The Show "MLB 07" Thread

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Sat May 19, 2007 6:03 am

If anyone who doesn't have the game is interested in hearing about some of the new animations, I just saw a nice one...My created player was leading off an inning against Ian Snell at PNC, and he popped a 2-2 pitch straight up in the air. After taking his swing, you could see him throw his bat down in disgust in front of the plate as he started his jog to first, waiting for the second baseman to make the catch. It perfectly captured the feeling of disgust I had with my created player popping out to start the inning. This game rocks, btw.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Sat May 19, 2007 8:40 am

It perfectly captured the feeling of disgust I had with my created player popping out to start the inning. This game rocks, btw.

Agreed. One of my favorites has been when i lept at the wall to take a double away from the opposing batter and the camera followed him into the dugout where he in turn hurled his helmet into the back wall. I couldn't help but smile as though i ACTUALLY stole a hit away from someone.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat May 19, 2007 9:57 am

sportdan30 wrote:What a great great game. I am so impressed with this title. It just feels like baseball. I know that comment has been said over and over again, but it's just so true.

Started my season, and while I lost 6-4 in the opener, I rallied back from a 5-1 deficit. A solo shot by Edmonds who worked the count to 2-2, along with consecutive hits by Scottie, Juan, Kennedy, and Molina brought the game to 5-4. If I was down 5-1 in 2K7, I felt completely hopeless. The main reason why is that I never could string more than a couple hits together. The game for whatever reason seemed too random in a way.

By the way, I downloaded the current rosters. Wow, they're right up to date! They have Carp and Wilson on the dl, and Thompson in the rotation. Ludwick has been called up to majors. What happens when Carpenter and Wilson come back from injury? Will it alert me, or do I just manually put him back on the active roster?

I didn't realize that they have up to date news in real time for every major league team. Acquisition, trades, injuries, etc. Way cool.

Almost forgot. Love how they took various sound bites from radio announcers broadcasting exciting games and play them sporatically through the menu system.

Edmonds hit a HR? Rosters are definitly inaccurate.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat May 19, 2007 10:14 am

I'm going to start a "practice" franchise this weekend to check it out. Can't wait.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Sat May 19, 2007 10:33 pm

I just had an awesome game against the Brewers. Lilly was on the hill and he was untouchable. I started the game and I noticed that he was hitting his spots and I was mixing his pitches well and he just kept getting stronger with confidence.

I love how in this game you can really tell when a pitcher is on and when he isn't. Anyway I was plugging along and I got a couple of real good defensive efforts from my infield. Next thing I know they show Lilly and he has retired 12 straight. I get to the 7th with no hits or walks, the announcers start off the inning by showing the line score and say something about it being too early to talk about it but you can see where we stand. Cool!

Anyway my short stop commits and error in the 7th, but I quickly roll a pair and I go into the 8th with the no-no intact. Unfortunately I have thrown a lot of pitches, I had a lot of 3-2 counts and a few at bats where I went 10-12 pitches with foul balls. I notice my control is starting to falter and the game is only a 2-0 so i need to keep that in mind.

I make a mistake and hang a curve to the second guy and he drill a solid single up the middle. I decided to stay with Lilly, because my bull pen has blown the last 3 games. I get out of the inning and take a 1 hitter into the 9th.

I get the first guy on a deep fly ball, surrender my second hit and then walk the next guy. Reluctantly I go to Dempster out of the pen. He proceeds to give up a run scoring single. so now it's 2-1 runners on first and second with one out. Next guy, I miss on a slider and he tatoos it but it goes fould. I'm seriously just flat out nervous as hell after that. He then fouls out to Lee who practically went into the stands to get it. Then Dempster gets the ground out to second to secure the win.

The fact that the momentum of the game shifted in a split second when I had to go to the bullpen, well it's hard to describe but the feeling was palatable. It's been a long time since a game has done that for me.

I'm still not crazy about the graphics, and there are a few things which could use improvement. But honestly this is probably the best baseball game I've ever played.

Just one thing for the Dev's, please record another line for when Derek Lee makes a play at first. If I hear "that's no problem for the Gold glover Lee" one more time I might kill myself.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sun May 20, 2007 1:31 am

Danimal wrote:I just had an awesome game against the Brewers. Lilly was on the hill and he was untouchable. I started the game and I noticed that he was hitting his spots and I was mixing his pitches well and he just kept getting stronger with confidence.

I love how in this game you can really tell when a pitcher is on and when he isn't. Anyway I was plugging along and I got a couple of real good defensive efforts from my infield. Next thing I know they show Lilly and he has retired 12 straight. I get to the 7th with no hits or walks, the announcers start off the inning by showing the line score and say something about it being too early to talk about it but you can see where we stand. Cool!

Anyway my short stop commits and error in the 7th, but I quickly roll a pair and I go into the 8th with the no-no intact. Unfortunately I have thrown a lot of pitches, I had a lot of 3-2 counts and a few at bats where I went 10-12 pitches with foul balls. I notice my control is starting to falter and the game is only a 2-0 so i need to keep that in mind.

I make a mistake and hang a curve to the second guy and he drill a solid single up the middle. I decided to stay with Lilly, because my bull pen has blown the last 3 games. I get out of the inning and take a 1 hitter into the 9th.

I get the first guy on a deep fly ball, surrender my second hit and then walk the next guy. Reluctantly I go to Dempster out of the pen. He proceeds to give up a run scoring single. so now it's 2-1 runners on first and second with one out. Next guy, I miss on a slider and he tatoos it but it goes fould. I'm seriously just flat out nervous as hell after that. He then fouls out to Lee who practically went into the stands to get it. Then Dempster gets the ground out to second to secure the win.

The fact that the momentum of the game shifted in a split second when I had to go to the bullpen, well it's hard to describe but the feeling was palatable. It's been a long time since a game has done that for me.

I'm still not crazy about the graphics, and there are a few things which could use improvement. But honestly this is probably the best baseball game I've ever played.

Just one thing for the Dev's, please record another line for when Derek Lee makes a play at first. If I hear "that's no problem for the Gold glover Lee" one more time I might kill myself.

I love reading stuff like this. Exactly what gaming is supposed to be about.

I feel the same way playing RTTS on my psp.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sun May 20, 2007 10:54 am

Hmm, so there is variable attributes and momentum?

THat's realistic but in video games, it often seems arbitrary.

We get down on rubber band AI and closer to team sports, you get those runs in NBA Live which seem like it's programmed in randomly. Or worse, NBA Jam where players get hot to make game close.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Mon May 21, 2007 10:36 am

Okay, it's official. This game isn't just a hobby for me, it's become an addiction...specifically RTTS. After creating myself as a 3B prospect for the Sox, last night i was up until 1:30am also creating and starting the career of Dennis Eckersley, closer for the Oakland A's. The best part was his delivery was one of the options in the create mode, so after outfitting him with the stash, long locks, stick thin body, and finally his own delivery............well, it's just plain cool.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon May 21, 2007 12:33 pm

I won a 17 inning game last night with a squeeze play. Got my #8 hitter on with a walk, Pinch ran with Pagan. Decided to try and swipe the base instead of bunt. Managed to steal the base, bunted him to third.

Then Soirano comes up and I send the runner home and lay down a bunt on the first base side. The guy at first had no shot of getting him, so he turned and ran to first.

That ruined a little of the enjoyment, I mean I know he had no shot but he should have still made the throw, you don't turn and go to first in the bottom of the 17 with the winning run going home. (Yeah I know this is a nit pick)

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 21, 2007 12:43 pm

Are you guys seeing a fair amount of extra base hits? Right now, the majority of my hits are either singles or the result of the long ball.

By the way, I started my RTTS last night. I made myself as a RF for Cardinals, seeing that they're fairly depleted at that position. I've only played a few games thus far, but it's damn enjoyable. I didn't think it'd suck me like it has, but I'm having an absolute blast with this mode. I actually like playing defense as the outfielder with the camera behind my player.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:05 pm

Are you guys seeing a fair amount of extra base hits? Right now, the majority of my hits are either singles or the result of the long ball.

It's funny you mention this dan. My first few games i had a similar concern (i even voiced it to Sport in fact) but since i've seen a great mix of singles, doubles, and triples (and HR's). Especially in RTTS where my player currently has 17 doubles in two months of play.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:06 pm

I am getting doubles and triples, they seem to come as much as I would expect. A lot of the times the Assisted baserunning doesn't send the guys for two when it should so it take some manual intervention.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:15 pm

Danimal wrote:I won a 17 inning game last night with a squeeze play. Got my #8 hitter on with a walk, Pinch ran with Pagan. Decided to try and swipe the base instead of bunt. Managed to steal the base, bunted him to third.

Then Soirano comes up and I send the runner home and lay down a bunt on the first base side. The guy at first had no shot of getting him, so he turned and ran to first.

That ruined a little of the enjoyment, I mean I know he had no shot but he should have still made the throw, you don't turn and go to first in the bottom of the 17 with the winning run going home. (Yeah I know this is a nit pick)

I love that you can manufacture runs...its one of the best parts about The Show. Walk, sac bunt, single - run! Double, ground ball to the right side to move the runner, sac fly - run! Very cool to score this way as compared to HR, HR, HR, HR, etc.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:20 pm

Glad to hear others of you are seeing the extra base hits. I might have to push myself to be a bit more aggressive in terms of legging out long singles in to doubles. Still haven't hit many gappers though. Is it possible the outfielders reaction is a bit too effective? I do think a lot of what is happening is due to my reaction time in hitting the ball.

I played a quick couple innings with the Red Sox (me) against the Yankees last night. I was curious about Dice-K and the movement on his gyro ball, and I also wanted to play with a couple teams I don't normally get to play against. In any case, Dice-K has the slowest delivery I've ever seen. Now, I know he's got a slow delivery in real life, but it's downright brutal to pitch with him. I almost enjoy pitching more when there's a runner on base, because the meter moves a heck of a lot faster. Is there a way to increase the speed of the meter in general?

That's all I got for right now. I have plans this evening to go out, but all I can think about is playing a few games of my RTTS and one of my season games!

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:48 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Glad to hear others of you are seeing the extra base hits. I might have to push myself to be a bit more aggressive in terms of legging out long singles in to doubles. Still haven't hit many gappers though. Is it possible the outfielders reaction is a bit too effective? I do think a lot of what is happening is due to my reaction time in hitting the ball.

They may be a bit too good at reacting, but again I feel I am getting normal hit variety. Gapers, nubers, shots down the line. In fact I had a triple last night with a rocket down the first baseline by a diving firstbasment that made it to the corner and too a funny kick, which cause the right fielder to have to adjust to get to the ball and my guy legged out a triple by me sending him. I'm not a big fan of the new baserunning controls.

nyisles16 · Post by **nyisles16** » Mon May 21, 2007 4:01 pm

dang, don't have a ps3 yet, but love this game on the PS2.. just re-started my franchise (all these new roster updates - YIKES!!) with the Mets.. scored two quick runs off Kip Wells in the first... up steps Wright with a man on..BOOM - dead center in New Busch.. ohhhhh - but I fail to see who plays CF - Mr Edmonds... what does he do? simply jumps & robs me of a 2-run HR...

course I kept the Great #5 hitless in that game...

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Mon May 21, 2007 4:02 pm

I love the new baserunning... took a while to get used to, but now it feels very insinctual. Only bug on the PSP version is that on rare occasions, if I input to go to second or third just after leaving the box, dude will ignore first and start running immediately for said base. In one instance I tried to get out of it by telling him to run home, and he did, scoring a run that counted by just doing a little ellipse out of the batter's box.

nyisles16 · Post by **nyisles16** » Mon May 21, 2007 4:13 pm

ps- is it me, or is Frank Thomas a monster in this game?? in another franchise I am running (yes I am sick), he was (in two games) 6-8 (4-4 in one game) with a HR and a game tying double off the wall (Wells scored from first)..

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon May 21, 2007 5:15 pm

nyisles16 wrote:ps- is it me, or is Frank Thomas a monster in this game?? in another franchise I am running (yes I am sick), he was (in two games) 6-8 (4-4 in one game) with a HR and a game tying double off the wall (Wells scored from first)..

NO, he is a clutch hitter in the game for sure. Wished he was hitting the same in the real majors, although there are signs he's starting to come along.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Tue May 22, 2007 7:02 am

I can understand the expectation and disappointment that The Show for the PS3 didn't get the major, mind-blowing graphics update that the PS3 should make possible, but these reviews are ridiculous.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/200705 ... otheminors

I bought a PS3 for The Show, and so far I'm not disappointed. If anyone should be, it's me...For $700 I should expect truly next-gen graphics. However, there's one thing I care about just a little bit more than graphics - gameplay, and The Show hasn't let me down in that department.

Virtually none of the reviews focus on the fact that this is the best playing baseball game available (and arguably one of the best ever). Sure, there's no reason to upgrade if you've got it for the PS2, but if you ignore the PS2 version and review it on its merits on the PS3, you'd find a great game of baseball with more than 'acceptable' graphics. No wonder all we seem to get lately are games like Madden 07 - all the graphics with NONE of the gameplay. Bad reviews are threatening the quality of the games we play, because developers have to cater to the reviewer audience.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Tue May 22, 2007 7:50 am

Sport73 wrote:I can understand the expectation and disappointment that The Show for the PS3 didn't get the major, mind-blowing graphics update that the PS3 should make possible, but these reviews are ridiculous.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/200705 ... otheminors

I bought a PS3 for The Show, and so far I'm not disappointed. If anyone should be, it's me...For $700 I should expect truly next-gen graphics. However, there's one thing I care about just a little bit more than graphics - gameplay, and The Show hasn't let me down in that department.

Virtually none of the reviews focus on the fact that this is the best playing baseball game available (and arguably one of the best ever). Sure, there's no reason to upgrade if you've got it for the PS2, but if you ignore the PS2 version and review it on its merits on the PS3, you'd find a great game of baseball with more than 'acceptable' graphics. No wonder all we seem to get lately are games like Madden 07 - all the graphics with NONE of the gameplay. Bad reviews are threatening the quality of the games we play, because developers have to cater to the reviewer audience.

Couldn't agree more. The developers should be commended for making a truly spectacular playing game and not just trying to wow us with a graphical upgrade. They very easily could have juiced up the graphics and left out the franchise mode, the RTTS mode, etc. Usually with a first version on a new system you get a "meat and potatoes" game with very few features and promises for more "next year" when they "truly have the time to spend" on the game. The boys from San Diego deserve much props for their game...much props.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Tue May 22, 2007 10:40 am

Sport73 wrote: Virtually none of the reviews focus on the fact that this is the best playing baseball game available (and arguably one of the best ever). Sure, there's no reason to upgrade if you've got it for the PS2, but if you ignore the PS2 version and review it on its merits on the PS3, you'd find a great game of baseball with more than 'acceptable' graphics.

I love this game but I'm sorry your argument makes no sense what so ever. Why should you ignore the PS2 version? It's available and at a cheaper price point. If I want the best baseball game available and I don't own either console I can go out and get a PS2 and the show for about $170.

If you want the game at 1080p for the PS3 your dropping $600 + $60 + Cable cost if you need one.

So for $500 more what are you getting?

- Moderate graphics upgrade
- More animations
- Fixed Trade AI (which is true or not depending upon who you believe)

So for $500 the main selling point is more animations. Sorry that's not enough of a reason to call it a next gen game. If you're happy with it that's great, but it's not out of the question to want more from the PS3 version.

Going back to your statement about reviewing it on its own, I ask why? Did you or anyone else base your opinion on MLB2K7 on its own? Of course not you comapred it to the show and found it lacking. Which is what you should do. So of course anyone in their right mind is going to compare the PS3 version to the PS2 version to see if it's worth the money.

It's still the best baseball game I've ever played but some of you guys take this too personally. It isn't like someone came into your house and called your kid fat. The reviewers are stating the obvious, you can get essentially the same game cheaper.

btmmayor · Post by **btmmayor** » Tue May 22, 2007 11:40 am

Danimal wrote: So for $500 more what are you getting?

- Moderate graphics upgrade
- More animations
- Fixed Trade AI (which is true or not depending upon who you believe)

In no way am I saying its worth $500 more, but after playing about 15-20 full games there is no question there is more to the PS3 game than that over the last gen versions.

As far as the actual game engine goes, I'm seeing definite differences. My batting averages (both for and against) are much, much more in check than they ever were in the last gen version. I'm playing on default all-star with only pitch speed reduced a few notches. I've had about 5 or 6 games where I've had less than 3 hits and/or held the CPU to less than 3 hits. That would never happen to me in 07 on the PSP. As much as I tried to tweak it, nothing prevented me from getting anything less than 8-10 hits and usually more. The cpu also averaged alot more hits than I'm seeing in the PS3 version. There is no question I'm getting a greater variety of run and hit totals than I ever did before. I now feel its possible to be dominated by an opposing pitcher or to have my pitcher come out and be dominate. The first never happened on the last gen version and the second only happened at times on Veteran difficulty, which was way too easy even with my Pirates. The very inflated batting averages (besides the choppy framerate) was one of the only things I had a problem with in the PSP version. The fact that I'm not seeing this in the PS3 version is the thing I'm most excited about.

In the gameplay department, errors are also more of an occurance. A few games ago I had a ball linedrive right under an opposing third basemans leg. I thought "oh no" and had The Show 06 flashbacks. Then the camera focused on the third baseman shaking his head with the announcer commenting on the error. I'm seeing more errors and a much greater variety of them (balls between legs, dropped balls, pulled first baseman, overthrows, etc). A definite difference over the last gen version.

Also, a friend of mine brought over his PS2 version of The Show for me to look at. To call the graphics a "moderate upgrade" is just a bit of an understatement. Side by side there is just no comparision. I was really surprised to see just how choppy the PS2 version can be as well. Its amazing how much better a sports game feels when it runs as smooth as the PS3 version does.

Again, in no way does any of that justify a $500 difference, but in my opinion there is more of a difference, especially in the gameplay department, between the PS3 and last gen versions than I see people giving credit for.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue May 22, 2007 11:42 am

Danimal wrote:So for $500 more what are you getting?

There is nothing wrong with people saying that it is worth it...they are allowed to justify their purchases however they want. I agree with you, that it doesn't make sense to purchase the PS3 along with The Show this year, while I've got a PS2. But maybe next year when there are a few more games. Right now, PS3 owners are really reaching for reasons to justify the early adoption. That's why you see all of the arguments. There is nothing wrong with that...I'd try like hell to justify that purchase as well. As things stand now, I'll probably be doing that next February when 08 drops.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Tue May 22, 2007 11:47 am

dbdynsty25 wrote:
Danimal wrote:So for $500 more what are you getting?
There is nothing wrong with people saying that it is worth it...they are allowed to justify their purchases however they want. I agree with you, that it doesn't make sense to purchase the PS3 along with The Show this year, while I've got a PS2. But maybe next year when there are a few more games. Right now, PS3 owners are really reaching for reasons to justify the early adoption. That's why you see all of the arguments. There is nothing wrong with that...I'd try like hell to justify that purchase as well. As things stand now, I'll probably be doing that next February when 08 drops.

I never said there was anything wrong with someone purchasing a PS3 for this game if that is what they want. My problem with his statement was that this version should be judged on it's own as if there were no PS2 version. To me that's not correct, everything is judged against something. Show vs MLB2k, madden vs APF etc. etc.

You can't say to be fair this time we need to judge this one game without comparing it to anything else, at least not in my book.