc. I cannot stop playing it. I haven't been so hooked on a game I had no pre-release intention of buying since Inside Drive 2003. I got off to a 3-6 start in my Cubs dynasty and got an angry e-mail telling me to get my ass in shape. I played a series at the woeful Pirates and the stadium was not only half empty, the crowd audio was really different and reflected the small crowd. Random cool stuff I like:

--Injuries are really context-specific. I dove for a ball with Nomar in game 1, and after he landed, he separated his shoulder. In a game against the Padres, Woody Williams went into the 9th with a 1-hitter against me, but pulled his back and had to leave. I now don't go diving for balls if I don't have to and pay attention to fatigue levels a lot.

--The fielding is the best ever. One of the things I love is the way guys can misplay a ball and still recover. I've seen a wide variety of bobbles that a fielder has been able to still keep in front of them and make a play. Usually, most games trigger the "where did the ball go" error animation in that case. I had one play where Aramis Ramierez misplayed the ball, tried to pick it up, then dropped it again from his bare hand.

--Despite striking out like a madman, I love the hitters-eye batting camera. The way it changes based on the hitter/pitcher matchup is a stroke of genius. I wish the pitcher looked a little further back the way he does in the #4 view, but I like the camera variation too much to change.

--The variable stuff and variable calls are great. In his second start, I walked my first three batters with Mark Prior because he was off a little and I was having trouble hitting my usual spots. It was subtle, though, not the way HH would go crazy and not let you control your pitcher at all. Another game, I figured out early that the ump had a low strike zone and started laying off the chest-level pitches.

I'll say this -- if MLB 2006 *is* better than this game, I would seriously consider buying a PS2 again. That's how much fun MVP is.

Yeah...what he said ^ !!!

I am haing the same experience. Injuries, fielding, the hitters eye, ect...all make for am amazing experience that I just cannot get enough of. The game can be pretty challenging though.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:51 pm

One other thing I *really* like is the ability to play a minor league game to see a future prospect in action. It would be neat if they had a "watch" mode for the minor leagues, but playing a game is fun.

I have a really good young CF in AAA and it's quite fun playing a game with Memphis and seeing what this guy is made of.

MVP is a whole package, period. The immersion level is right up there with FPS and HH.

Todd

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:56 pm

I'd say best I've ever played. Sometimes I get pissed when I swing and seamingly time it right and choose the correct stick placement for the pitch, and sometimes it's a hit and others are slow rollers, but I guess that's hit variety for ya.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:57 pm

matthewk wrote:Has anyone been able to jump on the other team early? I'm seeing a lot of "0-0 going into the 7th" and "15 innings before I won 2-0".

When I was playing on default Pro I had plenty of variety. This was even before I knew how to hit. I jumped out on opening day 8-0. I fell behind 6-0 in another game. When I started touching hitting/pitching sliders I started having very low scoring games. I almost always get 2-1 games when I use Pared's or Jistic's sliders.

I think I am going to start a dynasty this weekend on default all-star with only baserunner/fielder speed adjustments and see how that goes. I probably won't walk enough hitters, but I can live with it. I didn't walk anyone unintentionally in ESPN Baseball either.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:00 pm

Probably the best I've played to this point.

I've noticed I've started to get a weird result on a certain pitch/swing. On badly timed uppercut swings on balls high in the zone or uppercut swings at balls out of the zone high, I'm getting a ton of *ground* balls hit.

Anyone else see that?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:28 pm

I know there's been a lot of negativity surrounding MVP's batting system but I think I'm starting to like it more than Zone hitting. Here's why:

It makes more sense to me now. In zone hitting all you're doing is aiming at the pitch in the zone and once you've got that down you just worry about timing. You time it right you make good contact. In MVP you swing at the pitch regardless of what zone it's in but you determine the type of swing you want (under the ball/over the ball/push/pull) and then you have to time it right. Sounds easier in theory but in practice it is not. You pick the wrong type of swing and you won't get good wood on the ball. No other baseball game has really jammed me on a high and inside pitch like MVP does. If I pick the wrong swing on a high and inside pitch I'll pop it up in the infield instead of getting good wood on it like zone hitting. Very underappreciated IMO.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:36 pm

I think you're right on, Scoop. Sure, the timing-based swing means less misses based on location than in other baseball titles, but the variety of poor contact MVP's system allows is staggering.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:37 pm

JackB1 wrote: I am glad that most of you are liking this game, but my nod goes to MLB2K5 so far. It's not even close for me.

We get it.

