Question for gamers

by ScottAZ on Mar 3, 2008 10:29 AM EST Comment 32 comments

I just recently bought a PS3 and wanted to get whatever baseball game is the best for that platform- either The Show or 2K8. Who has advice?

I was a huge fan of MVP 2005 and also the MVP 2006 games as far as gameplay, graphics, etc. Which game is closest to what MVP put out in those terms?

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+1

I'm in the same situation and have been wondering the same thing. I saw one recently that didn't have a franchise mode at all.

It's really difficult to find a game that does statistics well. I really liked the High Heat series for that. MVP was okay but a lot of the stats weren't very good.

by Lunkwill Fook on Mar 3, 2008 10:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

hasn't be released yet

The Show doesn't come out until tomorrow.

I will say that what I've played/seen/read of "the Show" is that they are aiming to make the game "as realistic as possible" which actually means "as complex and time consuming as possible".

They have all sorts of hitter/pitcher charts so you can plan your attack. You have to use the analog stick for every action (pitch, throw, hit). You have to actually read signs of the 3rd base coach. You have be in proper position defensively.

Everything is manual. Nothing is automated. It seems like way more difficulty than it's worth. What ever happened to RBI baseball or SNK. Where you just hit buttons.

The entire value of sports video games is the franchise mode, but the more complex and involved they make these games, the longer it takes per game. When you have to play 162 games per season, when each game takes an hour to play, it becomes ridiculous.

by Galt on Mar 3, 2008 11:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

automated

i think the key here is to have that stuff available in the game, but also have it controlled by the computer A.I. if you don't care for it to be that involved.

I was a huge fan of MVP 2005 and 2006. They were hands down, the best baseball games ever made. The pitching and hitting were a perfect mix of complexity and simplicity. My biggest problem with the MVP games were that literally EVERYTHING got tracked down and caught in the OF on the normal settings the game came on.

i never played any of 'The Show' series so i really can't compare.

any more responses would be greatly apprecaited. I'd love to know how The Show compare to the MVP series. I put more stock into the opinions of real baseball fans as opposed to some gaming web site.

Go Pirates!!!

by cool hand Charlie on Mar 3, 2008 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

I agree with the OF thing. Lasers hit in the OF that should be hoppers off the wall are caught like routine popups. Also the fact that the computer took perfect routes to everything and played every ball perfectly off the wall was really annoying.

Also I didn't like that during franchise mode teams didn't ever use their bench. You would look at stats at the end of the season and entire starting lineups played 160 games. No player fatigue? Really fake

by ScottAZ on Mar 3, 2008 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait till you hear reviews for 2k8...

... but chances are if you liked the MVP games, you would like "The Show" better. I played 07 The Show for PS2 and it felt a lot like MVP. It wasnt quite as good, but it was a very good game. Plus the "Road to the Show" mode is terrific.

On the other hand, the playable minors was one of the more fun things about MVP 05 and they are adding that to MLB 2k8, which I dont believe they have in "The Show".

I would wait and see what the reviews look like for them both, but chances are you will want to buy "The Show"

A different video game related question: Does anyone think the Wii version of MLB 2k8 will be done right? The screenshots make the graphics look PSP level, though Ive heard rumors that the reported screenshots are actually the PSPs screenshots, not the Wii's.

The Wii's motion controls have a lot of potential to make for wonderful gameplay for baseball. Throwing and swinging are motions that the controller picks up really well and very accurately. Also wrist movement (like with Wii Bowling) is something else it is able to take into account well. On the other hand, Ive heard a lot of bad rumors about it being very stripped down: no online play, no downloadable roster updates, no playable minor leagues. If this is the case, that will be really disappointing.

What do y'all think?

by grozzy on Mar 3, 2008 11:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

There's an arcade baseball game for the Wii

called MLB Power Pros. It was a super popular series in Japan, and they finally made an MLB version of it for sale in the US.

Yeah, it's real cutesy-wootsy and it's not supposed to completely satisfy the serious baseball gamer, but with its simplicity and the interaction of the Wii, it's supposed to be a really fun game to just pick up and play. It's something anyone can do and have fun with as soon as they start. Good for multiplayer.

by elrey34 on Mar 4, 2008 1:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ive played it a couple times....

... and its a very good game overall. The Franchise mode is actually really deep, and if I recall correctly, the game keeps a very deep collection of stats that serious players would love.

The game was built around its gameplay rather than its graphics and did a really great job at that.

MVP baseball 05 was the best game that I played, but Power Pros is definitely among the best Ive played otherwise (it or MLB 07 The Show).

I have high hopes for MLB 2k8 though.

by grozzy on Mar 4, 2008 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

for what it's worth...

