MVP Impressions
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Slumberland
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I yelled at a baserunner today for not sliding...then I remember that *I* needed to slide. Then a few innings later I decided to go back to third on a play and did a great slide to avoid the tag. Friggin' awesome.Slumberland wrote:Something about the myriad of things that can happen in the field, and yet I feel like I have total control.
I like how balls can bounce away from the catcher...but not automatically be a passed ball. I like how momentum really matters on infield grounders.
JRod: My settings are all over the place. Right now I'm probably a "Pro" hitter (even hit a few homeruns today with no power boost!), but I like pitching on All-Star better with the hardest meter settings and low pitch control.
I've played games long enough to realize (and expect) that some terrible bug will probably be uncovered in the next few days, but so far I am loving the game. I find the following things important in a baseball game and so far MVP is delivering:
- The game must be a challenge and the CPU must be able to score. The more degrees of difficulty available the better.
- Walks, walks, walks
- Competent CPU baserunning...but every baserunner can't have the smarts of Derek Jeter. They should get thrown out sometimes.
- Noticeable differences between players. Pitchers should be different. I should be able to tell the difference between Jim Edmonds and Craig Wilson in the outfield.
- Realistic pitch movements and realistic yet hittable pitch speeds.
- Decent ball physics...variety in ground balls
- Good CPU bench and bullpen management (it doesn't have to be perfect)
Tim,
Yes, the basics of the game is very much the same. However, they've fixed so much stuff and just made the game nearly perfect.
Addition of walks, new animations to make plays like the first baseman throwing to the pitcher on the run as he covers first (instead of standing there like a jackass until the pitcher actually got to first), refined control on defense.
Yeah, the game feels very much like it did in 2003 and 2004, but this year they've fixed all the stuff that was iritating about those previous games.
Gosh, I remember in 2003 batters would not swing at pitches outside the strike zone.
Yes, the basics of the game is very much the same. However, they've fixed so much stuff and just made the game nearly perfect.
Addition of walks, new animations to make plays like the first baseman throwing to the pitcher on the run as he covers first (instead of standing there like a jackass until the pitcher actually got to first), refined control on defense.
Yeah, the game feels very much like it did in 2003 and 2004, but this year they've fixed all the stuff that was iritating about those previous games.
Gosh, I remember in 2003 batters would not swing at pitches outside the strike zone.
This is one of the best playing baseball games I've experienced in a long while. I'm getting really good results in almost every area. (with slider tweak) Two things I'd like to hear opinions on, though:
I'm kinda against the batter's eye, but yet I'm finding that without it ball movement is really hard to judge in this game...at least so far. What camera angle are you guys who are NOT using batter's eye using? Does anyone think batter's eye is a must?
The CPU throw ball slider works...and I have a feeling it's going to take a while for me to fine tune this one. Anyone have a number on this right now that seems perfect?
I'm kinda against the batter's eye, but yet I'm finding that without it ball movement is really hard to judge in this game...at least so far. What camera angle are you guys who are NOT using batter's eye using? Does anyone think batter's eye is a must?
The CPU throw ball slider works...and I have a feeling it's going to take a while for me to fine tune this one. Anyone have a number on this right now that seems perfect?
Just saw my first ball lost in the ivy at Wrigley, and it cost me a game and more. I was tied 2-2 with the Brewers in the 9th, Patterson crushes a ball into the gap that Hairston would have scored on, and it gets lost in the ivy. The play is ruled a ground rule double, and I end up whiffing with Nomar to end the inning. The next inning, the Brewers hit a grand slam, and Aramis Ramirez sprained his MCL 
It was still pretty cool to see a ball get lost though, even if the game was only the 4th game of the season, and there wouldn't be any ivy on the outfield wall yet.
It was still pretty cool to see a ball get lost though, even if the game was only the 4th game of the season, and there wouldn't be any ivy on the outfield wall yet.
Wow. A baseball game that actually gets rundowns correct. I had one today that lasted 4 throws! I had the CPU caught in a rundown between 3rd and home. At one point I ended up chasing the runner back towards third and tossed to the 3rd baseman with my catcher. Luckily, my pitcher covered home and completed the play. It was pretty cool because the camera angle was very good and you could see the players holding the ball high.
There are so many different types of hits in this game it is sick. I've seen dozens of types of foul balls alone.
There are so many different types of hits in this game it is sick. I've seen dozens of types of foul balls alone.
If you can seen the color and then anticipate the speed and location of the pitch, you must have an amazing brain. I can't see the color, find the location and then decide to swing all in one.webdanzer wrote:This is one of the best playing baseball games I've experienced in a long while. I'm getting really good results in almost every area. (with slider tweak) Two things I'd like to hear opinions on, though:
I'm kinda against the batter's eye, but yet I'm finding that without it ball movement is really hard to judge in this game...at least so far. What camera angle are you guys who are NOT using batter's eye using? Does anyone think batter's eye is a must?
