ESPN Baseball Impressions ...

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:37 pm

On default allstar, with all the pitch aids off, the CPU was impossible to K. I had 0 in 9 innings.

I put the pitch cursor on and tweaked the AI swing sliders a bit and started to get some K's in my 2nd game.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:47 pm

snate,

are you finding those two adjustments are giving you enjoyable/realistic games? i think i adusted the sliders too much as i k'd 10 times last game and got beat 7-0. I also only struck out one batter with Pedro (vs. Orioles). Just wondering.

And dan, i have been playing now for about 3 hours and i am enjoying it the more i play it. I don't think this one is going to have the tide turn, at least not from what i can see so far. Hope you jump aboard, don't think you'll be disappointed.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:47 pm

Couple more questions.

Have any of you drawn any walks?

How bout giving up walks to the AI?

If you've messed with the "pitcher control" slider, how effective is it?

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:49 pm

I can't wait to get online with this one. Web - you up for a game tonight? I have a real game tonight, but I should be home around 10:00. Let me know.

Rally - I found that my adjustments (I made several) helped alot. was having a very enjoyable/realistic game when I had to go back to work.

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:51 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Couple more questions.

Have any of you drawn any walks?

How bout giving up walks to the AI?

If you've messed with the "pitcher control" slider, how effective is it?

1) Yes, several

2) Yes, several

3) Extremely effective. When I put CPU control way down I walked with 3 out of the next 4 batters

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:55 pm

Definitely, Snate.

I'll be popping this one in for myself in about half an hour. Your impressions have me salivating.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 5:58 pm

webdanzer wrote:Definitely, Snate.

I'll be popping this one in for myself in about half an hour. Your impressions have me salivating.

Im there with you.

I have fingers crossed.

Here goes.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:03 pm

I saw a bit of everything in my first game, Mets vs. Marlins:

-realistic pitch counts
-drew a walk after fighting off some tough pitches
-a screamer down the first base line
-upon review, the first base ump clearly blew a call
-I hit a batter unintentionally
-offline throw home from the outfield, allowing me to score

The game definitely seems improved. The zone batting is a pleasure compared to last year's system, and generated a good variety of hits. They also seem to have fixed the stealing issues as well as the size of the strike zone.

The only knock I would give it would be in the graphics department. Some faces have improved, others it seems like they didn't even try. As someone mentioned in another forum, the players' faces are often lighter than the rest of their skin, giving the strange impression that they've got a special spotlight on their faces.

None of the graphical issues really bug me though. If early indicators pan out, this'll probably be my choice this year. I think MLB 2005 has the most potential of any of the current engines to be the "Winning Eleven of baseball" (not counting Pro Baseball Spirits, of course), but with no check swings, no off-line throws, no walks, and a rather hands-off approach to fielding, MLB sometimes feels like a glorified game of batting practice, where runs happen to be scored. ESPN has all the things I just mentioned, plus a good model for day-to-day positional fatigue.

Crossing my fingers against any lurking game-killers!

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:07 pm

Finished my earlier game and played another. I am quite pleased so far.

Pitching is the best of the bunch this year. It seems to have incorporated the 'add a little, take a little off your pitch' of the MVP sytem with the 'know the break of your pitch when you're aiming' of MLB's system.

Batting is damn good. It takes the High Heat system and tweaks it. In other words not only do you have to aim in the right part of the strike zone to make contact, but the pressure you put on the analog stick is also a factor. So it is possible to make bad contact or good contact depending on the pressure you apply. Very nice.

Fielding is really well done as well. In all of the other games the fielding aid comes up and you just run to that spot, in ESPN the fielding aid comes up but it is moving so you still have to read where the bal will land. Nice job.

FPB is not all that bad. There are camera settings within the first person view and is pretty fun. It's still a novelty but a nice added extra to mix it up with every now and again.

Can't wait to take this one online tonight.

The cpu baserunning AI is great. If you make a mistake with your throw in the cpu will take advantage of it. I haven't seen that in other games this year.

Walks can be drawn and you will find yourself walking AI batters as well.

Player models look much better this year. The shrunken heads of last years version seem to have been worked out and the players now look more proportionally correct. The faces aren't the best but at least there's no more Beetlejuice.

I'm sure there will be things people will find that they don't like about this game but early on I'd have to say this has the potential of being the best of the crop this year. Hopefully more playtime will support that statement instead of weaken it.

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:12 pm

The are alot of new fielding camera views and cut scenes.

Controls are the so responsive - running and cutoffs work flawlessly.