Please move on.

We like to discuss baseball games that work in this thread.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:39 pm

matthewk wrote:Has anyone been able to jump on the other team early?

Yes, occasionally.

I went up on the Red 7-0 after 2 innings a few days ago.

My biggest problem is I am ahead of everything I swing at. Off speed, 4 seamers you name it I am ahead of the pitch. I really need to concentrate when hitting to not see a "flash of white" think fastball and hit the button as fast as possible.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:40 pm

"but the variety of poor contact MVP's system allows is staggering."

A cursor system with a variable contact range could do the same thing, and allows you to be jammed the same way as Scoop describes if you are not fast enough.

/fan of cursors.

GridIronGhost · Post by **GridIronGhost** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:48 pm

Here is what I don't like about MVP:

-the batting cameras.......the best I liked was "other angle". The only one where you can see the "hitter's eye" colors is the "hitter's eye" cam, but that one makes the pitcher look like he is 10 feet away from you. So if you use any other camera besides "hitters eye"...than that feature basically goes away.

Batter 4 is just right and you can see the pitches if you have hitters eye turned on. If you don'y like that camera view try the PC version with some camera mods.

-the hitting model....it's not horrible, but it's 95% timing based. I feel as though I have no control over where the ball hits the bat on the vertical plane. There is no "fine control" that would determine a pop fly to the infield or a fly to deep OF.

What can I say, you have not learned how to properly bat yet. I have full control of where the ball goes. I hit dingers pitched low and away in the zone. Play a game, but don't swing at any of the pitchs. Watch the ball see how the CPU pitches, practice and learn.

-the overall "look" of the graphics. Again....not horrible, but much more "cartoon-like" than MLB2K5 and all the players look beefed up
like Jose Canseco.

If you saw this game @ 720p on a good set you would not make this comment...I'll leave it at that.

-the gameplay sounds and atmosphere........the sounds seem very lackluster to me in comparison to MLB2K5's. The play by play is dull and drab compared to MLB's also. You can barely hear the crack of the bat.

The sound is just fine. The bat sound is much better IMO then MLB 2K5. PBP is fine too at least it's accurate more so the MLB 2K5.

-the "small" look of the field. They just don't "feel" large and spacious enough to me.

Are you talking about MVP or MLB 2K5? Again play this game @ 720p in widescreen, you won't be saying it again.

-the online play just doesn't have the robust packaging of the online play in MLB2k5. The leagues in MLB are so well done and 99% of my playing is going to be online, so this is a huge factor for me.

I agree, it's what MLB is...a online game or head to head with a buddy. Honestly I have not been able to finish a online game due to freezing or server errors.

I am glad that most of you are liking this game, but my nod goes to MLB2K5 so far. It's not even close for me. Maybe I place more emphasis
on graphics, sound and overall immersion factor than most, but MVP is just "OK" for me.

I really think that you have not spend too much time with MVP and prolly won't. Maybe you'll pull a PK and give it another chance when you get frustrated. MLB 2K5 is still my favorite game, but you can't deny MVP's greatness. I think I just found a game killing bug in MLB 2K5 that will make it a online game only. So sad that none of the ESPN/Sega/2K games can deliver a complete package.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:49 pm

webdanzer wrote:/fan of cursors.

He guys, we found him! I never thought I'd actually get to talk to THE fan of cursor-style batting. Gosh, I don't know what to ask him first!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:56 pm

ScoopBrady wrote: He guys, we found him! I never thought I'd actually get to talk to THE fan of cursor-style batting. Gosh, I don't know what to ask him first!

Well, the size of them doesn't really matter, it's more the contact, though I prefer them long and lean to short and round. Tickling contact along the edges should cause pop-ups and dribblers, while solid contact in the sweet spot should allow you to pop one out with force.

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:59 pm

how do u K the CPU?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:00 pm

Sudz wrote:how do u K the CPU?

Learn how to pitch.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:07 pm

Sudz wrote:how do u K the CPU?

I couldn't strike the CPU out on All-Star so I asked myself...how do I end up striking out? 75% of the time it is by chasing bad pitches in the dirt or high outside of the strike zone. On All-Star if you throw a strike and don't hit the meter spot then the CPU will hit the ball. Try throwing pitches significantly out of the zone occassionally. They will chase them or foul them off more than you think.

I think when I first got the game I tried to paint the corners too much. That meant if I missed on the pitch meter the ball would miss in the strike zone. Now, with a good hitter I am not afraid to aim outside of the strike zone even if the count is full.