Official MLB 08: The Show thread.

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: blurredvision
But other than that pathetic gripe, the atmosphere is pretty good. In my last game I described in a post above, I went into the bottom of the ninth down 3-1, and led off with a single. The crowd seemed to love it, and the announcers appropriately remarked on how important a hit that was to start out. Then stupid Teixeira grounded into a double-play (I usually strike out with him, figures the one time I lay wood on the ball he gets me two outs instead of his usual one), and the crowd seemed somewhat deflated. They booed when the game was final. 🙂

Awesome! I always hated games where a ninth inning comeback occurs and once the winning run crosses the plate, or when you win a playoff series, or even worse, the world series, and the announcers just sign off like it's a spring training game and the teams don't react any differently after such a huge event like they should.

Well, I can now tell you what happens when you win a game in the bottom of the ninth 🙂. I was playing my second game in the series against the Pirates, and it was tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the ninth with 2, 3, and 4 of the batting order coming. I lead off with a ground-out, and then had Chipper Jones at the plate. I figured since Teixeira was a dog for me starting out the season, I had to do something right then and there with Jones. I looked at a ball, then whiffed at a slider. The next pitch I guessed the location and type, so I put my thumb on the square (power swing baby!). I barely placed it over the wall in center 😀.

The crowd went wild, but nothing major over what they normally do. Once the ball went over the wall, it showed Jones jumping up and down after rounding first, then it immediately cut to him rounding third and giving the third-base coach a high-five, then it cut to him running in slowly and jumping on home with the rest of the team jumping up and down around him. Then they showed the replay, and I liked that as soon as I made contact with the ball, the entire crowd stood up and was looking towards the outfield (or they seemed to be, anyway).

Good times :thumbsup:.

 

[warcrow]

You guys we not joking about this game. I'm very impressed with it. I've not really sat down with a baseball in years (last years 2K Baseball was pretty darn cool--but not this cool) and this just might be the baseball game that gets me to play an entire season.

Possible the best baseball game ever made? Also, I love that you can (finally!) save a game at any time and come back to it.

I'm not good enough (actually, I suck a LOT with the batting) to play someone at MP just yet. Maybe some time I'll look one of you up?

 

[anxi80]

^ sure just let me know. my friend is actually borrowing the game right now, which is funny because he can hit with the lights out in this game but cant pitch for crap. but he's working on it and i need the competition. but ill have it back soon and id be down for some online play. glad to hear you're enjoying the game, which team do you usually pick?

 

[warcrow]

Well, since I stopped following baseball on a daily basis back when the Giants had Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell and Matt Williams--I didnt know who to go with. I originally picked the Giants, but they were awful and I needed all the help I could get.

I decided to go with Detroit. 😱

 

[anxi80]

Originally posted by: warcrow
Well, since I stopped following baseball on a daily basis back when the Giants had Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell and Matt Williams--I didnt know who to go with. I originally picked the Giants, but they were awful and I needed all the help I could get.

I decided to go with Detroit. 😱

i dont blame ya. 😛

i havent had the chance to try out other teams yet... but if i do id probably go with the tigers first seeing how they are probably the most well-rounded team in the game. and id get to pitch with local boy joel zumaya and throw 100 mph fastballs.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: warcrow
Well, since I stopped following baseball on a daily basis back when the Giants had Will Clark, Kevin Mitchell and Matt Williams--I didnt know who to go with. I originally picked the Giants, but they were awful and I needed all the help I could get.

I decided to go with Detroit. 😱

I originally thought about going with the somewhat hometown Reds, but I also needed all the help I could at the plate, so I went with my childhood favorite Braves instead.

I'm currently 2-2 in my franchise, but haven't played it all week due to time constraints. It sucks that it takes me well over an hour to play a game, maybe I need to start utilizing the save feature.

 

[tdawg]

Has anybody tried "The Show"? I watched the short video of this feature on the publisher's website and it looks fairly in depth (having to read signs of the base coaches and stuff). It sounds interesting.

I'm a fan of Fifa '08s "Be A Pro" mode where you can create and control one player--though I wish you could play the mode for real offline. It would be fun if you didn't have any say in coaching and you could be benched, have to earn your spot in the starting 11 and demand to be traded and such if you're not getting the playing time you feel you deserve. 🙂

 

[KeithTalent]

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

 

[tdawg]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

Pretty sure I'm playing on Veteran right now, so maybe that's part of the problem. .350 is a pretty good average, so maybe I'll try it on Rookie to see if things improve.