The fielding model really feels great. Here are some things I really liked:

Line drive off my pitcher. Ricochets off of him. He takes a step over and tries to pick it up bare handed but drops it again. Runner safe.

Sinking drive to center. I have Cameron speed bursting in. I dive for the ball when I probably could have caught it on the run. What happens? I dive right by the ball. It lands behind me and rolls to the wall. Triple. I need to get used to Cameron's studly fielding range. I blame that one on watching Roger Cedeno over the last few years.

Furcal hits a groundball to 3rd. Wiggy's throw is off line. Furcal just beats Phillips to the bag as he tries to reach back for the bag.

Furcal hits a ball up the middle. Matsui has to dive. He catches it makes a good throw but Furcal beats it.

Franco on 3rd. Medium fly to center. Goes back to tag and breaks on the throw. Starts to retreat, but then ball short hops Piazza and gets past him. Runner scores.

Wide variety. Challenging. Exciting.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:12 pm

Last question. I'm pretty much sold. Just a bit confused about the ability to make contact. Some people have mentioned that making contact in this game seems easy. Then, I read where others have said they are striking out at a pretty good rate. So, which one is it? I'm guessing sliders will prove to be a factor.......

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:14 pm

upon review, the first base ump clearly blew a call

You know I had one of these too. There was a close play at 2nd and on the replay it looked like the guy got there before the tag.

If they coded some bad calls in the game, that would be pretty cool!

Brando70 · Post by **Brando70** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:16 pm

Ah, crap, there goes another $50! So much for resisting the urge -- I'm going to stop by the store tonight and grab this if it's in.

Seriously, though, thanks to everyone for taking time out to leave impressions.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:16 pm

I'd like to believe it's intentional too, snate. It's good stuff.

snate · Post by **snate** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:19 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Last question. I'm pretty much sold. Just a bit confused about the ability to make contact. Some people have mentioned that making contact in this game seems easy. Then, I read where others have said they are striking out at a pretty good rate. So, which one is it? I'm guessing sliders will prove to be a factor.......

I struck out 13 times on Allstar default with true aim. Plus there are sliders galore. I do not forsee this being a problem.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:19 pm

"I blame that one on watching Roger Cedeno over the last few years."

I thought the trade for Cedeno for Delgado and Widger was a steal for the Cards, but my early impression of Cedeno is not good. Not only does he not work the count, he made one of the poorest attempts at diving for a ball I've seen in years. I thought this dude had wheels. He looked slow. I know his defense isn't the best, but even his speed seemed lacking.

Back to the discussion at hand.... In-game saves?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:20 pm

Brando70 wrote:Ah, crap, there goes another $50! So much for resisting the urge -- I'm going to stop by the store tonight and grab this if it's in.

Seriously, though, thanks to everyone for taking time out to leave impressions.

Brando,
More good news. This urge will only cost you $40. That's 20% off of your normal urge.

pigpen81 · Post by **pigpen81** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:21 pm

good news Brando...only $40

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:21 pm

Dan,
Yes in-game saves are available.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:22 pm

How's the AI intelligence in terms of pitching?

Will they work both sides of the plate?

Will they pinch hit for a reliever?

Will they bring in the closer at the appropriate time?

Can you tell a difference in facing a pitcher rather than a regular player when you're on the mound? Meaning, more times than not will you strike the pitcher out?

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:23 pm

i'm on my way to buy it tonight.

MVP can bite my left nut.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:25 pm

sportdan30 wrote:How's the AI intelligence in terms of pitching?

Will they work both sides of the plate?

Will they pinch hit for a reliever?

Will they bring in the closer at the appropriate time?

Can you tell a difference in facing a pitcher rather than a regular player when you're on the mound? Meaning, more times than not will you strike the pitcher out?

In order
1. CPU Pitching AI seems very good so far. They will mix it up and even try to get you to chase pitches for cheap strikes.

2. Yes.

3. They will pinch hit for relievers and starters when it's time to get them out.

4. Pitchers suck in this game at the plate like they should. Of course you will give up the occasional hit to them but in general there's a noticeable difference between pitchers and standard hitters.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:30 pm

You guys have been amazing in regards to replying to everyones questions. You've definitely have sold me on this game.

Thanks.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:31 pm

snate wrote:Sinking drive to center. I have Cameron speed bursting in. I dive for the ball when I probably could have caught it on the run. What happens?

Speed bursting? Please tell me you're kidding. They better not have a f*cking speed burst button in a baseball game.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:33 pm

Yes db, there is a speed burst button for fielding. You can turn it off however.

Digital Sportspage

ESPN Baseball Impressions ...

you guys suck!