MLB 11 The Show a quick tidbit

[GTHobbes]

Absolutely loving some of the "small detail" things I'm seeing and hearing as I'm playing more games on the schedule. If the Cards are gonna continue to suck it up in real life, at least I'll have my Show season to get me through the summer. Might even be better that way, as it's hard finding time to watch real Cards' games and keep up with my franchise while also getting in some time with the (very fun) challenges of the week.

[Danimal]

After messing with it some more Dan is right very little has been added gameplay wise and Karros sucks. Sold it to Amazon for a 50 cent loss.

I just want to clarify I said I'm not using all the new controls put in but they are there. It's not really their fault, the game is about as good as it gets not much you can do to it. Pretty much the fan base is going to buy it every year even with the small amount of changes.

[FifaInspected]

Fellas,

As someone new to PS3 and the Show. How do we manage these roster updates? Looks like there was a
"live roster" update on the 4th.. Do I download and overwrite the opening day rosters? Save separate? Do these downloads update any Season or Franchise modes already in progress?


Thanks.

[dbdynsty25]

Fellas,

As someone new to PS3 and the Show. How do we manage these roster updates? Looks like there was a
"live roster" update on the 4th.. Do I download and overwrite the opening day rosters? Save separate? Do these downloads update any Season or Franchise modes already in progress?


Thanks.

Download and save it (and yes, you can overwrite the default roster now), then start your season. It will not update in progress seasons/playoffs/franchises.

[backbreaker]

I can't tell you how great it is to play or better yet to bat in 3D. You really can judge the ball so well. Lately I've been forcing myself to hit it where's it pitch via analog. Prior to me forcing myself it was just down and up. Now that I've put the batting camera to wide 3(3D only) Catcher 5 non 3D damn all my too early on damn near every change up has changed and my contact and power has gone up as well.

And oh off subject if you have Dircet TV and a 3D tv sony/discovery/imax launched there channel 3net and wow stuff that was filmed in 3D will blow you away in 3D HD 1080p holy moly.

[snaz16]

I can't tell you how great it is to play or better yet to bat in 3D. You really can judge the ball so well. Lately I've been forcing myself to hit it where's it pitch via analog. Prior to me forcing myself it was just down and up. Now that I've put the batting camera to wide 3(3D only) Catcher 5 non 3D damn all my too early on damn near every change up has changed and my contact and power has gone up as well.

And oh off subject if you have Dircet TV and a 3D tv sony/discovery/imax launched there channel 3net and wow stuff that was filmed in 3D will blow you away in 3D HD 1080p holy moly.

Translation?

[backbreaker]

Catcher 5 non 3D damn all my too early on damn near every change up has changed and my contact and power has gone up as well.

And oh off subject if you have Dircet TV and a 3D tv sony/discovery/imax launched there channel 3net and wow stuff that was filmed in 3D will blow you away in 3D HD 1080p holy moly.

Translation?

Sorry

non 3D batting is in catcher 5 camera. When I'm playing 3D I can judge change up better, speed matters.

Direct TV launched a channel called 3net, it is owned and operated by Discovery/Sony/Imax. You get content from all 3 entities in 3D. Filmed in 3D for stunning quality.

sorry for the mess of a post, I get to typing and post instead of proof reading and posting.

[snaz16]

I was bustin on ya a little I have been watching the net for some 27" 3d monitors w/Hdmi 1.4 [currently Acer has one coming] which should run a Ps3. How's the overall game with 3d. Does it give it a wow factor you don't get with the regular game?

[Brando70]

Got my Cubs franchise off to a wild start against the Pirates.

--Won 4-3 in 12 innings on a Soriano single, 2-2 count, 2 outs.

--I struck out 21 times, and that was using zone hitting. Probably missed out on at least 3-4 walks due to swinging out of the zone.

--Pirates hit an inside-the-park home run when they hit a shot off the wall that I misplayed with Soriano (if it's in the game...)

