PSP: MLB Impressions...

[Leebo33]

You do know that your aiming where the pitch STARTS to break, not where it will end up right? That's the thing about MLB (console and psp)...you have to get used to how much each pitch breaks (it changes as the pitcher gets tired too), that way you can start the ball out in the correct spot so that it doesn't fly all over the place. I think that's the biggest problem that people have with the game...they don't understand that about the pitching.

You really have to watch it when the pitchers get tired. I will sometimes "let up" on the pitch if my pitcher is tired and I'm nibbling on the corners with a breaking pitch. I also won't hesitate to visit the mound if my pitcher is rattled. The larger meter with the outfield view also helps for those of us older gamers

[sportdan30]

There's definitely something screwy with the breaking balls in this game. Noteably the slider. I'll have it what I think is aimed perfectly on the outside corner and the frickin' ball will go sailing nowhere close to the catcher.

You do know that your aiming where the pitch STARTS to break, not where it will end up right? That's the thing about MLB (console and psp)...you have to get used to how much each pitch breaks (it changes as the pitcher gets tired too), that way you can start the ball out in the correct spot so that it doesn't fly all over the place. I think that's the biggest problem that people have with the game...they don't understand that about the pitching.

Yeah, after I read what I wrote I realized the error in my ways. Still, there are too many balls in the dirt and always at least one or two pass balls a game. Beyond that, the other issues I commented on just dampen my enjoyment of the game. MLB truly has a lot of positives going for it, but there are just too many little things that MVP does much beter.

[Dave]

DB, that's why I like MLB's pitching system the most, with or without the meter. It is much more realistic to aim where the pitcher is going to throw the ball on a breaking pitch, not where it'll end up.

I need to make up my mind on this game, but me and my wife's current battle for a Lumines top score is delaying the process.

[ScoopBrady]

There's definitely something screwy with the breaking balls in this game. Noteably the slider. I'll have it what I think is aimed perfectly on the outside corner and the frickin' ball will go sailing nowhere close to the catcher.

You do know that your aiming where the pitch STARTS to break, not where it will end up right? That's the thing about MLB (console and psp)...you have to get used to how much each pitch breaks (it changes as the pitcher gets tired too), that way you can start the ball out in the correct spot so that it doesn't fly all over the place. I think that's the biggest problem that people have with the game...they don't understand that about the pitching.

I agree. And in regards to passed balls, I used to see them right when I got the game but as I got used to playing it on the PSP and changed to the Outfield pitching view I've all but eliminated that problem. If I see them now it's because I left my pitcher in too long. A quick sub and control is restored. This game will punish you for trying to squeek an extra inning out of your pitcher. I, for one, like that.

[Badgun]

There's definitely something screwy with the breaking balls in this game. Noteably the slider. I'll have it what I think is aimed perfectly on the outside corner and the frickin' ball will go sailing nowhere close to the catcher.

You do know that your aiming where the pitch STARTS to break, not where it will end up right? That's the thing about MLB (console and psp)...you have to get used to how much each pitch breaks (it changes as the pitcher gets tired too), that way you can start the ball out in the correct spot so that it doesn't fly all over the place. I think that's the biggest problem that people have with the game...they don't understand that about the pitching.

Yeah, that's got to be what he's doing wrong. I only have passed balls and wild pitches when I make a bad pitch.

[Blublub]

Yeah, that's got to be what he's doing wrong. I only have passed balls and wild pitches when I make a bad pitch.

That's what I thought too - having never played the series before i didn't realize the spot was before the break either. Wild pitches went down significantly after I RTFM. But the PBs are a different story. They still happen wayyyy too often and with absolutely no rhyme or reason. I was playing a game yesterday where I put in a middle reliever, fully warmed-up, with the bases loaded, and I kid you not every single runner scored on a passed ball. After the first I was keeping the ball up and it still happened - balls off the glove, not just in the dirt. Really strange stuff.

Sure hope it's something I'm doing wrong.

Leebo, dead on about Gretsky. Unfortunately I skipped the "I can't believe it's on a handheld" stage since I had MLB and WTS first. It pretty much blew from the first face-off. I see huge potential for a hockey game done right, but this definitely isn't it.

[HockeyJock]

I picked up a copy of MLB on Saturday and put in about 10 games since then. I am enjoying the game quite a bit. A side from the past ball glitch, the 2 other issues I am having are the inability to increase your lead off after the the cpu auto lead and not having the option to adjust your defensive players. I do understand that these are not game breakers but it does bother me to some extent. I think I have 1 stolen base in 12 attempts. I also wish that I could change the starting pitcher for the cpu as well. In quick play games if I'm not mistaken, you always go up against their Ace pitcher. Otherwise I think this is an outstanding baseball game.

[Spooky]

I picked up a copy of MLB on Saturday and put in about 10 games since then. I am enjoying the game quite a bit. A side from the past ball glitch, the 2 other issues I am having are the inability to increase your lead off after the the cpu auto lead and not having the option to adjust your defensive players. I do understand that these are not game breakers but it does bother me to some extent. I think I have 1 stolen base in 12 attempts. I also wish that I could change the starting pitcher for the cpu as well. In quick play games if I'm not mistaken, you always go up against their Ace pitcher. Otherwise I think this is an outstanding baseball game.