2k8 is completely revamped this year. you should google 2k8 and ps3 to read the interview with the lead guy on the project.

game informer magazine gave it a little higher score over the show in its preview section...i think a half a point.

it will probably boil down to which one makes you happier. there should be demos for both games, so you can get a little bit of a sense.

i have been a 2k fan since the first football iteration. i know the baseball has had many quirks, but after what i've read about the near total rewrite on this year's version, i think i'm going that way.

http://www.simdynasty.com/index.jsp?refer=mychiefs58

by huckleberry on Mar 3, 2008 11:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Game

2K7 was awful. I mean that.

If you're lucky enough to own a PS3, get the Show--download the demo--it is fantastic. 2k8's new features sound like a nightmare, the chief among them being that you pitch by making motions on the right analog stick. No thanks, if I wanted unnecessary garbage like that, I'd own a Wii. As a 360 and PS3 owner, I'm shunning 2k8 on XBox to play with my friends, and instead getting the far superior game. 2K sports will never get my $60 again.

I wish I could just play MVP 2005 with updated rosters and graphics. Give EA the license and be done with it.

"Motivation, being good is a lot better than being pathetic." - thefasterblade, Project Prospect

by PujolsJunkie on Mar 3, 2008 11:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

you can actually

they have a download where you can get the updated rosters, i am not sure where, but i know they do, if i find it i'll repost

the italicized comments down here are really gay

by IHateMitchMustain on Mar 3, 2008 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just search "MVP baseball 05 mods"

And you should be able to find it. On the other hand you need to have a modded xbox to get them on it.

Or if you have the computer version of the game.

by grozzy on Mar 3, 2008 1:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You are going to love this site

http://www.mvpmods.com/

by elrey34 on Mar 4, 2008 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My Take...

I have been a gamer since the old days of RBI Baseball for the Nintendo. I too LOVED MVP 05 and 06. I believe MLB the Show 07 was the closest of any of them.
I recently bought a PS3 and got 2K7 used to try out. I really don't think there is any comparison. In 2k7 either you hit the ball out of the park or strike out. I also found on the harder levels pitching it was so easy for the AI to crank the ball out.
I love the Franchise and Road to the Show parts of MLB The Show. From what I have heard the have put a lot of time and thought into making this game as real as the game.
I plan on buying the show for ps3 tomorrow when it comes out.

by ChrisRef19 on Mar 3, 2008 2:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

the show was great

2k games are too arcaded and stats aren't real. NBA 2k8 is the same way. Go 15 years into the future and the NBA scoring leader isn't even averaging 20 a game. Might take that back tommorow to chip in towards mlb the show.

by Bravesin07 on Mar 3, 2008 3:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

so what I'm hearing...

is statistically The Show is better?

How about this: one thing that really bothered me about MVP 05 was that starters never got fatigued or took days off. You could look down teams stat lines and literally everyone started 160 games and got 550+ ABS. No accounting for maintenence days off needed once or twice a week. Got annoying that a good bench played absolutely ZERO role in a team's success.

Is this corrected in the Show?

by ScottAZ on Mar 3, 2008 3:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

a bit

I picked up Griffey JR for a bench spot and ended up getting about 200 AB's off the bench. backup catchers get maybe about 80-120 ab's.

by Bravesin07 on Mar 3, 2008 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

consoles suck

I pine for Star Craft 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO1X3N6WpmA&feature=related

by mraver on Mar 3, 2008 3:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

SC2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELhtXtnV3pg&feature=related

at the end of that trailer, when the marine speaks, i nearly shat my pants with joy

I'm shaving my head!

by ufoboy90 on Mar 3, 2008 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Mlb 2k8 is good this Year

This game is better than the show this year...

I firmly believe that, has anybody downloaded the demo for 2k8? ITs better than the Show's Demo in my honest opinion.... I got the show last year, wasn't that impressed. I'm going to 2k8 this year~~~

fingers crossed!

The Twins WILL compete in 2008!!!

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Mar 3, 2008 5:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hey

I would have enjoyed playing the 2k demo...IF THERE WAS ONE.

"Motivation, being good is a lot better than being pathetic." - thefasterblade, Project Prospect

by PujolsJunkie on Mar 3, 2008 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

xbox 360

I'm gonna try 2k8 this year after buying the show for ps2 last year. Agreed with everyone above on the MVP series. 2k sports are far above with basketball (nba and college hoops 2k8) so I want to see if they can carry it over into baseball. I really have no choice since the Show is a sony only deal, but I sure hope 2k8 is good.

by wibadger on Mar 3, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Show

has been a great thing so far and I am sure that will continue with 08'. I for one will be going with the Show. It has easily been the best game for the past couple years. Also, I am a Sony guy so it works out that The Show is a sony only title.

by Romo9 on Mar 3, 2008 7:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

High Heat

Bring back High Heat. The one baseball game where you could routinely draw walks. It also was in your favor to work the count.

by NMUWildcat027 on Mar 3, 2008 8:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Wii60

I have a Wii and a 360, but no PS3. That means I'm buying 2K8 since it's the only option. And on the 360. I can't believe that 2KSports will actually get the controls for the Wii correct on their first try. Brinkman couldn't reproduce his MVP series magic on his first attempt with MLB2K7. Considering the development-learning curve with the Wii I seriously doubt the Wii version will be equal to the 360. If I only had a Wii I would most likely buy the game regardless of reviews.

