Please Post MLB 2005 Impressions

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:09 pm

Parker wrote:Hitting really isn't that much like High Heat. As far as I know, you don't get power bonuses in HH depending on how early you guess a pitch location and point the analog stick. It's a fairly unique system.

I was not really aware of the power bonus when 'charging up' a zone (no manual on the rental), but the you've got to admit the batting is pretty damn similar to high heat. The pitch speed, movement, and contact dynamic seem very close to me. Again though, I'm not complaining as the pitcher/batter interface is the strong point of the game and could be it's saving grace.

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:57 pm

It also depends on what level you are playing MLB at. On veteran, you can use both analog sticks, the right one to try and hit ground or fly balls. You can read more about the hitting system on the game tips screens.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:14 pm

Naples39 wrote:
Parker wrote:Hitting really isn't that much like High Heat. As far as I know, you don't get power bonuses in HH depending on how early you guess a pitch location and point the analog stick. It's a fairly unique system.
I was not really aware of the power bonus when 'charging up' a zone (no manual on the rental), but the you've got to admit the batting is pretty damn similar to high heat. The pitch speed, movement, and contact dynamic seem very close to me. Again though, I'm not complaining as the pitcher/batter interface is the strong point of the game and could be it's saving grace.

A big difference being that it's much tougher to tell a ball from a strike in MLB. I still think the zone is too big or too wide or maybe both. I'm sorry but a pitch inside and just above the letters "ain't no" strike. High Heat's strike zone was a lot more believeable. And, of course, we could edit pitch speed.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:18 pm

I agree about the size of the strike zone. I don't know why, across the board, game developers have this inflated idea of the strike zone. MVP, MLB, and if the demo is any indication, ESPN all have this problem. Anyone seen any videos of ASB? How does the strike zone look?

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:47 am

At least the strike zone in MLB is better than MVP, where it is stuck in the zone of Randy Johnson for every batter.

MLB is beginning to grow on me. Certainly not the end-all of baseball games, but delivers a solid package (gee, isn't that what everyone has been saying the last couple of days...). My feelings at the moment that MLB and MVP are of roughly equal quality, with different strong points.

lexbur · Post by **lexbur** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:05 pm

[quote="Naples39"]

-Brings me to rundowns. Do they exist in this game? Twice I have been caught in between bases and both times the cpu stood there with the ball at the lead base and left me all day to retreat a base.

Same thing has happened to me a few times, except I went for the lead base and was actually safe when I should have been out by a mile. As I've been fumbling around trying to learn how to run the bases, when I hit a shot in the gap that should be an easy double, even if I screw up on the basepaths, no matter how long it takes me to get to second I'll be safe, even if the second baseman is standing there with the ball waiting for me. Almost like it's predetermined that I'll be on second base.

Same thing has happened when I try to go from first to third on a single to right. If it's predetermined that you'll get to third, don't worry, take your time, you'll be safe no matter how long it takes you to get there.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:46 pm

you can't use the right analog for fly/grounder in Allstar difficulty Parker?

Parker wrote:It also depends on what level you are playing MLB at. On veteran, you can use both analog sticks, the right one to try and hit ground or fly balls. You can read more about the hitting system on the game tips screens.

Parker · Post by **Parker** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:48 pm

I don't know, can you? I usually use the left analog stick to guess a location. Using both would be tricky. I'll have to check. If you don't aim for a certain location in all-star, you will swing and miss often. Veteran is more timing.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 1:17 pm

lexbur wrote:
Naples39 wrote:
-Brings me to rundowns. Do they exist in this game? Twice I have been caught in between bases and both times the cpu stood there with the ball at the lead base and left me all day to retreat a base.

Same thing has happened to me a few times, except I went for the lead base and was actually safe when I should have been out by a mile. As I've been fumbling around trying to learn how to run the bases, when I hit a shot in the gap that should be an easy double, even if I screw up on the basepaths, no matter how long it takes me to get to second I'll be safe, even if the second baseman is standing there with the ball waiting for me. Almost like it's predetermined that I'll be on second base.

Same thing has happened when I try to go from first to third on a single to right. If it's predetermined that you'll get to third, don't worry, take your time, you'll be safe no matter how long it takes you to get there.

This I havent seen. I've got thrown out, when doing that exact same thing on what should have been a double. I get thrown out trying to go from 1st to 3rd on singles several times.

J_Cauthen · Post by **J_Cauthen** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:13 pm

I stumbled upon a rental copy at Blockbuster this morning (finally). I've played one game, but you guys are pretty much on track with your analysis of this game.

I really like the pitching interface better than MVP's. It requires more skill to pick the target for where you want to start the pitch versus where it will cross the plate. This feels much more natural. I also like the pitch speeds and ball animation - it's a tad easier to pick up than MVP 2004 (XBox)

The lack of check swings hasn't bothered me as much as I thought it would so far. I can follow the ball better than MVP, so I'm less likely to swing at pitches out of the zone. I'd still rather have the ability to check though.