--I walked 4 guys using analog. I turn the pitching indicator off to make it harder to spot, and also have two house rules: I have to aim outside the middle of the plate, and if my catcher calls a non-fastball with 3 balls, I have to throw that pitch.

--I don't know if this is a bug or I did something wrong, but my winning pitcher was SS Augie Ojeda. In the top of the 12th, I tried to do a double-switch, but somehow Ojeda wound up on the mound. I could have sworn I did this correctly -- I made a double-switch without problem earlier in the game. Anyway, I left Ojeda in because the only pitcher I had left was Marmol and he was cold and I didn't want to throw him in there. Augie induced three ground outs to get me out of the inning.

Though the game is not that different than 10, I love the analog pitching and the analog fielding is also pretty cool. I only made one big gaffe with the fielding, where I tried to preload a double-play before the SS got rid of the ball, causing him to cancel the throw instead. I also had no issues with the throwing animations not going fast enough, the way some on OS said. I turned a couple of double-plays and made outs on a bunt and a couple of slow rollers. As long as I preloaded throws I didn't notice any difference in timing between analog and buttons.

I tried analog batting in the demo and in an exhibition, but I just can't get the hang of it. I'm constantly behind on pitches, and even when I think I am swinging way early, I only get a "perfect" on the timing. It just didn't have the same feel as pitching and fielding.

I also LOVE that the runner window shows the speed and baserunning ability of players.

My only real complaint is that the presentation is basically the same and Karros sounds like the overdubbed "Mr. Black" from the Kamp Krusty episode of the Simpsons. He even read a line that I'm sure was one of Hudler's old ones.

[tmdba37]

I had a similar issue the other night with my franchise where I did a late game double-switch and ended up with Fukudome on the mound. I thought maybe I did something wrong but perhaps there is an issue with buggy double-switches. . .or perhaps they just figure it's the Cubs so. . .

One quick question for The Show veterans. . .do the warm up pitches matter? I notice that my starter never starts the game fully ready, but if I pitch "good" warm ups the ready bar fills up. . .it this really happening or is it a figment of my imagination.

Also, with relievers are you penalized for skipping their warm ups?

Thanks in advance. . .

[Danimal]

Warm up pitches matter it effects the pitch bars as well. Throw 8 fastballs in your warmup and you'll see. Personally they slow the game down for me so i shut them off. Better to be off if not using them, then on and skipping them at least that is what I think.

[Brando70]

I'm not sure you get penalized for skipping them. I think there's a random amount of meter fill that happens in that case. But they definitely do help with the ability meter for the pitches you throw as long as you throw strikes.

My double-switch thing happened the same way. I my closer and one other pitcher available. I switched for the non-closer and that's when I Augie on the mound. Sounds like there could be a bug.

[Brando70]

I had a similar issue the other night with my franchise where I did a late game double-switch and ended up with Fukudome on the mound. I thought maybe I did something wrong but perhaps there is an issue with buggy double-switches. . .or perhaps they just figure it's the Cubs so. . .

I saw a couple people reported this in the bug thread, with late-game switches. Seems to be triggered by doing a DS late in the game, maybe in the 9th or later. I did one earlier in the game with no problem, so I don't think the DS is broken.

I reported it in the bug thread. Definitely annoying because the switch becomes very important late in the game.

[sportdan30]

My Cardinals season is playing true to life. Having trouble scoring, giving up the big inning, etc. I'm 2-5 currently, with most recently getting shut out my Matt Cain of the Giants, 6-0.

This game is definitely a challenge when you don't have a couple aces in your starting rotation. Location seems to be so important with pitching along with changing speeds, and right now I'm pretty frustrated as I feel as though I'm doing both those two criteria. It's just not paying off yet.

I think the above problem is magnified by my lack of offense. Pujols is struggling mightily at the plate, while Berkman is my best hitter, but lacks the power he once had. I am becoming more patient at the plate, and only swinging aggressively with the "sqaure" button when ahead in the count. Still, I have way too many 1-2-3 innings.