I think you lose a few things by playing on Rookie, don't you? I'm sure it's nothing game-breaking though.

KT

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

Pretty sure I'm playing on Veteran right now, so maybe that's part of the problem. .350 is a pretty good average, so maybe I'll try it on Rookie to see if things improve.

I think you lose a few things by playing on Rookie, don't you? I'm sure it's nothing game-breaking though.

KT

It's a bit simpler, but not in a bad way, IMHO. I think that they may have overcomplicated the game with some of the things you have to do.

My only gripe with the game is the Show mode that every time I am in a play as a fielder the batter is always hitting the first ball, there is never more than 1 pitch.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

Pretty sure I'm playing on Veteran right now, so maybe that's part of the problem. .350 is a pretty good average, so maybe I'll try it on Rookie to see if things improve.

I think you lose a few things by playing on Rookie, don't you? I'm sure it's nothing game-breaking though.

KT

It's a bit simpler, but not in a bad way, IMHO. I think that they may have overcomplicated the game with some of the things you have to do.

My only gripe with the game is the Show mode that every time I am in a play as a fielder the batter is always hitting the first ball, there is never more than 1 pitch.

Ok, good to know on the first part.

Sorry, but I'm not sure I quite understand what you are saying in your second comment.

KT

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

Pretty sure I'm playing on Veteran right now, so maybe that's part of the problem. .350 is a pretty good average, so maybe I'll try it on Rookie to see if things improve.

I think you lose a few things by playing on Rookie, don't you? I'm sure it's nothing game-breaking though.

KT

It's a bit simpler, but not in a bad way, IMHO. I think that they may have overcomplicated the game with some of the things you have to do.

My only gripe with the game is the Show mode that every time I am in a play as a fielder the batter is always hitting the first ball, there is never more than 1 pitch.

Ok, good to know on the first part.

Sorry, but I'm not sure I quite understand what you are saying in your second comment.

KT

In The Show mode you play a single player's character for their entire career from the minors on up. If you are a fielder then every time your position might be called in a play you will have to control your character, otherwise the plays are skipped. So if a batter is going to line a ball to you in left field it will ALWAYS be the first pitch that they hit. Very annoying.

 

[tdawg]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: tdawg

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I just recently started playing this demo.

I really like the game overall (when I crank it through the digital audio, with surround speakers, beer in hand, it feels like I'm actually at a game) and I feel as if I have a pretty good handle on the pitching, but I am absolutely horrid at hitting. I think I've played through the demo about 25 times, maybe more, and I've had a grand total of 2 runs scored. I've never hit anything more than a double, which I think I've only done once. I even took the step of lowering the pitch speed way down so, in theory, I should be able to see the ball better, but it hasn't helped.

So my question is, does the hitting get any easier in the full game? I really want to pick this up, but if I'm never going to score runs I think I would just get frustrated after a very short while.

Thanks for reading!

KT

I don't remember how I did with the demo, but I picked this game up very soon after receiving my PS3. I went straight to "The Show" mode and I was a horrible hitter. Over time, I got better without changing the settings within the overall difficulty level. That said, I'm still playing on Rookie. I've played 4 or 5 seasons and my hittings been consistently above .350, once I got going.

MLB '08 is a great baseball game and is definitely worth picking up if you like playing baseball. There are some quirks in "The Show", but not enough to be a killer.

Pretty sure I'm playing on Veteran right now, so maybe that's part of the problem. .350 is a pretty good average, so maybe I'll try it on Rookie to see if things improve.

I think you lose a few things by playing on Rookie, don't you? I'm sure it's nothing game-breaking though.

KT

It's a bit simpler, but not in a bad way, IMHO. I think that they may have overcomplicated the game with some of the things you have to do.

My only gripe with the game is the Show mode that every time I am in a play as a fielder the batter is always hitting the first ball, there is never more than 1 pitch.

Ok, good to know on the first part.

Sorry, but I'm not sure I quite understand what you are saying in your second comment.