The animations are purer, overall than MVP.

The stadiums look really sharp and spatially balanced.

The audio is so-so... not in MVP's class overall, but acceptable. Hearing Scully call the game helps a lot!

Two things that really bother me:

The fielders do seem to be in auto for a spell. I've missed getting a couple of jumps on balls because the game wouldn't let me have control of the fielder yet. I tried upping the skill level from Rookie to Veteran and it seemed to make no difference.

Most of the balls come off the bat as if they were high bounders. Several times I thought the batter had hit a high-hopper, only to find that it was a fly when I caught it. It's something about the way the ball comes off the bat.

I made a umber of blunders because I don't know what control does what. You know how it is when you rent a game a Blockbuster and you get no manual.

Is there an online manual for this game anywhere? I really need some help baserunning.

Overall I like this game better than MVP 2004 on the XBox, but I'm not sure I can get used to this lack of resonse controlling the fielders. Need to play a few more games before I form a final opinion on that.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:19 pm

Try this for instructions:

http://www.gamefly.com/products/detail. ... 8825&tab=5

I don't think you have to be a member to view them.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:32 pm

"The fielders do seem to be in auto for a spell. I've missed getting a couple of jumps on balls because the game wouldn't let me have control of the fielder yet. I tried upping the skill level from Rookie to Veteran and it seemed to make no difference."

I can't believe this doesn't bother other people as well. It's downright ridiculous if you ask me. Playing defense should be a challenge as well as fun. It's clearly not in this game. So f'n what if the animations are silky smooth. Ultimately, the fielding issue is what has left me feeling bored and detached.

J_Cauthen · Post by **J_Cauthen** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:05 pm

Many thanks for the link Slumberland - that answered most of my questions!

Sportdan,

I've heard the control lag being complained about by quite a few people. Honestly though, no one could have prepared me for something this severe. I noticed also that when you're fielding a flyball, once the fielder gets to the optimum spot to catch it... you can't move him any further if you try! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!?

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:33 pm

Glad the link helped.

I agree that the autofielding is a problem. It's most pronounced when I want to charge a ball in the outfield, but the game has decided for me that I'm going to let it drop. The outfielder slows to a shuffle, and I can't do a thing about it. I've experimented with forcing him to dive forward, with very mixed results. It does seem to override the CPU-initiated slowdown, however. One thing I do like about the fielding, when you do manage to pull of a user initiated dive, it looks and feels very convincing, at least to me.

There are a ton of things to potentially piss me off in this game, but I enjoy hitting the ball so much with the engine they've implemented that I'm willing to look past some of their gaffes. I really like the "weight" they've given the ball. If they play it smart, free up the user control (less auto-fielding, let you check your swing) and add some use walks I think they'll have something amazing. It's sort of like Home Run King for me, where the positives outweigh even glaring negatives.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 7:44 pm

Slumberland wrote:Glad the link helped.
There are a ton of things to potentially piss me off in this game, but I enjoy hitting the ball so much with the engine they've implemented that I'm willing to look past some of their gaffes. I really like the "weight" they've given the ball. If they play it smart, free up the user control (less auto-fielding, let you check your swing) and add some use walks I think they'll have something amazing. It's sort of like Home Run King for me, where the positives outweigh even glaring negatives.

I agree. Fielding absolutely sucks in this game. However, I like the hitting so much I can overlook it...for now. I play a lot of games where I just hit for both teams! I really like Slumberland's "weight" comment. This is the first game that I really feel like I am hitting a real baseball and it is traveling in the manner that it should.

Ed_Farias · Post by **Ed_Farias** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:30 pm

I am pretty sure the game devs either just go by the rulebook strikezone, or are forced to go by the rulebook strike zone by MLB.

Just a thought.

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:45 pm

The worst I had was bases loaded no outs. Batter hits it right in front of home. My catcher grabs it before the guy on 3rd is a quarter way to home but suddenly goes into this huge hop and get ready to throw to first animation taking him halfway across the infield away from home while I'm practically breaking my controller pushing down for him to touch home. Everyone's safe run scores on what should have been 2 outs no runs EASY.

Still like it better than MVP though

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:02 pm

Me too.

They need a "cancel pre-loaded throw" function. Sometimes I'm holding down circle on a tough infield play, just to save time. If I don't come up with it, by the time the outfielder gets to it, that throw to first is still preloaded. Little things like that have cost me runs.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:23 pm

It's sort of like Home Run King for me, where the positives outweigh even glaring negatives.