The CPU throw ball slider works...and I have a feeling it's going to take a while for me to fine tune this one. Anyone have a number on this right now that seems perfect?
Not to mention but I think it varies from pitcher to pitcher. Some guys I pick it up at the moment it comes from their hands. Other guys I see it in their wind-up.
It hasn't helped me since I can't buy a win with the BoSox. I keep losing to the yankees.
Leebo: Your bullets are right on.
TJung; Last year the frustration of a videogame got in the way. I don't really know how to explain why this happens in videogames. The videogame shouldn't get in the way of the sport that's being played. Nor should it feel like the CPU will detemine the outcome. These are two areas that WE does right. And that's why I enjoy it.
MVP is much in the same vain. I haven't played it enough to break it yet. I'm sure Bill Abner will come up with something that will ruin our parade. I kid
Whatever you want to do in this game you can. The game doens't get in the way.This game is so much fun right now its incredible.
If anyone wants a list of postives for the game read leebos bullets. That's why I like it as well. That and the Cooperstown thing is sweet. One of the best features ever in a baseball game.
[url=http://sensiblecoasters.wordpress.com/][b]Sensible Coasters - A critique of sports games, reviews, gaming sites and news. Questionably Proofread![/b][/url]
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Slumberland
- DSP-Funk All-Star
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Love that you can play dynasty games in any stadium, including classic ones, even though that isn't realistic.
And I'm constantly impressed by the catcher's reactions when the ball gets away from him. So much variety.
It's always interesting when the game I'm looking forward to the least is the one that knocks my socks off.
And I'm constantly impressed by the catcher's reactions when the ball gets away from him. So much variety.
It's always interesting when the game I'm looking forward to the least is the one that knocks my socks off.
I think it's a huge upgrade just to fix some of the annoying things that made the game repetitive and boring after awhile. It's apparent to me they've added a ton of animations to the game this year. I also hated the fielders running like they were taking a daily jog around the stadium.
I also think the "hitter's eye" has definitly added to my enjoyment of hitting now. That little "extra" help has made me much better at hitting. The good players can smash the ball and the poor hitters, well, I feel like I've done something when I get a hit with my 7-9 batters.
These are also some excellent points made by Leebo 33 (I'm guessing you're 33 years old, which is exactly my age as well :
- The game must be a challenge and the CPU must be able to score. The more degrees of difficulty available the better.
All Star out of the box has been about perfect for me.
- Walks, walks, walks
Yeah, I'm walking at least twice a game, but I'm getting better.
- Competent CPU baserunning...but every baserunner can't have the smarts of Derek Jeter. They should get thrown out sometimes.
I threw a guy out at home last night from RF with Walker, I must have watched that replay 20 times.
- Noticeable differences between players. Pitchers should be different. I should be able to tell the difference between Jim Edmonds and Craig Wilson in the outfield.
YES, definitly. Players don't run on Molina, but they do on my backup. Rolen gets to just about every ball, most players never take the extra base on Walker. Edmonds covers A LOT of outfield. The game really reflects the players well, imo.
- Realistic pitch movements and realistic yet hittable pitch speeds.
A closer like Gagne is hard, but hittable. The fastball, changeup kills me constantly.
- Decent ball physics...variety in ground balls
A TON more than last year.
- Good CPU bench and bullpen management (it doesn't have to be perfect)
Much better again. No more pitchers warming up in the 4th-5th inning, unless getting shelled. The other's team manager comes out to talk to the pitcher, double switches, etc.. Noting questionable for me yet.. although baseball is a VERY arguable game.
Bottom Line: I'm a FPS, High Heat, junkie. I love manage only mode and although playing CPU vs CPU has yielded good results in the few games I've "watched" so to speak - I really wish they had this mode - I like playing this game. The rewards are satisfying when you do something like hit a 3 run bomb to tie a game, make a diving catch, strikeout the side in the 9th with 2 on to win.
I'll give EA the thumbs up on this one. Ok, back to playing the Astros.
Todd
I also think the "hitter's eye" has definitly added to my enjoyment of hitting now. That little "extra" help has made me much better at hitting. The good players can smash the ball and the poor hitters, well, I feel like I've done something when I get a hit with my 7-9 batters.
These are also some excellent points made by Leebo 33 (I'm guessing you're 33 years old, which is exactly my age as well :
- The game must be a challenge and the CPU must be able to score. The more degrees of difficulty available the better.
All Star out of the box has been about perfect for me.
- Walks, walks, walks
Yeah, I'm walking at least twice a game, but I'm getting better.
- Competent CPU baserunning...but every baserunner can't have the smarts of Derek Jeter. They should get thrown out sometimes.
I threw a guy out at home last night from RF with Walker, I must have watched that replay 20 times.
- Noticeable differences between players. Pitchers should be different. I should be able to tell the difference between Jim Edmonds and Craig Wilson in the outfield.
YES, definitly. Players don't run on Molina, but they do on my backup. Rolen gets to just about every ball, most players never take the extra base on Walker. Edmonds covers A LOT of outfield. The game really reflects the players well, imo.
- Realistic pitch movements and realistic yet hittable pitch speeds.
A closer like Gagne is hard, but hittable. The fastball, changeup kills me constantly.
- Decent ball physics...variety in ground balls
A TON more than last year.
- Good CPU bench and bullpen management (it doesn't have to be perfect)
Much better again. No more pitchers warming up in the 4th-5th inning, unless getting shelled. The other's team manager comes out to talk to the pitcher, double switches, etc.. Noting questionable for me yet.. although baseball is a VERY arguable game.
Bottom Line: I'm a FPS, High Heat, junkie. I love manage only mode and although playing CPU vs CPU has yielded good results in the few games I've "watched" so to speak - I really wish they had this mode - I like playing this game. The rewards are satisfying when you do something like hit a 3 run bomb to tie a game, make a diving catch, strikeout the side in the 9th with 2 on to win.
I'll give EA the thumbs up on this one. Ok, back to playing the Astros.
Todd
I'm not a big sliders fan, and so maybe that's why I'm a lot less impressed than the rest of you guys. Maybe I'm just a graphics whore, but I still can't get past the batting stances and the fact that I STILL can't take practice swings. I hate when a baseball game doesn't allow you to do that, since I like to use it for a sense of timing.
I also don't see what the game has over MLB when it comes to fielding animations. The ones in that game are much more lifelike and realistic looking to me, and I also miss seeing the ball being thrown around the horn, etc. MVP seems like a slider fanatic's wet dream, though, so maybe I should spend some time messing with those to see what you guys are getting about the game. Then again, if MLB is not delayed and comes out next week, I won't really care about who's doing what with MVP.
I also don't see what the game has over MLB when it comes to fielding animations. The ones in that game are much more lifelike and realistic looking to me, and I also miss seeing the ball being thrown around the horn, etc. MVP seems like a slider fanatic's wet dream, though, so maybe I should spend some time messing with those to see what you guys are getting about the game. Then again, if MLB is not delayed and comes out next week, I won't really care about who's doing what with MVP.
The only problem I have with MVP 2005 is that the CPU hitters seem to swing at the first pitch too often which lowers the users pitch count. I think this can be improved a bit though with adjustment to the CPU swing frequency slider. Otherwise it is a good baseball game and much improved from MVP 2004 and especially Triple Play Baseball.
I'm playing on default All Star, and the game has been quite fun to me.
We're all hoping MLB 2006 is a great game, but without playing it, can you honestly say THIS will be the game that's better than MVP or ESPN's game?
My preconseptions of MVP were not favorable, but it's been well worth the $10 I spent.
Todd
We're all hoping MLB 2006 is a great game, but without playing it, can you honestly say THIS will be the game that's better than MVP or ESPN's game?
My preconseptions of MVP were not favorable, but it's been well worth the $10 I spent.
Todd
I don't think you have to go crazy with the sliders. I could live with just the ones that create more walks and make it easier/harder for the human/CPU to hit (because I'm kind of stuck b/w Pro and All-Star).
I really like the context of the animations in MVP. They don't feel canned and I don't feel like the game is playing me.
It's really nice to have choices. I have 2 really good baseball games in MVP and High Heat 2004 and even MLB 2K5 isn't *that* bad. It would have been the 2nd best baseball game released last year IMO after ESPN. I'm hoping MLB 2006 will blow us away as well.
I really like the context of the animations in MVP. They don't feel canned and I don't feel like the game is playing me.
It's really nice to have choices. I have 2 really good baseball games in MVP and High Heat 2004 and even MLB 2K5 isn't *that* bad. It would have been the 2nd best baseball game released last year IMO after ESPN. I'm hoping MLB 2006 will blow us away as well.
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Millennium
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Animation wise, here is how I compare MLB to MVP:
MLB 2K5 is like ESPN NBA. They are GREAT looking animation, but they feel like they are bottled up to work with certain plays, slowed down when needing to be conformed to other plays. They are not practical and functional animations. They are made to look good.
MVP, on the other hand, is like NBA Live. The animations, while maybe not as pretty as the competition, don't waste motions. They are never sped up/slowed down to fit a situation. They are easy to use, don't overdo anything, and never look out of place.
MLB 2K5 is like ESPN NBA. They are GREAT looking animation, but they feel like they are bottled up to work with certain plays, slowed down when needing to be conformed to other plays. They are not practical and functional animations. They are made to look good.