I like the concepts 2K8 is introducing like right stick pitching and throwing. Since there STILL is no freaking demo and the game hits stores tomorrow, it's hard to say anything other than an educated (at best) guess. I'm optimistic, however. Ben Brinkman was the mastermind behind the awesome MVP series. This is Brinkman's second release of MLB now. I expect good things this year, but will still have a list of improvements needed for 2K9.

by Jaerbesan on Mar 3, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

first shot at Wii?

I wouldn't trust it. Rarely are the games worth a crap their first year on a console.

the italicized comments down here are really gay

by IHateMitchMustain on Mar 3, 2008 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I heard the head designer for MVP

just signed a contract with Sega to make the 2K baseball series for 2K9 and beyond. I never cared for the 2K series in the past, and I bought MLB2006 (the one before The Show) and never got into it -- I loved MVP way too much.

by elrey34 on Mar 4, 2008 1:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks to all above, I guess my ?s are:

Here are my top needs/concerns when making a decision:

#1- Game play. MVP 2006 and 2007 (the college game) was probably the best I have ever played as far as graphics, simplicity, realism, etc all tied into one. I have 2k6 baseball and it is terrible to play. The graphics suck, the players move to uncoordinated on defense, and there are only like 5 possible hits while batting (only homers or singles, no choppers, bloopers, etc). I need a game that is smooth, solid graphics, easy to play, while mimicking real baseball like MVP did.

#2- Statistics. I love watching my players pile up numbers in a dynasty mode. Seems that MVP stats were a little to slanted for the offense, while the 2k series is way slanted to the pitchers. Is there one that is actually realistic? A game where I don't have 10 pitchers pile up 20+ losses in a year (MVP) or a game in which I don't have 20 pitchers with sub 2.00 ERA (2K)?

#3- Dyntasty mode- this is a must for me at this point. Both 2K and MVP had their strengths and weaknesses in the past. Who has the bets now?

Thanks for the responses so far

by ScottAZ on Mar 4, 2008 9:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Answers

1.... I personally like the game play on the Show better then 2k7. Pitching was harder in 2k, and if you missed by one inch guys like Pedroia were hitting 380 foot shots off you. I do like the big game flash backs on the 2k games. The show has some good views when guys hit homers, showing celebrations and the ball going out. I too loved the college game. Very fun overall.

2... The show and 2k both have realistic stats. Thats what's weird about playing 2k. You give up 7 bombs a game (maybe Im just that bad), but the guys numbers are pretty level.

3.... The show offers a decent franchise / dynasty mode and a Road to the show mode, where you start as a minor league and work your way up. You actually have to watch the third base coach in that mode to see what the coach wants you to do. You earn points to make each attribute better. In the dynasty you have 3 year goals you need to meet in order to get asked back. You can get into and price the teams tickets, food, gear and add new seats to your stadium (if you want to get into that much).

by ChrisRef19 on Mar 4, 2008 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

MVP 2005

By the way, anyone ever figure out how to get the financial model working right? I've got an all-star team making less than peanuts and I still have trouble turning a profit. It almost always takes the post season to get anywhere near it. PLUS, adding seats to the stadium seems to have only increased my costs because the ticket revenue < cost of maintenance.

by Lunkwill Fook on Mar 4, 2008 10:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Its all about your payroll

I had a team that basically had a Marlins type strategy, except that, because the young players get so good so fast in that game, you can keep your team competitive year in and year out. Everytime a player hit a big payday, I would trade him for two elite young guys and at least one would end up a superstar.

Also, be fairly proactive with your ticket prices. I know if I was an actual owner fans would hate this, but I always upped the prices every few months, because as the games got more important, you could sellout with the higher prices.

Then reset them low to start the next season.

That was such an amazing game. It was so fun to develop players through the minors on there.

by grozzy on Mar 4, 2008 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Players

I've had the same technique with players, taking the young ones and locking them up long term to small salaries. Still no good. I've played with ticket prices as well as food/product prices. I still lose money.

I like the minor league system in MVP but, honestly, I think High Heat had it perfect. Players developed according to normal growth curves. I especially loved how High Heat allowed you to train a player to play another position. That was so key.

by Lunkwill Fook on Mar 4, 2008 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

re

I agree. In MVP players improved too much on a yearly basis. Even weirder was how firmly established stars would also improve. For example, I had Dontrelle Willis and he kept improving to a point to where he was throwing a 101 mph fastball. Pretty unrelaistic

by ScottAZ on Mar 4, 2008 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs