MLB 2k10

[Danimal]

I had a lot of fun with the little, and I stress little, bit I played Saturday night. But baseball games have always been solitary affairs for me, I don't play online and I almost never play head to head. So it's mainly franchise for me.

[kevinpars]

I had read that the AI for "player of the game" was a little off, but I had a laugh after playing a game today. Yankees won 2-1 on a 2-run HR by ARod. Jeter went 3 for 4. Pitching was excellent all the way around.

Posada went 0-4 with 3 K's. Was named player of the game.

What was funny was that batting with Posada was particularly difficult. I remember thinking during the game that I could not even foul the ball off with Posada at bat.

[JackB1]

I was giving some thought into picking this up after reading impression here and trying it this weekend at a friends. Then I read this:

http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2010/03/b ... 10_08.html

Since I primarily play franchise and that stuff matters to me I think I will pass. However I really dug the presentation and stats call outs etc.

And that's only the second page of complaints. My list is a little longer now that I played it for a few days over the weekend. Per usual, the Show is a significantly better game. As I expected, the newness wears off pretty quick and the warts show up. The Show is the same way though as there are quite a few things that are bothering me this year that didn't last year. So maybe I didn't notice them before, or whatever, but neither is perfect, the Show is just significantly less imperfect. Get it? LOL

If you know Bill, this was a POSITIVE review for him. There were many positive things he said about the game and Bill is EXTREMELY critical of baseball games and is a baseball purest in every sense of the word. He mentioned how 2K10 gets many little things right......walks, runners scoring when they should, extra base hits, etc. MLB2K10 has plenty of reasons to dislike it if you want to focus on them. But it also can be a very fun baseball game with great hitter/pitcher matchups if you let it. It all depends on whether you want to focus on it's flaws or focus on having fun. This game is SO MUCH BETTER than last year's that 2K deserves praise for getting this title back on track. We 360-only owners have a playable baseball game this year and should be happy about that!

[Danimal]

I know Bill pretty well, I don't consider that a positive review. When he writes his final review I see a B at best. Clearly the focus of this years version was on the batter / pitcher match up. As I said in my brief play time I found that a lot of fun, better then the Show in my opinion.

However as I also said, I mainly play franchise and there are way too many issues with franchise for me to justify buying this game. So I am not choosing to focus on the negative, I am choosing to focus on how I play baseball games.

[webdanzer]

The demo has me interested enough to try to rent this, but I haven't been able to grab it yet.

But pitching was far too easy in the demo for me, and pretty much every time I swung (at a strike) I put the ball into play, leading to some very short user at-bats.

Hopefully a harder level will alleviate both of those issues.

[MizzouRah]

It sucks about franchise, but I have ootp 11 preordered for my real baseball geekness.

[JackB1]

Had a great game last night! Playing as the Braves (me) vs the Mets. Went to 14 innings and I went thru my entire bullpen. The Mets one time had bases loaded with 1 out and my controller was shaking like crazy. I managed to get a strike out and then a ground out. In the bottom of the 14th, I got the leadoff guy on and had to pinch run with a starting pitcher.
I bunted him over and the throw to 1st was late. Single down the line and run scores!

I love how quickly the game plays with "hurry up baseball" enabled. Reminds me of High Heat for the PC. The game does play overall qucikly, but I think in this case, it works to keep the game moving along and not drag out. Arcady? A little. Fun? Yep!

Some slider tweaks I made:
-I upped pitch speed to 75 (not missing early so much anymore)
-reduced fielders speed to 40
-raised pitching meter
-lowered pickoff success
-lowered pitch break influence

This is the FIRST baseball game where I draw walks and also give up walks.

Question: Anyone know how to bunt properly? I know its the X button and then the left stick, but how the heck to you pull back and not bunt if its not a strike?

[Teal]

Am I missing something? I thought that the update had a checkswing added to it. Did it not? Or is it something you have to toggle? Or am I just stupid?

I'm having a blast. Jack, I've had several tense moments like the one you describe. In spring training, I was playing the Astros (as the Bravos, too), and the score, from 1st inning to bottom of the ninth, was 2-0, Astros. I just couldn't get the bats working, but...neither could they. In the bottom of the ninth, my lead-off got a single. Good start. Then another squeaker into the outfield. I pinch-hit my pitcher. Double. 2-1. Strikeout. Fly ball. Then a five minute duel, hammering off an unknown amount of foul, stay-alive balls. One wicked sinker...game over. It was fun!

[JackB1]

Am I missing something? I thought that the update had a checkswing added to it. Did it not? Or is it something you have to toggle? Or am I just stupid?

I'm having a blast. Jack, I've had several tense moments like the one you describe. In spring training, I was playing the Astros (as the Bravos, too), and the score, from 1st inning to bottom of the ninth, was 2-0, Astros. I just couldn't get the bats working, but...neither could they. In the bottom of the ninth, my lead-off got a single. Good start. Then another squeaker into the outfield. I pinch-hit my pitcher. Double. 2-1. Strikeout. Fly ball. Then a five minute duel, hammering off an unknown amount of foul, stay-alive balls. One wicked sinker...game over. It was fun!

It IS a really fun game and I love that it plays qucikly. I dont want to sit there for hours trying to complete my 9 innings. I play "hurry up baseball" and then disable it when it gets to the later innings and I want to "savor" it

I also love that I can just go into "My Player" if I want a quick fix and just get some at bats in. Great for when there isn't enough time for a full game.

BTW, I don't think they patched the check swings yet. They did say that would be fixed with the 1st patch, but who knows? Hopefully it will get done soon. It's not that big of a deal right now, but will be nice when and if it gets in.

I think they really nailed the pitching mechanic in this game. It's great how it gets harder and harder to pitch as the game goes on and your meter speeds up. First game I can remember where I really "feel" the difference if it's in the early innings or late. Makes you use your your bullpen or get pounded.

[webdanzer]

In the demo, both times I was in the situation of 1 out, man on second in the first inning, the CPU AI walked Teixeira to get to A-Rod.

[pigpen81]

I am also having a blast.

I raised the CPU hi5ting to 60 contact and 70 power and they are starting to add some offense and more HR's.

I was a little worried when I plated 15 and 11 with KC against the Pads and Twins, but then I had a battle against the Pirates and Paul Maholm last night.

I just could not get anything going.

I LOVE the hitting model. I get rewarded for putting good swings on good pitces...teh way it should be.

I have had EXCELLENT hit variety, especially when batting.

Hit detection is hit amd miss...but more hit then miss....I have hit the ball off a few facades, and Adrian G. hit a bomb off the 2nd deck of the warehouse at Petco against me.

One fix needs to be user stealing....almost impossible right now.

Overall, I am very happy with the way the game plays.

[JackB1]

I am also having a blast.

I raised the CPU hi5ting to 60 contact and 70 power and they are starting to add some offense and more HR's.

I was a little worried when I plated 15 and 11 with KC against the Pads and Twins, but then I had a battle against the Pirates and Paul Maholm last night.

I just could not get anything going.

I LOVE the hitting model. I get rewarded for putting good swings on good pitces...teh way it should be.

I have had EXCELLENT hit variety, especially when batting.

Hit detection is hit amd miss...but more hit then miss....I have hit the ball off a few facades, and Adrian G. hit a bomb off the 2nd deck of the warehouse at Petco against me.

One fix needs to be user stealing....almost impossible right now.

Overall, I am very happy with the way the game plays.

I order to steal, you HAVE to anticipate the pitcher's delivery, but that puts you at high risk of getting picked off. Is there a user stealing slider?

I think once you find optimum sliders the game will improve.

[kevinpars]

Speaking of playing as the Braves, is there a legal reason that Jason Heyward is not on the Braves roster in MLB 2K10? I thought I saw some mention that a player has to play in a ML game on a ML roster before they can be added to the game. Is that true? Because as of now, he is the Braves starting right fielder and will probably bat 6th or 7th in the opening day lineup.

I would not want to play a franchise without him in the lineup. I am a bad enough hitter anyway, and with that pitching staff and that lineup without Heyward it is enemic at best, every game I played would be 2-1 or 1-0. I guess I could create him, but that feels like cheating.

[JackB1]

Speaking of playing as the Braves, is there a legal reason that Jason Heyward is not on the Braves roster in MLB 2K10? I thought I saw some mention that a player has to play in a ML game on a ML roster before they can be added to the game. Is that true? Because as of now, he is the Braves starting right fielder and will probably bat 6th or 7th in the opening day lineup.

I would not want to play a franchise without him in the lineup. I am a bad enough hitter anyway, and with that pitching staff and that lineup without Heyward it is enemic at best, every game I played would be 2-1 or 1-0. I guess I could create him, but that feels like cheating.

Heyward hit a monster (+450 ft) HR the other day
Hopefully, he will be included in an upcoming roster patch. I also play as the Braves and need all the offense I can get

[Gangrel]

If i recall correctly from last year, a player needs one appearance in a regular season game to be in the union and in the game.

Or, maybe they don't and he just wasn't in the roster, but if that's the case, Stephen Strausbourg should be on the Nats already as the #1 pick.

I saw a tweet today that a patch was submitted to MS, but I bet it's only for the online troubles...... haven't heard anything about the "real" one yet.

I think I'm going to up pitch speed too as I find i'm swinging way too early.... though it could also be with the Batter 2 camera, it's zoomed back so far it's kinda fish eyed and i'm just not used to the perspective.......

[skinsfan]

Speaking of playing as the Braves, is there a legal reason that Jason Heyward is not on the Braves roster in MLB 2K10? I thought I saw some mention that a player has to play in a ML game on a ML roster before they can be added to the game. Is that true? Because as of now, he is the Braves starting right fielder and will probably bat 6th or 7th in the opening day lineup.

I would not want to play a franchise without him in the lineup. I am a bad enough hitter anyway, and with that pitching staff and that lineup without Heyward it is enemic at best, every game I played would be 2-1 or 1-0. I guess I could create him, but that feels like cheating.

Until he is with the big club on a major league deal and therefore a member of MLBPA he can't be represented in the game.

[Gangrel]

Ok, scoop on the 360 patch..... stolen from OS:

Here is text from the forum....

As announced on Twitter, a patch has been sent to Microsoft. That's one of the reasons I asked for feedback immediately, so we could get an update out in advance of Opening Day. I will provide full notes when I have them, but I have been told by dev that a few of the things requested in the feedback were put into the patch. They worked around the clock to get as much packed into this patch as possible, so I think the team for their hard work here. Thanks.

Ronnie



Now, hopefully there is another one that takes into account more feedback!

[greggsand]

2K was pretty aggressive with soliciting patch suggestions in their forums. I don't plan on starting a franchise until opening day anyway, so this is def good news.

[fsquid]

anyone play the PC version yet.

[bulls23]

Really enjoying this game also. As poster above stated, love how I can play My Player for 10=15 min to get a quick fix. Also appreciate the in-game saves.

Started a franchise with the Cardinals already using MLB Today rosters. Played 5 games so far... I'm 4-1 so far. 8-7, 7-6L, 4-0, 12-3 and 6-3 have been the final scores.

Reds played me tough. I'm handling the Brewers good so far though. Brad Penny dominated in the 4-0 shutout.

The huge thing about this game is the pitcher batter interaction. Where and when I swing directly relates to where the ball goes. Who would've thought that could happen in a 360 baseball game???

[MizzouRah]

I agree!!!

I just opened it and started playing today, but WOW, what an improvement over last years game.

Lost my last game 3-2, but saw a ton of hitting variety. Throws sometimes looks weird out of a fielder's hand.. but not much bad to report thus far.

The game is so buttery smooth, haven't seen one slow down.

Love what I've been able to play so far!

[pigpen81]

The huge thing about this game is the pitcher batter interaction. Where and when I swing directly relates to where the ball goes.

You hit the nail on the head.

If I am slightly late/inside on a fastball middle/away, I lace it the other way....it feels SO good to rip a ball the other way and have it go into the corner.

It also feels WAY to good to jump on an inside pitch and curl it inside the foul pole for a HR.

The ball physics off the bat are sublime.

Nothing feels random about the hitting model...and I LOVE it.

[JackB1]

The huge thing about this game is the pitcher batter interaction. Where and when I swing directly relates to where the ball goes.

You hit the nail on the head.

If I am slightly late/inside on a fastball middle/away, I lace it the other way....it feels SO good to rip a ball the other way and have it go into the corner.

It also feels WAY to good to jump on an inside pitch and curl it inside the foul pole for a HR.

The ball physics off the bat are sublime.

Nothing feels random about the hitting model...and I LOVE it.

Well I have to disagree slightly. The game decides for you whether or not you got under the ball, swung over it or nailed it square. While the physics detect how early or late you swing and that determines if the ball goes right, left or straight. The game decides for you whether the ball goes high, low or in the middle. That is why a "cursor" based system is most accurate. It is possible to pop up a low pitch and vice versa, but you will almost never see a ground ball on a high pitch in this game.

[MizzouRah]

I think I'm going crazy but I'm loving this game.

I haven't started a franchise or anything yet.. and I might just do a "season" and play all games.. but wow.. quirks and all, they worked their assess off.

[pigpen81]

The huge thing about this game is the pitcher batter interaction. Where and when I swing directly relates to where the ball goes.

You hit the nail on the head.

If I am slightly late/inside on a fastball middle/away, I lace it the other way....it feels SO good to rip a ball the other way and have it go into the corner.

It also feels WAY to good to jump on an inside pitch and curl it inside the foul pole for a HR.

The ball physics off the bat are sublime.

Nothing feels random about the hitting model...and I LOVE it.

Well I have to disagree slightly. The game decides for you whether or not you got under the ball, swung over it or nailed it square. While the physics detect how early or late you swing and that determines if the ball goes right, left or straight. The game decides for you whether the ball goes high, low or in the middle. That is why a "cursor" based system is most accurate. It is possible to pop up a low pitch and vice versa, but you will almost never see a ground ball on a high pitch in this game.

Jack, I agree and disagree.

I wish i could explain it with words, but watch the swing camera when you get a chance.

On low pitches, it is hard lift the ball...as it should be.....the only way to lift is is to get the bat head at the correct position....meaning the batter should be at/near full extension....

arrghh...this is to hard to explain.....but I think pitch location and swing timing are tatntamount to the hitting model and randomness does not play a big part. That is why the CPU is hitting plenty of grounders off of me as I am good at keeping the ball down.

I will think about this further and pay attention tot he swing analysis further.

I also think I am going to raise CPU contact to 70 and power to 80 as I am still keeping them off the bases and scoreboard to much.