MVP, on the other hand, is like NBA Live. The animations, while maybe not as pretty as the competition, don't waste motions. They are never sped up/slowed down to fit a situation. They are easy to use, don't overdo anything, and never look out of place.
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sportdan30
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I LOVE THIS GAME! Got that, Db? I love it! I haven't won a game yet, but it's magnificant.
Everything from the pace of the game to the pitching to the fielding to the hitting is a complete joy. I haven't felt this type of baseball nirvana in a long long time. I simply cannot wait to start a season.
See, no petty griping Scott my boy
Everything from the pace of the game to the pitching to the fielding to the hitting is a complete joy. I haven't felt this type of baseball nirvana in a long long time. I simply cannot wait to start a season.
See, no petty griping Scott my boy
What ban?!?!sportdan30 wrote:I LOVE THIS GAME! Got that, Db? I love it! I haven't won a game yet, but it's magnificant.
Everything from the pace of the game to the pitching to the fielding to the hitting is a complete joy. I haven't felt this type of baseball nirvana in a long long time. I simply cannot wait to start a season.
See, no petty griping Scott my boy
[url=http://sensiblecoasters.wordpress.com/][b]Sensible Coasters - A critique of sports games, reviews, gaming sites and news. Questionably Proofread![/b][/url]
I was going to play half MVP and half MLB today but I can't put MVP down. Right now, even though MLB's options look to give the game potential, I just dont want to waste any time tinkering with it. MVP out of the box is perfect.
I've never played all 162 games in any baseball game I've owned but I could see myself doing it this year with MVP. The game pace is perfect too where I can finish a 3 game series in one sitting and not feel like I've overplayed. It's the exact opposite, I want to keep playing. Each game is lasting about 25 minutes for me which is reasonable.
I've never played all 162 games in any baseball game I've owned but I could see myself doing it this year with MVP. The game pace is perfect too where I can finish a 3 game series in one sitting and not feel like I've overplayed. It's the exact opposite, I want to keep playing. Each game is lasting about 25 minutes for me which is reasonable.
I agree. Just as I think I have the pitching down, I get beat like I just did 11-3. The game on default All Star is perfect for my style of play.
I am still seeing hits that I've never seen before until the moment it happens.
This game continues to amaze me. I'm not getting any sleep and my wife is starting to wonder when I'll shave. lol..
Todd
I am still seeing hits that I've never seen before until the moment it happens.
This game continues to amaze me. I'm not getting any sleep and my wife is starting to wonder when I'll shave. lol..
Todd
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dbdynsty25
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matthewk
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I just did a complete 180 on baseball games this week. I stared out with 2k5 the day is was released. I have seen the passed balls, the removal of options (in-game saves, strike zone, etc..), and have read enough about all the franchise issues to trust they really do exist. With all the MVP praise going on this week I figured I had to at least give it a try, so I rented it Friday night.
As of right now I'm leaning toward picking up MVP and shelving 2K5 until I hear of a patch. I love the atmosphere of 2k5. I really enjoy the different cameras they use from time to time when you are batting, like theres a camera rolling down the first base line. I never had an issue with the fielding camera either. I am a little dissappointed that the menaus and overlays in MVP 2005 look exactly the same as last year, but then it is apparent that their focus was on the gameplay. I was afraid of the hitting system, but to my surprise this has been tweaked. I hit 3 homers so far, and none of them happened when pressing up on the stick.
I am having fun with both games, but right now 2K5 leaves me with too much to compensate for, like not running on the passed balls and not using a west coast team for a season unless I never want to play at night in my home park.
This exclusives war is going to kill my gaming. I preferred NFL 2K5 and that's the one facing extinction. Now I find MVP to be my favorite and sure enough it's the one losing the license. Maybe this time next year I'll be playing all my sports games with fictional players
As of right now I'm leaning toward picking up MVP and shelving 2K5 until I hear of a patch. I love the atmosphere of 2k5. I really enjoy the different cameras they use from time to time when you are batting, like theres a camera rolling down the first base line. I never had an issue with the fielding camera either. I am a little dissappointed that the menaus and overlays in MVP 2005 look exactly the same as last year, but then it is apparent that their focus was on the gameplay. I was afraid of the hitting system, but to my surprise this has been tweaked. I hit 3 homers so far, and none of them happened when pressing up on the stick.
I am having fun with both games, but right now 2K5 leaves me with too much to compensate for, like not running on the passed balls and not using a west coast team for a season unless I never want to play at night in my home park.
This exclusives war is going to kill my gaming. I preferred NFL 2K5 and that's the one facing extinction. Now I find MVP to be my favorite and sure enough it's the one losing the license. Maybe this time next year I'll be playing all my sports games with fictional players
-Matt