There's just so many different variety of hits in this game. That still amazes me. Yesterday, I lightly tapped the power button with Berkman at the plate (as if it was a check swing), and it blooped just out of reach of the third baseman for a single.

I've run myself out of innings more than a couple times, as I've contemplated stealing on a ball that bounces slightly away from the catcher. That little hesistancy has run me in to outs as I get a late jump.

I agree that the base running windows are great now that they add the baserunners ability. You really have to pay close attention when they have a speedster on the basepaths.

More and more every year, this game feels more realistic and adds subtle changes that really engage me. Whether it's the graphics upgrade (some of the shots look so real!) or the carooms on the balls hit to the wall, it's just an amazing baseball simulation on the field.

Improvements can certainly be made (new commentary for sure), but all in all, this is the epitome of a fantastic sports gaming experience. I couldn't be happier.

[FifaInspected]

I'm not sure where to begin with this game. It's freaking awesome, but i'm feeling lost.

I still give up a huge inning almost every game and have no idea how to stop the bleeding once it starts. Despite a lot of time spent in batting practice, I still chase way too many pitches out of the zone.

There are times when I feel as if throwing is a lengthy process.. almost too long. My pitching isnt horrid, and agree with the above post about pitch location.

I've not even won a game. In fact, i've not even been in a close game. I'm sure the practice will pay off.. or maybe I'm just really bad a baseball games.... I'll keep practicing because the game is worth the effort.


I still find seeing the ball on sunny day's very hard once it crosses the infield dirt.. where it pretty much vanishes.


Oh.. any tips on pitch recognition?

[GTHobbes]

Fifa, have you ever tried using guess pitch, and then forcing yourself to lay off any pitches outside the zone you're guessing? I'll usually do that until I have two strikes on me, when I'll revert to using a "make contact" swing and start going after pitches outsize the zone I'm looking for.

[sportdan30]

Fifa,

A few suggestions even though I'm struggling a bit but I'm slowly getting better.

Turn pitch speed down a few clicks so you more time to react.

Turn CPU strike consistency way down so you can attempt to get ahead in the count more. Don't worry, it won't mean the CPU gets all erratic. They just won't hit the corners as effectively as they do on default. They'll still throw strikes more often than they throw balls.

Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to hitting views. There are a ton in this game, so each inning or two, switch to a different camera angle until you find one where you're picking up the baseball the the best out of the pitcher's hand.

Go with "timining" when batting on Veteran. When behind in the count, use "contact" for hitting (circle button). When ahead, use the "power" button. (square).

Pitching wise, it can very frustrating. I'm finding that I'm throwing 20 plus pitches in either the first or second inning. Then it seems I'll have a few innings in which I breeze through the order. Of course, I get too confident and give up the big inning. Don't throw all low and away pitches. Gotta keep the CPU honest. Go out of the strike zone on 1-2 and 0-2 to make them chase. Pitch around the big hitters if possible or at least make them go out of the zone to hit a pop up or grounder. Don't give in.

[FifaInspected]

Fellas,

Thanks for the tips.

I'm finding that you simply can't play this game as a "game." Mistakes are way too costly. I do reference the hot and cold zones for each hitter and try to avoid the hot zones when at all possible.

Do you guys typically follow the catchers recommendation? if so, how often? At times it seems as if he want's me to throw the same pitch over and over.. when i'd rather change speeds more often.

Batting camera angles get switched often. Last night i was liking High. Today i'm back to wide.. I've actually had some luck with the outfield / broadcast cameras as I can tell pretty quickly what junk and what's not. Of course, that's about all it is.

[10spro]

Do you guys typically follow the catchers recommendation? if so, how often? At times it seems as if he want's me to throw the same pitch over and over.. when i'd rather change speeds more often.

Batting camera angles get switched often. Last night i was liking High. Today i'm back to wide.. I've actually had some luck with the outfield / broadcast cameras as I can tell pretty quickly what junk and what's not. Of course, that's about all it is.

