MLB 2K8 interview

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:40 pm

There is talk of this on OS too, with one person saying that the double "step notifications" are actually "one for the step back, and the other for planting your foot".

I would assume that if this was how SS 2.0 was supposed to work, it would have been in the in game help file. However, it simply says pull back, then push forward.

Personally, I think it's all about rhytym and timing, like a golf swing in Tiger Woods, and that throwing this extra "release" step in there, it simply fakes the timing, so you're getting better hits.

I know for me, I've been finally getting better hits once I started to think like a "big league hitter".

Stay away from low balls, or belt high breaking balls that will just head down into the dirt. For my first two strikes, I look for something up in the zone, and either inner or outter half if i have base runners.

Only when I have to protect the plate do I attempt to go after any pitch in the zone.

Now, granted, I still get fooled all the time (it's why I play Xbox and not in the MLB!)

But it seems to do the trick for me.......

Speaking of hitting, has anyoen noticed that a batter's "batter's eye" seems to be smaller when they are in a cold streak vs. a hot streak?

I've lost the last few games, and I swear the Batter's Eyes have all been smaller.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:15 pm

HockeyJock wrote:I found this thread over at "Game Faqs".

http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmes ... c=41981453

I guess this guy found a new technique for using the "Hit Sick 2.0".

Basicly he says that hitting is a 3 step process.

1. Step (right before pitcher releases) 2. Release the stick. (After step) 3. Swing (when pitch reaches the strikezone).

I was a little skeptical at first. After I tried it I was amazed with the results. I actully won my 2nd game ever!

If anyone is still having trouble getting solid hits, give it a try. He goes into more detail about the hitting process in his post.

I think what he is doing in effect is just "not striding". Might be a good technique if you are just trying for a base hit or to move a runner along.
I dont think this method will give you much power though. I don't have any problem with the hitting mechanic, so I don't need to adjust my hitting technique. I need a way to keep the AI from outscoring me.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 5:17 pm

Issue with my pitching is if my pitcher starts to give up a run, at times it seems like it just snowballs and at the end of the inning he's given up 3 or more runs. Maybe it has to do with the pitcher confidence setting?

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:34 pm

The 3-part step makes a little sense, as it seemed to me that once I stopped slamming the stick forward and started making a smooth swinging motion I hit much better. I prefer that to releasing it, then swinging. Just stay smooth baby!

Now back to playing my created Hawaii Mon-O-Wars in ASB05 on my original Xbox. I had a friend the other day ask if I played Rainbow Six Vegas 2 yet... he's still unconscious...

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:35 pm

I pull back right before the pitch and then push which ever direction I want to hit the ball, it's actually quite simple.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:31 am

HockeyJock wrote:I found this thread over at "Game Faqs".

http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmes ... c=41981453

I guess this guy found a new technique for using the "Hit Sick 2.0".

Basicly he says that hitting is a 3 step process.

1. Step (right before pitcher releases) 2. Release the stick. (After step) 3. Swing (when pitch reaches the strikezone).

I was a little skeptical at first. After I tried it I was amazed with the results. I actully won my 2nd game ever!

If anyone is still having trouble getting solid hits, give it a try. He goes into more detail about the hitting process in his post.

I did this and it works great. I hit 3 hrs in my game and made good consistent contact for the first time. Also won 2 games in a row which is a first for me.

Then I got a pack of cards and a bunch of other cards. I thought cards would be lame like they are in madden, but there's something about baseball cards and it's really fun to collect them in this game. right now, thats one of the big reasons I can't put this game down, get more cards! Its cool how they made it lifelike meaning I was playing as the Wsox and hit a HR with Swisher. So I got his card but he was still on the A's. But then I saw they have a Traded Card list where he's on the Wsox. Pretty cool! I wonder if the update the cards after the trade deadline with Trade 2 cards like Topps does.

Again, I can't put this game down. It really plays well, even framerate isn't bothering me anymore. I am just playing w/ VIP on to get those cards. This and NHL08 are enough for the next 5 months for me.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:33 am

Your transformation to the Dark Side is now complete.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:34 am

Inuyasha wrote: Again, I can't put this game down. It really plays well, even framerate isn't bothering me anymore. I am just playing w/ VIP on to get those cards. This and NHL08 are enough for the next 5 months for me.

Glad to hear youre having fun with it. I am also really enjoying it. I lost last night 2-1. I had a man on 2nd with 1 out and there was a wild pitch and I broke for 3rd...the catcher quickly scrambled and picked up the ball and I was a dead duck in a pickle! Lost the game but it was still fun. I am now 2-4 in my franchise but they all have been very different games. Some 8-6, some 2-1, some 10-2. Each game is like a unique experience. When I played The Show, almost every game was a low scoring 2-1 or 3-2 affair.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:42 am

I refuse to try this 3 step hitting method because hitting is perfect for me. I don't WANT it to be easier and this method seems unnatural. But if you like it, more power to ya.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:46 pm

I found a quick way to get cards.

Play as the Yankees, and do a 3 or 5 inning game.

When ARod is up, you're almost guranteed hitting a HR on Pro level. I've had about 20 ab's with Arod and I think I've hit about 7-8 hrs with him.

So if you hit a HR on Pro, you get a Wild Card. But every 1/5 Wild cards you get you get a whole pack of cards , 12 in total I think.

So last night, I played 2 games with the yankees, and had Arod, Damon, and Jeter go deep. So I got 3 wild cards where one of them was a Pack of cards.

Now I'm not sure how to get the cards I want come up on the title screen.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:37 pm

Only thing I still cant figure out is if it pays to move the "batters eye" after the pitch is on it's way. Is it a "pre-pitch" guess or can you move it to adjust to where the pitch is? There is nothing in the manual explaining this, so what do you guys do? Do you just guess and then leave the hitters eye where it it or do you move it and try and make it "meet" with the pitch?

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:59 pm

i think it locks down once the ball is released, so you can't move it.

I also wonder if it's not broken, as most times the pitch doesn't show at all when it goes thru my better's eye.

However, over on OS there's a thread about it, saying when it DOES work, that the circle you see changes colour based on what kind of pitch is coming.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:02 pm

Gangrel wrote:i think it locks down once the ball is released, so you can't move it.

I also wonder if it's not broken, as most times the pitch doesn't show at all when it goes thru my better's eye.

However, over on OS there's a thread about it, saying when it DOES work, that the circle you see changes colour based on what kind of pitch is coming.

Ya it does work, but it's harder this year. You have to keep the stick on the spot until the pitcher starts or else it goes back to center. If you guess right, then a red circle pop ups showing you where the pitch will be.

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:56 pm

anyone really settled into some sliders yet? I am in offical tweak mode and i get real close but still not totally happy with the results.

NoJoke · Post by **NoJoke** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:32 am

kicko wrote:anyone really settled into some sliders yet? I am in offical tweak mode and i get real close but still not totally happy with the results.

Great question. I can't find a balance where I throw balls/walk batters where I don't end up throwing a bunch of meatballs (gopher balls). Anyone find a way to walk people without getting killed???

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:56 am

Ok, I can't believe I am saying this but this game has taken over as my baseball game this year from The Show which I thought was a shoe in a week ago.

Main reason : user interaction. That is what 2k8 is. The Show, it's a great baseball game, but sometimes I feel like I am more watching the action than really playing. That what I do as a player sometimes really doesn't matter on the outcome.

2k8 on the other hand, is complete user interaction. What you do mechanically in this game really does matter on the outcome. The way the controls are pitching and hitting in 2k8, and the degree of how your pitch varies if you do your Stick motion one way or another really affects the outcome. Same with Hitting. Although I prefer HH hitting, 2k8 really rewards you for performing the right Stick motion.

It's really hard when you play 2k8 and go back to The Show and not use analog fielding. it just feels really cheap. But The show is a better pick up and play game while you have to work on 2k8 to have success.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:58 am

Pretty bold post Inuyasha. I personally agree, but bold nonetheless.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:08 am

Inuyasha wrote:Ok, I can't believe I am saying this but this game has taken over as my baseball game this year from The Show which I thought was a shoe in a week ago.

Main reason : user interaction. That is what 2k8 is. The Show, it's a great baseball game, but sometimes I feel like I am more watching the action than really playing. That what I do as a player sometimes really doesn't matter on the outcome.

2k8 on the other hand, is complete user interaction. What you do mechanically in this game really does matter on the outcome. The way the controls are pitching and hitting in 2k8, and the degree of how your pitch varies if you do your Stick motion one way or another really affects the outcome. Same with Hitting. Although I prefer HH hitting, 2k8 really rewards you for performing the right Stick motion.

It's really hard when you play 2k8 and go back to The Show and not use analog fielding. it just feels really cheap. But The show is a better pick up and play game while you have to work on 2k8 to have success.

Except that baseball is pretty fundamental. We had this debate in MVP, when you had a lot of control when MVP 05 was released.

Ben Brinkman loves that stupid step thing, they did that in NCAA MVP. It was stupid then and stupid now. Is it baseball, well I guess as much as jock itch. The redeeming factor of it is that it really doesn't hurt you that much if you step at the wrong time.

The throwing controls are progress. The pitching is why 2K Sports is constantly in 2nd. It's a nice idea but its 2K bulky.

I think people are suffering more from The Show sameness than 2K being better baseball. It's the same thing in the FIFA/WE contest. WE is great but there's nothing new to the game. The Show is a great game, but the sameness hurts it.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:28 am

Leave it to JRod to bring a 2K8 owner back down to reality.

greggsand · Post by **greggsand** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:49 pm

2k8 does come out of the gate "clinky", but once you start really diving into it, it's a pretty awesome game.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:36 pm

JRod wrote:
The throwing controls are progress. The pitching is why 2K Sports is constantly in 2nd. It's a nice idea but its 2K bulky.

I think people are suffering more from The Show sameness than 2K being better baseball. It's the same thing in the FIFA/WE contest. WE is great but there's nothing new to the game. The Show is a great game, but the sameness hurts it.

I disagree about the pitching....it's what makes 2K great for me. I love the interaction it provides. If I am in a tight spot, I actually question throwing a more difficult pitch and sometimes opt for a fastball because I know I can spot it better. That's thinking almost like a real pitcher would. That never happens in The Show. I agree with your analogy of The Show and WE. That is precisely why WE is losing ground to FIFA. People get tired of a game that is basically the same thing year after year with new rosters. The gameplay of WE and The Show are solid indeed....but why spend $60 for basically the same game you already have?

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:44 pm

Inuyasha wrote:Ok, I can't believe I am saying this but this game has taken over as my baseball game this year from The Show which I thought was a shoe in a week ago.

Main reason : user interaction. That is what 2k8 is. The Show, it's a great baseball game, but sometimes I feel like I am more watching the action than really playing. That what I do as a player sometimes really doesn't matter on the outcome.

2k8 on the other hand, is complete user interaction. What you do mechanically in this game really does matter on the outcome. The way the controls are pitching and hitting in 2k8, and the degree of how your pitch varies if you do your Stick motion one way or another really affects the outcome. Same with Hitting. Although I prefer HH hitting, 2k8 really rewards you for performing the right Stick motion.

It's really hard when you play 2k8 and go back to The Show and not use analog fielding. it just feels really cheap. But The show is a better pick up and play game while you have to work on 2k8 to have success.

I am with you Inuy.....I really think 2K did a fantastic job with this year's offering. With the right sliders, it plays great. I am getting the right amount of walks, balls and strikes, steals, everything. My games are all different and unpredictable. When I sit "dead red" on a high inside fastball and then get one and jump on it to send it into the cheap seats, it's rewarding and feels almost like real hitting. I could never go back to just pressing buttons for pitching, fielding or throwing....just like after playing NBA2K with the right analog shooting...I could go back to button shooting. It just feels so much better to use the sticks for motion based movements like hitting, pitching and throwing. I always look forward to my next game of 2K8 baseball shortly after I complete my last game.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:13 am

Glad you're finally enjoying the game Jack, it is quite fun!

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:20 am

I just hope they fix a few things, like the complete lack of AI steals, the various lineup bugs, etc. Those things are detracting from the overall feel of the game for me.

The AI not stealing is like a console hockey game with no penalties called! It just doesn't happen! Oh, no, wait...

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:47 am

Gangrel wrote:I just hope they fix a few things, like the complete lack of AI steals, the various lineup bugs, etc. Those things are detracting from the overall feel of the game for me.

The AI not stealing is like a console hockey game with no penalties called! It just doesn't happen! Oh, no, wait...

Did you max out all the stealing sliders? I get at least one attempted SB by the AI per game. I have thrown them out every time, so I might have to adjust the "steal success" slider. Steals don't happen in real bb as often as you think....check the boxscores.