It's funny you say that. I was thinking the exact same thing. There are some issues, but I still can't stop playing it. Exactly the way it was for me with HR King. Man it's too bad that game died, off, it was a blast, and the game I thought had most potential of the baseball games that year.

Chris_989Sports · Post by **Chris_989Sports** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:29 pm

Slumberland wrote:Me too.

They need a "cancel pre-loaded throw" function. Sometimes I'm holding down circle on a tough infield play, just to save time. If I don't come up with it, by the time the outfielder gets to it, that throw to first is still preloaded. Little things like that have cost me runs.

You are right, there is no "cancel pre-loaded throw" function. I will add it to my growing list.

You can, however, change the base you have pre-loaded to throw to, as long as you change before the *throw* animation begins.

Chris

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Tue Mar 23, 2004 10:40 pm

Good to know! Thanks for the tip.

By the way, good to see you over here! I've been reading your posts over at OS, and developers usually have a funny habit of disappearing as soon as the game is released. Thanks for continuing to talk to the people about what worked and what didn't. You'll find that the DSP crowd is filled with some smart cookies.

pigpen81 · Post by **pigpen81** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:37 am

Chris...you guys have made a fantastic game..but here are I few things I would change.

#1. Shrink the strike zone slightly.....I don't think you need to change anything with the pitching AI...if you shorten the strike zone and take away strikes where the ball barely touches the st. line...walks will increase greatly.

#2. Give us a little more control of fielders....and add a ball shadow so fielding without the ball marker won't be so difficult.

#3. Improve jumping at the wall. The animations could use improvement.

#4. Punish fielders for throwing off balance or off of one foot...make them set their feet more.

#5. Improve collision detection in stadiums...although the stadiums are freakin beautiful.

#6. Give us more flexibilty with the rosters.

#7. Allow us to change fielder positions during a game...I couldn't switch positons with Loduca(1B) and Kendall(C)

I want to tell that I absolutely love this game. I am already in game 23 of my Dodger franchise...am 18 million in the hole...and have only simmed 2 games. Great stuff. The hitting has me hooked. I feel so rewarded when I succeed and feel justified when I fail....awesome effort.

Some teaks here and there and you guys have the greatest ever...along the lines of Pro Evo/Winning Eleven series on your hands...and hopefully in ours.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 1:50 am

pigpen81 wrote: #1. Shrink the strike zone slightly.....I don't think you need to change anything with the pitching AI...if you shorten the strike zone and take away strikes where the ball barely touches the st. line...walks will increase greatly.

Yes! That is right on. I think the AI is throwing enough "balls" per se... they just aren't called as such.

Chris_989Sports · Post by **Chris_989Sports** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:22 am

Slumberland wrote:Good to know! Thanks for the tip.

By the way, good to see you over here! I've been reading your posts over at OS, and developers usually have a funny habit of disappearing as soon as the game is released. Thanks for continuing to talk to the people about what worked and what didn't. You'll find that the DSP crowd is filled with some smart cookies.

Hehe..I may disappear for a bit..I have a lot of sleep to catch up on.

Seriously, the only way we can make a better game is to listen to what people have to say about it. I spend more time here and on the OS boards because, for the most part, the posts are well thought out and informative.

Of course, internally we have feature goals that number in the hundreds, if not more, and we intend to implement as many as possible.

I can assure you...I read and take notes on everything written here..both good and bad. As the lead animator on the game, I don't have control over most aspects of the game, but I pass on every comment to the appropriate person(s).

Chris

Chris_989Sports · Post by **Chris_989Sports** » Wed Mar 24, 2004 2:27 am

pigpen81 wrote:Chris...you guys have made a fantastic game..but here are I few things I would change.

#1. Shrink the strike zone slightly.....I don't think you need to change anything with the pitching AI...if you shorten the strike zone and take away strikes where the ball barely touches the st. line...walks will increase greatly.

#2. Give us a little more control of fielders....and add a ball shadow so fielding without the ball marker won't be so difficult.

#3. Improve jumping at the wall. The animations could use improvement.

#4. Punish fielders for throwing off balance or off of one foot...make them set their feet more.

#5. Improve collision detection in stadiums...although the stadiums are freakin beautiful.

#6. Give us more flexibilty with the rosters.

#7. Allow us to change fielder positions during a game...I couldn't switch positons with Loduca(1B) and Kendall(C)

I want to tell that I absolutely love this game. I am already in game 23 of my Dodger franchise...am 18 million in the hole...and have only simmed 2 games. Great stuff. The hitting has me hooked. I feel so rewarded when I succeed and feel justified when I fail....awesome effort.

Some teaks here and there and you guys have the greatest ever...along the lines of Pro Evo/Winning Eleven series on your hands...and hopefully in ours.

Thanks for the comments.

You will be happy to know that items 1 - 6 on your list are very high on ours as well...along with check swings.

I will have to check on #7.

Chris