Good points as those are my issues as well. It's a very, very good game but I think I will be getting MVP for my PSP baseball fix as long as it has no major issues in it's port over to the PSP.

[MizzouRah]

Played two games tonight on AS level and I don't know if it's the "WOW" I have a psp and a baseball game factor, but the game IS quite fun to play so far.

I've had to de-MVP myself when pitching and now it's much better. I like the hitting model so far, much easier to hit than MVP - of course it was easier on the ps2 version as well. Definitly fun so far and although MVP on the Xbox is still much better, imo.. MLB is a keeper for me, unless MVP gets massive praise - I just like the difference in games and with no freezing, I'll take it for the psp.

The commentary is a blast throught the ear buds.

I did forget to check and see if a fantasy draft is available.. if not, I'll see what I can do with the Cardinals.


Todd

[dbdynsty25]

MLB is a keeper for me, unless MVP gets massive praise - I just like the difference in games and with no freezing, I'll take it for the psp.

That's pretty much where I'm at too. MLB is different, so it'll probably hang around...unless MVP is just THAT much better.

[MizzouRah]

With auto baserunning on and the arm strenght turned all the way down.. the game plays well. The thing that is starting to bother me is the strikezone.. too many low balls are called strikes. I'm finding the wide camera angle is better for hitting.. although at times it's still hard to see the ball.. LOL!

Like many have said, playing a game and watching the Cardinals on TV, does it get any better?


Todd

[sportdan30]

Like many have said, playing a game and watching the Cardinals on TV, does it get any better?

Not when you put 9 on the board in the 8th inning and Mulder pitches a gem. Great game last night!

As you said, the strike zone is baffling at times. It's really hard to determine the low pitches and whether or not they're strikes. MVP has a much better strike zone IMO.

[GTHobbes]

Todd, are you using the guess pitch and location feature? For whatever reason, using that feature really helps with the strike zone. I got in 5 innings with the Cards against the Padres when I was waiting at the dentist's office this morning, and Peavy has walked 2 through 5, throwing 33 strikes and 24 balls. Guessing the pitch and location helps give me the will power to lay off swinging at pitches out of my "zone," and there really are a lot of borderline pitches that are called balls. If you go up there hacking though, you'll find yourself swinging at a lot of pitches outside the zone, and getting pissed when you do take one and it's called a strike.

[JackB1]

so is everyone satisfied with this game as a way to get their baseball fix on a portable? I am having a hard time gauging all the responses....some are saying it's great, while other are returning it or saying it's got problems. Too bad we have to wait so long for MVP!

[dbdynsty25]

Not when you put 9 on the board in the 8th inning and Mulder pitches a gem. Great game last night!

Hudson was better...LOL. Nothing like the Braves going to extra innings tied 0-0 for the second game in a row. Holy crap can we score a run or two for our pitchers. Hudson has gotten two runs of support in three starts, and Smoltz has 2 as well. Both of them have been nails for the past two games each...WTF?

[dbdynsty25]

so is everyone satisfied with this game as a way to get their baseball fix on a portable? I am having a hard time gauging all the responses....some are saying it's great, while other are returning it or saying it's got problems. Too bad we have to wait so long for MVP!

I don't think anyone can conclusively say that...seeing as how the competition isn't out yet. As stated before, I think MVP is better on the consoles, so it's a damn good chance it's better on the PSP as well. We'll just have to wait and see. MLB is serviceable for sure...it remains to be see if it's the best game available for that so-called 'fix' you're referring to.

[sportdan30]

so is everyone satisfied with this game as a way to get their baseball fix on a portable? I am having a hard time gauging all the responses....some are saying it's great, while other are returning it or saying it's got problems. Too bad we have to wait so long for MVP!

Jack,

I'd say that the majority of the people are quite happy with their purchase of MLB. I, on the other hand feel as though they were sooo very close to making this "the handheld baseball game" to own but came up just a little short. If you've played MLB on the PS2 before, then you pretty much know what to expect. They've done a phenomenal job having it play very close to how it plays on the console.

[Dave]

I definitely like watching the Twins and playing baseball at the same time. Do I have a problem?

Does anyone else feel like the batting average of balls in play is a bit high? I tend to get about 1/3 to 1/2 of my outs by striking out, but still end up with about 10 hits a game. It all works out from a statistical perspective, but can be frustrating since I often fail to play "the right way" by moving guys over, etc. Hopefully I will cut my strikeout rate and can start worrying about contact.

I agree that the guess pitch feature helps with the strike zone, mainly because I don't swing with less than 2 strikes most of the time if I didn't guess correctly.

Jack, just get the damn system and game already. It is an incredibly engrossing game that is fun to play despite a few flaws. Maybe I'm being easy on it since it is a handheld baseball game light years beyond any other.

