Dave wrote:Dan, what's up with your new gun, Mulder? He's killing my fantasy team's otherwise excellent ERA and WHIP!
Son of a BISCUIT! He's struggling again. Thanks for ruining my afternoon I thought for sure he'd give our rotation that consistency we needed. It's early yet in the season, but I'm still crying about giving Haren away.
Surprisingly, Marquis is looking sharp again. I know Mulder is better than Woody Williams, but they're effectively the same type of pitcher. They're both workhorses and keep the defense on their toes. I was worried when the trade went down just because of the mechanical issues Mulder faced down the stretch last season.
I just picked it up during lunch and got a chance to play a quick 3 innings on Veteran. The best thing about the PSP is being able to check out a new game you bought on lunch break instead of having to wait until you get home.
Initial impressions are that it plays a lot like the PS2 version and that's a good thing. The pace of the game is very upbeat for baseball on the go. You have time to take one practice swing and then the pitcher will throw the next pitch. The graphics are excellent and obviously it's the best looking portable baseball game ever. They don't show the batter walk up to the plate but rather the last batter disappears and the next batter appears. Really speeds up the game. You can tell it was designed for a handheld. The commentary is very good as well, which is surprising for a handheld. I can't wait to play more tonight.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
So Sport, if you've played both the PS2 version and the PSP version, would you say the hit variety is better in the PSP one? I thought the hit variety in the PS2 version was pretty dreadful.
1. Pacing: From what I've seen the pacing is inline with MVP and faster than that of MLB2k5/ESPN. I certainly didn't find it to be too slow as people have posted about the PS2 game. Baseball is a deliberate game, but there certainly isn't anything in this game in terms of cut-scenes or prep animations that slows things down. On the higher difficulties you tend to foul off picthes more, which adds some time, but also is FUNDAMENTAL to baseball strategy.
2. PS2 vs. PSP I have not played the PS2 version, so I can't comment, but in only a half of game I saw a variety of fouls, liners, pop-ups and dingers to feel comfortable saying that the hit variety is where it should be.
3. Fielding Control I have to admit to being unable to comment on this until further play. Pop-ups in the outfield were easy to settle under using the drop-zone, liners were automatically fielded when hit directly at the infielders (*but I believe I had a fielding assist turned on). I was able to turn double plays, though I was concerned that the 2nd baseman double-clutched before throwing on a close play. I'm not sure if that's user controllable (if I failed to pre-load the throw, or if it's related to how long you hold the button down???)...All in all, fielding seems perfectly functional, but I'll report more after more play.
Sport73
"Can't we all just get along? I'll turn this car around RIGHT now!"
The pacing is faster then on the PS2 version. I've seen no framerate issues, so those of you worried about that, need not.
Initial impressions of the game are good to go, other than the fact it is hard to see the ball. I'll probalby get a headache with any amount of extended play just trying to see the damn ball.
Commentary is comparable to the PS2 version, as is the user interface. Most of the game display / presentation options available in the PS2 version are here.
Rockies roster a little off. Still have CJ (no Kim).
using the "Pitcher" pitching view, you cannot see the umpire behind the plate. Hmmm.
Overall, pretty impressive, but let me get a few games in before I start talking "baseball" on the PSP.
It's getting harder not to buy PSP now. I am glad to hear the pacing is faster on psp. I played the ps2 one for a week and the game had a perfect pace for baseball, but too long for a videogame.
Now for rosters, I heard they are going to come out with a Action Replay Gameshark type of device for psp next month. Does MLB have a option where you can load seperate rosters like on the ps2 version?
and...for those of you guys with the psp memory, how many game saves, talking like dynasty/franchise saves, can one card hold for sports games?
HouOilers wrote:
and...for those of you guys with the psp memory, how many game saves, talking like dynasty/franchise saves, can one card hold for sports games?
On the back of the game's case it states that it requires 1mb of memory.
Picked up the game at lunch and played one full ‘AdHoc’ online game with my buddy at EB. I then proceeded to play a few innings ‘offline’ to see the difference.
Unfortunately I have not played the PS2 version so I cannot compare the two. But so far the game plays extremely well and is really good both graphically and presentation wise. It has a VERY similar look as far as player models and lighting to the PSP World Tour Soccer game. The further away the camera is from the players, the more they become kind of pixilated, but it is nothing horrendous. The pitcher batter graphics are great and the stadiums are spot on and very crisp looking.
I cannot comment too much on gameplay but so far it plays very smooth and controls just fine. At least offline. Online was a bit of a different experience. It was a tad disappointing, especially since I had not even played any offline innings before jumping right to an AdHoc game. The pitching meter is a bit laggy as well as the swinging. It feels a tad like the consistent lag in MVP online. However, it was a bit more distracting here on the PSP, especially with the pitch meter because it’s smaller. I was surprised at this lag for the AdHoc mode. I would almost expect it for the ‘Infrastructure’ online mode, but not really for AdHoc when we were literally 3 feet from each other. I’ll have to see if you can turn off the pitching meter for online games. That will help. But the swinging is a bit late too.
After playing a semi-fun, but tad confusing online game, I jumped into a few innings of an offline one and the control became worlds better. Thank god! I was a bit nervous. The control offline is spot on and feels very fluid. I have seen a pretty decent variety of hit so far too. Fly balls, foul balls, up the middle grounders, line drives, bloops, liners down the lines, ect…
I am digging the presentation, but, do slightly miss some of the cut scene and replay type presentation that was obviously cut out for the handheld aspect. I was very surprised to hear what seems to be full play by play and color commentary. That is a nice touch.
Anyway, so far so good, but there is something that is leaving me a touch of hope that MVP comes through even more now. As this is not a bad game by any means, and so far seems like it would be more than acceptable if it was the only PSP baseball game, I just think and hope that EA’s effort adds a bit more ‘spice’ and options to the presentation and feel, especially online, even if it is just AdHoc. We’ll see.
Whoa...I cannot believe this is a handheld game. I am VERY impressed.
It's exactly the same as the PS2 version, minus some of the presentation and editing options (no player editor as far as I can tell). I have noticed a few framerate issues, but it's limited to hard hit balls into the outfield...a little problematic, but definitely not a big hinderance. Obviously, the camera moving fast to follow the ball is the issue though, but like I said, it's no big deal.
Hit variety is just okay (it cannot compete with MVP on xbox at least). A lot of balls are hit hard, regardless of the difficulty...rarely did I see a slow chopper or roller, in fact, in three games, I don't know if I saw any. It's a small price to pay. The PS2 version suffered from the same thing though, so I went into the PSP version expecting it. I'm fairly positive I'll stick with MLB on the handheld though because I'm addicted to MVP on the Xbox. No reason to have the same game on both platforms. MLB will be a nice change of pace, especially on the go.
I'm VERY VERY impressed. I cannot believe we are essentially playing a console game on a handheld. All of the other games that have come out thus far have been fairly simple. This is truely an impressive feat...having played the PS2 version extensively (when it didn't lock up), I can say it's made a beautiful transition to the PSP.
Dave wrote:Dan, what's up with your new gun, Mulder? He's killing my fantasy team's otherwise excellent ERA and WHIP!
Son of a BISCUIT! He's struggling again. Thanks for ruining my afternoon I thought for sure he'd give our rotation that consistency we needed. It's early yet in the season, but I'm still crying about giving Haren away.
Surprisingly, Marquis is looking sharp again. I know Mulder is better than Woody Williams, but they're effectively the same type of pitcher. They're both workhorses and keep the defense on their toes. I was worried when the trade went down just because of the mechanical issues Mulder faced down the stretch last season.
Damn ground rule double cost us a tie today.
Although Cincy walks Walker to load the bases for Pujols with one out in the bottom of the 9th. He promptly hits the first pitch for a double play and the game.
MizzouRah wrote:Is it true there are no franchise modes in these baseball games? or sports games in general on the psp??
In the same hands on for MLB there is no listing of a franchise mode.
Thanks,
Todd
Everything I've read says that MLB and MVP will only have a season mode. Then again, there is speculation over at Gamefaqs that supposedbly MLB ships with two UMD discs. Seems odd but some feel one of the discs will have franchise mode on it. I find that very hard to believe.
Thanks, actually it's a good thing. Saved me $300.
I haven't played a "season" mode sports game in years.
Well, I think I'm going to hold off on purchasing this game until I get the rental from Gamefly. I don't want to just settle and be happy with an incomplete game. Db's concern over the lack of variety hits is not what I wanted to hear. In addition, I'm still a bit unsure about the fielding responsiveness and how much I'll enjoy it compared to MVP.
If MVP gets favorable reviews from others, I have no problems trading in my Xbox copy. I like the idea that you can play an abbreviated season and I suppose I just favor the batting and pitching interface. Also, according to Gamespot, I just read you will be able to play online.
I truly feel I made the right choice in going with Lumines as my first PSP purchase. I just want to be sure with my second.
sportdan30 wrote:Db's concern over the lack of variety hits is not what I wanted to hear. In addition, I'm still a bit unsure about the fielding responsiveness and how much I'll enjoy it compared to MVP.
Yeah, I hear ya man. I will try MVP, just for kicks...and if it blows me away, of course, I'll dump MLB. I doubt it will though since it will essentially be more of the same. I'm just happy to have a bit of variety when it comes to my gaming, that's all. However, I underestimated MVP on the XBox...I won't do it again.
Regarless...a fairly complete port of a solid PS2 game is DAMN impressive. I'm just used to the ridiculously accurate MVP, so I'm expecting big things from it's PSP sibling.
sportdan30 wrote:Db's concern over the lack of variety hits is not what I wanted to hear. In addition, I'm still a bit unsure about the fielding responsiveness and how much I'll enjoy it compared to MVP.
Yeah, I hear ya man. I will try MVP, just for kicks...and if it blows me away, of course, I'll dump MLB. I doubt it will though since it will essentially be more of the same. I'm just happy to have a bit of variety when it comes to my gaming, that's all. However, I underestimated MVP on the XBox...I won't do it again.
Regarless...a fairly complete port of a solid PS2 game is DAMN impressive. I'm just used to the ridiculously accurate MVP, so I'm expecting big things from it's PSP sibling.
I don't know...after a few more innings of play time, I feel I am seeing a substantial # of different hit types in MLB. I do have yet to see any 'excuse me' hits or soft rollers. But other than that, I've seen about everything.
Is there a "behind the pitcher" camera angle? I've gotten used to pitching from this view with 2k and MVP, but I've never played the 989 baseball game, so I don't know if they give you this option or not.
b_assassin wrote:Quick question for those that have it already:
Is there a "behind the pitcher" camera angle? I've gotten used to pitching from this view with 2k and MVP, but I've never played the 989 baseball game, so I don't know if they give you this option or not.
Thanks.
There are two. A close behind the pitcher cam and one from the outfield. They are both really good.
As someone that has played a ton of games on the PS2 version, let me say I think this game is great! Plays a lot quicker and I am seeing more of a variety of his on the PSP version than I did on the PS2 version. All the cool cutscenes are gone, but the upside is it really speeds up the game. I lost 5-0 to the Red Sox with the Cardinals and the game took about 30 minutes. I was down 2-0 going into the 8th and the Sox put 3 more on the board to put it out of reach. Schilling struck out 17 but I had my chances getting a bunch of guys on base, but not being able to get them in.
The commentary is awesome, but a tad more repetitive than the PS2 version. The stadiums and player models look great and the sound is fantastic with the ear buds on.
This game is great and even better...no freezing!!!
This game is absolutely amazing! I just can't get over the fact that this is on a handheld.
First of all - the widescreen angle on the PSP does a fabulous job showing the various ballparks. It is really well done. I have my fielding view set to "high" - and it really makes a (visual) difference when playing in PNC Park, Wrigley Field, etc.
Second - the game has the same speed up options that the console version apparently has, which means that you can sim 1/2 innings, innings, sim ahead to a certain inning, and sim to complete. While there are no in-game saves, to me, this is the next best thing. This is going to be a great option to have during season games when I am on a plane and I end up having to turn off my PSP during a game at the end of a flight.
Third - the commentary is really impressive. They do a nice job calling the play-by-play, and - there are several really specific comments about players' in-game performance (for example - I was just getting dominated by Kenny Rogers, and the announcer said several times "The Gambler is really on tonight. That's 7 strikeouts.") and about the players themselves (for example, when I was the White Sox, they said "Now batting Jermaine Dye, the Sox top post-season addition for this season.") In a really nice touch, after the game, the PA announcer makes a specific comment that is tied to the ballpark (for example - after my game at Comiskey, the PA announcer made reference to the specific subway line that is apprently right by the ballpark). These kind of things make the game really immersive to me - and will really distract me from the grueling 7 hour plane rides that I will be taking in May.
And - last - but certainly not least - the gameplay is really impressive. I don't want to try and compare it to a console game, because I think that is misleading (although - in my opinion - I haven't been all that excited by many console baseball games). Instead - I think it is more fair to compare it to my favorite handheld baseball game of all-time, Baseball Advance for the GBA. In short, BBA was a great game for a car ride or plane trip. It was simple and fun to play, but realistic and challenging. MLB has a very similar feel - almost like a more technologically advanced and refined version of BBA. It plays quickly, and the pitching meter is a nice touch. The guess pitch is a nice feature when batting. There seems to be a nice disparity in ability in running and fielding abilities between players, which many games have not been able to achieve. I really like the added touches, like broken bats, wild pitches (especially if you totally miss on the meter). I am really enjoying the fielding and throwing. The fielding circle is challenging, but, you can still easily make the routine plays that Major Leaguers should make.
The coolest play I have seen so far is when I hit a hard line drive at a wierd angle at the first baseman, and he knocked the ball down sideways . The ball bounced toward the second baseman. He calmly took a step to his left, pick up the ball, and threw out my slow runner by a step.
I am in awe that this is a PSP game. I can't believe that I will have this game available whenever I want when travelling. I am going to be in France for two weeks in May chaperoning students, and I was wondering what I would do in my dorm room while sitting up waiting for them to come home from the bars. MLB is my answer!
Steelerfan2k1 wrote:Second - the game has the same speed up options that the console version apparently has, which means that you can sim 1/2 innings, innings, sim ahead to a certain inning, and sim to complete. While there are no in-game saves, to me, this is the next best thing. This is going to be a great option to have during season games when I am on a plane and I end up having to turn off my PSP during a game at the end of a flight.
The Sleep Function is your friend. Turn the thing off at any point, even during gameplay, and turn it back on and pick up right where you left off. Why do you need an 'in-game' save?
Still though - there are some times when I don't necessarily know when I will be able to finish the game, which makes the numerous sim to end features so valuable....
Well, I caved and picked up MLB. What a beautiful representation of baseball. The commentary and atmosphere is wonderful. Pitching is a joy as is hitting.
However, the one sore spot for me is the arm strength of the players. I've toyed with it and turned it all the way down and frankly, it doesn't seem to make a darn bit of difference. The reason being is that I'm not seeing any extra base hits. Everything seems station to station for the most part.
Also, on default there are just way to many passed balls for both myself and the CPU. I guess turning down error frequency would help?
I haven't really messed with the arm accuracy but everything is on line with the default settings.
I haven't completely decided whether or not I'm going to keep this game. It's soooo close to being perfect that it's frusturating. Fortunately, the manager with whom I'm friendly with at EB said I could return it within a few days for credit towards MVP or another game.
I cannot figure out batting. Does the analog stick do anything when batting for aiming or contact (in verteran mode)? The instructions say something about the d-pad and up for flies and down for grounders, but then go on to say something regarding the analog stick for, not only the pitch guess, but to correct the location if you guess wrong!?!?! I am confused and help would be much appreciated. There is more to hitting on Veteran mode than just timing right?
sportdan30 wrote:Well, I caved and picked up MLB. What a beautiful representation of baseball. The commentary and atmosphere is wonderful. Pitching is a joy as is hitting.
However, the one sore spot for me is the arm strength of the players. I've toyed with it and turned it all the way down and frankly, it doesn't seem to make a darn bit of difference. The reason being is that I'm not seeing any extra base hits. Everything seems station to station for the most part.
Also, on default there are just way to many passed balls for both myself and the CPU. I guess turning down error frequency would help?
Hmmm. I turned arm accuarcy and strength down 5 ticks each and it seems OK. They do need to fix that for next year though. I played 4-5 games last night and had 2-4 doubles and a homerun each game playing on Veteran. You can increase your power by guessing the correct pitch/location. This is a nice feature and I don't think it is too overdone. The CPU had plenty of extra base hits as well.
Do you realize that on breaking balls you are aiming for a spot where the break begins (not ends up)? If you aim for a corner with a breaking pitch and miss on the meter you will almost certainly get a wild pitch. I'm just checking because you are new to the series. I really didn't notice the CPU having a lot of wild pitches.
My biggest beef is the strike calls, but other than that I am really enjoying the game.
I thought for sure he'd give our rotation that consistency we needed. It's early yet in the season, but I'm still crying about giving Haren away. 