Good question. I often find that the catcher relies on the fastball too often. I go usually with my own count. Still playing the game with catcher 5 camera angle.

[Rodster]

Do you guys typically follow the catchers recommendation? if so, how often? At times it seems as if he want's me to throw the same pitch over and over.. when i'd rather change speeds more often.

Batting camera angles get switched often. Last night i was liking High. Today i'm back to wide.. I've actually had some luck with the outfield / broadcast cameras as I can tell pretty quickly what junk and what's not. Of course, that's about all it is.

Good question. I often find that the catcher relies on the fastball too often. I go usually with my own count. Still playing the game with catcher 5 camera angle.

I also find the catcher will call for the same pitch too often and it's not only the fast ball. The catcher will call a pitch over and over that you are having great success with. I have found that if I decide to throw something else the catcher will start asking for that pitch over again.

This also happens in MLB 2K a lot so it's not just MLB 11.

[backbreaker]

Fellas,

Thanks for the tips.

I'm finding that you simply can't play this game as a "game." Mistakes are way too costly. I do reference the hot and cold zones for each hitter and try to avoid the hot zones when at all possible.

Do you guys typically follow the catchers recommendation? if so, how often? At times it seems as if he want's me to throw the same pitch over and over.. when i'd rather change speeds more often.

I'm methodical when I play this game pitcher batter analysis, pitch speeds types of pitches and confidence meter ect...

I follow the catchers recommendation all the time. I check the Hot and Cold zone of the batter as well as his contact and power rating. But, when the catcher calls a pitch I see what confidence my pitcher has in that pitch, if its low, I know it will be tough too hit the spots, confidence is everything for me.

[lexbur]

I almost always go with what the catcher calls, unless he gets in one of those ruts where calls the same pitch over and over, or I have a strong feeling about a certain pitch and a certain time in the count. It's funny, sometimes I'll want to throw a certain pitch in a certain location, and that's exactly what he calls, like we're thinking along the same lines.

[GTHobbes]

I've actually had some luck with the outfield / broadcast cameras as I can tell pretty quickly what junk and what's not. Of course, that's about all it is.

Eventually I might switch it up, but I've been using the broadcast cameras exclusively for hitting this year. It's surprising easier than one would think, it looks just like a broadcast, and I'm really liking the variety of the camera placement with each new stadium I go to.

[skinsfan]

Fellas,

Thanks for the tips.

I'm finding that you simply can't play this game as a "game." Mistakes are way too costly. I do reference the hot and cold zones for each hitter and try to avoid the hot zones when at all possible.

Do you guys typically follow the catchers recommendation? if so, how often? At times it seems as if he want's me to throw the same pitch over and over.. when i'd rather change speeds more often.

Batting camera angles get switched often. Last night i was liking High. Today i'm back to wide.. I've actually had some luck with the outfield / broadcast cameras as I can tell pretty quickly what junk and what's not. Of course, that's about all it is.

I don't always follow the catchers' suggestion,but I pay attention to what is called to get a feel for how the cpu calls a game.

If you are struggling hitting,as I do, lay off using Guess Pitch. It will definitely mess you up as far as timing and recognition.
Just See the Ball,Hit the Ball, to get your swing down,especially if using analog.

As far as sliders,slight(one or two click) tweaks to your hitting Big 3-Contact,Timing,and Solid Hits can make a big difference. If you start pounding the ball,you can back them off. Also,the cpu pitch slider Big 3- Control, Consistency and Strike Frequency work together and in conjunction with your hitting sliders.

A pretty good write-up here;http://www.operationsports.com/forums/m ... iders.html

[dbdynsty25]

I actually ALWAYS use the guess pitch feature. I pick the fastball all the time, that way I know if it's gonna be a fastball for sure, and it's probably offspeed if I guess wrong. Though it does suck when they have a cutter or a 2 seamer as well...but it still helps with the chances. I also never use the power swing, only the regular swing (x).