[MizzouRah]

Todd, are you using the guess pitch and location feature? For whatever reason, using that feature really helps with the strike zone. I got in 5 innings with the Cards against the Padres when I was waiting at the dentist's office this morning, and Peavy has walked 2 through 5, throwing 33 strikes and 24 balls. Guessing the pitch and location helps give me the will power to lay off swinging at pitches out of my "zone," and there really are a lot of borderline pitches that are called balls. If you go up there hacking though, you'll find yourself swinging at a lot of pitches outside the zone, and getting pissed when you do take one and it's called a strike.

Yes, love that feature.

I'm starting to really like pitching as it's much harder than MVP, imo. Are you all playing on AS or the one below that one? For me, AS has been quite challenging - although I still have problems picking up the pitches (would be nice to make the ball a tad bigger, lol)

I think I'm close to starting a season with the Cardinals as turning down the arm strength all the way and turning on auto baserunning seems to solve the 2b's issues.

Jack,

I think I'm also being a bit on the forgiving side considering what 989 did with a handheld baseball game. The commentary alone buzzing from my ear buds makes me enjoy this game.. and since I have MVP for the Xbox, I like the variation in games. In fact, MLB is much faster on the psp than the ps2 in terms of getting a game in - that I'm having much more fun with it than before on the ps2. Pitching is a challenge and I love the guess pitch feature.

I'm having so much fun with MVP as well on the Xbox that I really don't want to play the same game on my portable. If you're in the same boat, get MLB - it's definitly fun.


Todd

[sportdan30]

If MVP plays as well on the PSP that it does on the XBox, I have no problems dumping my Xbox version. Yeah, I'm a bit disappointed it's coming out late, but it does allow you to play an abbreviated season. I figure I'll just play an 82 game season. MLB by the way also lets you play a shortened season if you so desire. By the way, YOU WILL LOVE THE SLEEP MODE!

If you're still confused over which game to buy, go through Gamefly and play MLB as long as you want. They have a 10 day free trial that you can take advantage of.

[Sully]

Not when you put 9 on the board in the 8th inning and Mulder pitches a gem. Great game last night!

Hudson was better...LOL. Nothing like the Braves going to extra innings tied 0-0 for the second game in a row. Holy crap can we score a run or two for our pitchers. Hudson has gotten two runs of support in three starts, and Smoltz has 2 as well. Both of them have been nails for the past two games each...WTF?

Yeah, Smoltz may be 0-3, but could easily be 2-1. Strange thing is, Hampton may be pitching the best right now, in that rotation. I'm glad the Phillies were able to take 2 out of 3.

Myers and Hampton put on a pitching clinic Sunday night, then Clemens and Hudson did the same last night.
It has to be somewhat frustrating to watch your rotation pitch lights out, and the offense isn't doing their part...at least not in the last 3 games. They'll come around.

Back on topic, I can't wait for MVP. I'm picking up MLB when I head out later on.

[dbdynsty25]

It has to be somewhat frustrating to watch your rotation pitch lights out, and the offense isn't doing their part...at least not in the last 3 games. They'll come around.

It has been brutal. When was the last time you can think of a team going 0-0 into extra innings twice in a row? The thing about Hampton is that he's not going to be as dominant as Huddy and Smoltz...he doesn't the strikeouts. You look up, and he's got 4 k's but he's induced 20 ground ball outs...it really is amazing. I heard a stat last night...Hampton has allowed 2 runs or less in 17 of the last 20 starts...that is on fire. Not to mention he is 12-1 in that span...which means he's not getting support (just like the rest of the staff). I was at the game Smoltz pitched against Pedro...that was one sweet game to attend (surpassed only by game 3 against the Cubbies in the playoffs at Wrigley in '98, getting the sweep by blowing them out in a Maddux/Wood matchup).

[sportdan30]

Didn't realize how much you'd miss J.D. Drew, huh?

[Sully]

It has to be somewhat frustrating to watch your rotation pitch lights out, and the offense isn't doing their part...at least not in the last 3 games. They'll come around.

It has been brutal. When was the last time you can think of a team going 0-0 into extra innings twice in a row? The thing about Hampton is that he's not going to be as dominant as Huddy and Smoltz...he doesn't the strikeouts. You look up, and he's got 4 k's but he's induced 20 ground ball outs...it really is amazing. I heard a stat last night...Hampton has allowed 2 runs or less in 17 of the last 20 starts...that is on fire. Not to mention he is 12-1 in that span...which means he's not getting support (just like the rest of the staff). I was at the game Smoltz pitched against Pedro...that was one sweet game to attend (surpassed only by game 3 against the Cubbies in the playoffs at Wrigley in '98, getting the sweep by blowing them out in a Maddux/Wood matchup).

They mentioned a stat during the Phils/Braves game that, dating back to last year's All-Star break, the Braves were 16-1 in games that he started.

They went on to lose the game against the Phils, but it definitely wasn't his fault. Hell, he almost drove in the winning run, but Estrada was nailed at the plate.

[dbdynsty25]

Didn't realize how much you'd miss J.D. Drew, huh?

What's JD Drew batting this year? Nope, don't miss him.

In case you're too lazy to look .146 avg, 1 hr, 3 rbi. Jordan and Mondesi are both hitting better than that.