KT

In The Show mode you play a single player's character for their entire career from the minors on up. If you are a fielder then every time your position might be called in a play you will have to control your character, otherwise the plays are skipped. So if a batter is going to line a ball to you in left field it will ALWAYS be the first pitch that they hit. Very annoying.

Yeah, it takes away from the reality of the mode, but after a couple of seasons, you get used to it. The thing I don't like about when the other team is batting is when the CPU meant to steal second, but the runner didn't go and the batter now has a strike. Every time the situation reloads with the batter starting his at bat over, unless it just skips to the next inning, which happens. The thing I really hate is playing against the Rockies. I'm a SS and every time I play the Rockies, all I ever end up doing is trying to tag out runner after runner stealing 2nd base. Why is there never a pitch out?! 🙂

 

[KeithTalent]

Wow, had a quick run through of the demo this morning before heading to work and what a difference Rookie mode made. I got my first home run (had another one stolen from me) and I ended with 7 hits over the 3 innings. I think Francis was starting to settle down by the 3rd inning though, since he put down my last two batters on 7 pitches.

Anyway, that really boosted my confidence, so I think I'll just pick up this game.

Is there online play in this game? I assume so, but is it any good?

KT

 

[DukeFan21]

Just got the game a few days ago (loved the demo) and am starting to get the hang of it. The Franchise mode is seriously in-depth, albeit time consuming. It's great though...I find myself spending so much time managing the team and budget that sim a whole heck of a lot of games. By the way, Chase Utley is a beast 🙂

 

[tdawg]

I think the online mode is supposed to be robust, but I haven't tried it, yet. I believe blurredvision gave it a shot once or twice.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: tdawg
I think the online mode is supposed to be robust, but I haven't tried it, yet. I believe blurredvision gave it a shot once or twice.

I actually haven't tried online at all, I just played against a friend or two locally.

 

[anxi80]

im kind of curious to try the online mode out also. i havent gotten around to it, and everytime i launch the game i just continue on with my season. the hitting does take some getting used to. it used to be that the opposing starting pitcher would have 10 strike-outs and threw 68 strikes and 3 balls. i couldnt take a pitch for the life of me. i still get fooled on some bad pitches but for the most part im getting better pitch recognition and plate discipline.

 

[RS8]

Maybe we should have a mini AT league.

I haven't played a non RTTS game in a long long time though. I've yet to try an online match as well.

 

[KeithTalent]

I'd be down with trying some online play with people here. I won't have my game for about another week, but I'd be up for it after that.

I think I've played through the demo a good 30 times now and can hardly wait to get the game. This just may be the best sports game I've ever played; hopefully the full game holds up.

KT

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
This just may be the best sports game I've ever played; hopefully the full game holds up.

You should find that it holds up just fine, the demo plays the same as the full retail version.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: blurredvision

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
This just may be the best sports game I've ever played; hopefully the full game holds up.

You should find that it holds up just fine, the demo plays the same as the full retail version.

Good to hear. I'm not even the biggest baseball fan, but this game is just fantastic.

The only gripe I have is sometimes the fielding AI is a little spotty, as in it starts me off on some guy that is not even close to the ball and by the time I switch to the guy I need, it's too late and the runners are safely on base.

I still need to figure out how to run bases correctly. I left the bases loaded last night because I didn't advance my runners properly, I definitely should have had at least another run scored. I guess I'll learn all of that from the manual though.

KT

 

[DukeFan21]

I played a few online games this week and was surprised I didn't get blown out. The first game I played wasn't that good; there is a bit of lag while batting when compared to offline-mode, but I guess that is expected.

If anyone wants to play sometime, I usually play at night or in the afternoon around this time; PSN name is trjlangdon

 

[tdawg]

I'd be interested to try a game or two online. I haven't really played online on the PS3, with the exception of Warhawk. The lack of voice communication during the game is weird to me. I mean, how do I trash talk?! Just kidding. 🙂

For those that have played the RTTS mode for a while, is there a secret to throwing in order to avoid errors? My SS has an A rating in fielding and his Arm Strength and Accuracy are almost topped out, yet I can't get through a complete fielding goal period without an error, and it drives me crazy. It's keeping me from being an every day player, even though I'm leading the league in hitting! No worse way to end a hitting streak than to have your manager pinch hit you in the late innings, rather than starting you!