Initial impressions of MLB 2K8

by pastapadre
Posted March 5th, 2008 at 4:19 am

After spending a lot of time playing MLB 2K8 yesterday I was able to compile my early thoughts on the game. Going in I had somewhat low expectations and that is probably why I feel at least somewhat pleasantly surprised. There are certainly a laundry list of issues but I’ve still found it to be fun to play as well as going through the process of learning and getting comfortable with the new mechanics. However I think over time that feeling is going to wear off as the problems become more frustrating and harder to ignore.

The game is taking a lot of heat right now and while some of it may be deserved it seems a little on the harsh side to me. Part of that is probably due to resentment over how the game was essentially hidden prerelease. Very few videos were put out, only a couple sets of screenshots, and the demo was submitted too late for it to be out prior to the release of the actual game. Then there was the news that reviews had been embargoed until release date (but that is something that isnt’ all that uncommon).

Sure there was a lot of talk about the game but people started to pick up on how little was actually being shown. I had hope that this was due to the difficulty in demonstrating the new mechanics (which were the main upgrades being touted) through videos. But then once I started to get the hunch in early February that the demo would likely not be out until right before or possibly even after release of the game that was a big warning sign. So that may be why I am enjoying the game for what is is so far because I wasn’t expecting to be blown away but I still wanted to give it a chance.

The most pressing issue with the game is the framerate. As I pointed out following the conference call with Ben Brinkman his tone and the way he worded his response to the question regarding the framerate lacked confidence. At that point it was obvious it was going to be a problem and that the small sample of videos out showing it were representative of the final product. As soon as the ball is hit into play its noticeable and annoying. While it doesn’t really affect the result of the plays it is bothersome that they couldn’t get the game running smoothly and it takes away from the experience.

The new pitching mechanic using the right analog stick is at least interesting. Working through learning the system is actually pretty fun and rewarding. At the same time I can understand why people would give up on it. Even after hours of playing I’m still making mistakes and paying for it. The movements have to be so precise that those mistakes happen too often. There have even been times where the movement hasn’t registered resulting in an easy to crush meatball that shouldn’t have been. It also means you have to focus so much on the movement of the stick that less attention is paid to actual placement and it isn’t as easy to react when the ball is hit. I’ve seen people calling the right stick pitching a gimmick and others touting the innovation of it. I fall in between those two beliefs in that it isn’t a gimmick but it probably wasn’t necessary. This ultimately may turn out to be the Madden Vision Cone of the 2K baseball series. Innovation just for the sake of innovation. An idea that had good intentions but just overcomplicated the game and wasn’t needed.

Probably my favorite new aspect of the game is throwing to the bases with the right stick. It feels really natural and the meter works perfectly. When I switch over to playing The Show that is the thing I miss most. The baserunning continues to be very easy to control and the new pickoff camera is pretty neat. I also like the intuitive nature of making diving or leaping plays in the outfield.

However the game really suffers from a poor hitting system. The majority of contact results in fly balls and right now I’d estimate that happens probably 80% of the time. The main way to induce grounders seems to be off perfect pitches as anything other than that results in the ball being lifted. So far I’ve seen a good deal of homeruns but the hitting variety is vastly improved from last year despite that. It is a worry that against another user I’ve found an awful lot of homeruns being hit, but against the CPU at least it is toned down some compared to last year. I haven’t seen many traditional singles except those that go right back up the middle. Since the system is predominantly timing based it feels so random and disconnected. Also the CPU throws almost all strikes. Pitch counts generally aren’t going to be very realistic because of the urge to swing and the lack of any reward for working the count (if you could even get the opportunity to do so). For me all of this means I don’t take as many pitches because I have to commit to the swing earlier (even though the pitches are a little easier to pick up vs last year). It’s time to scrap the swing stick and go back to the buttons as the standard method of hitting.

The trading card system is something I’ve been looking forward to. Reaction has been split going in with some people like myself anticipating the achievement angle as well as the opportunity to use card teams online. Others again think of it as something designed for marketing purposes. So far I’ve unlocked a couple cards and I like that it makes me want to play with different teams. Unlocking the cards though hasn’t been as exciting as I thought it would be. I was hoping for a notification to popup on screen or something along the lines of that. Some of the tasks required are frustrating to even imagine attempting while others are pretty easy. I guess that opens up the possibility of trading or getting them in packs. While it’s good that I’m wanting to play more games and with different teams I also find it changes my habits and I start concentrating on the individuals and trying to meet the card requirements instead of just trying to perform well and win the games.

While the commentary is unchanged from last year (Tampa Bay drops Devil from their name and they didn’t even re-record that they just edited the word out) there are some presentation elements that I really enjoy. One is the win probability and game recap that follows the end of the 7th inning. I also like that they go back and show replays of big plays from earlier innings and it’s usually the the ones you’d want to see.

There are a couple of distracting oddities I wanted to point out. What is with all the flash bulbs in the crowd? I was trying to bat at Safeco (roof closed) and could barely concentrate with all the flashes in the background. I definitely find that terribly annoying and unrealistic. Also after an out players who are out of position stand there and then all of the sudden sprint back. I usually think it’s someone on the other team trying to steal because the movement just comes from out of nowhere. It just looks really bizaare.

I got into one online game which did have some slight lag. I was worried going in that the new pitching would make any lag even more difficult to deal with since the movements have to be so precise. However I was able to time the pitches relatively well but at the plate with the swing stick you have to commit so early that it becomes a guessing game and skill goes out the window. The more lag there is the more evident that will be. I’ve read that many people are experiencing lag issues so I guess that means 2K8 joins The Show with disappointing online performance at release. 2K has the better track record in this area though so I expect improvement will be seen there. 2K8 does have a wide array of options and modes including setting specific lobby rooms (bummer they’re all unranked) and the card team battles but the removal of sliders from leagues is a curious decision.

This writeup doesn’t even contain all of the notes I took since I started playing MLB 2K8. I don’t know whether it’s a good or bad thing but it just seems easier to spot and explain what there is to like and dislike about 2K8 as compared to my impressions of The Show. I think that probably has to do with The Show being such a genuine baseball experience while 2K8 has gone with more dramatic analog motions which require all that extra concentration.

Overall I’ve found the game to be fun despite all the issues and my gripes with it. The problem is that I get the sense that is going to wear off relatively quickly. Look for a 2K8 vs The Show comparison article by the end of the week.

Tags:

NJPapi1977

Pasta…Excellent article…YOu are being to nice to 2k8 that game is a total mess.. I loved last years game and this game took a step back overall.. I loved last years game but this game is garbage the way it is… Patch please..
http://MaddenMania NJPapi1977

Pasta…Excellent article…YOu are being to nice to 2k8 that game is a total mess.. I loved last years game and this game took a step back overall.. I loved last years game but this game is garbage the way it is… Patch please..
Mark

What happened to the jerseys? I have this game for the PS3 and it looks like the jerseys are put together with bits and pieces, just doesn’t look natural. The lighting is very dull, the framerate is choppy at best, outfield catches need work. Nothing looks natural.
Mark

What happened to the jerseys? I have this game for the PS3 and it looks like the jerseys are put together with bits and pieces, just doesn’t look natural. The lighting is very dull, the framerate is choppy at best, outfield catches need work. Nothing looks natural.
DA Yankees Win

If you unlock a card there is a update at the bottom of the screen that tells you. So far Ive unlock like 4 cards all with the cubs. There is some lag issue online but I think 2K will resolve those. Overall I think its a good game and the controls are fun once you get the hang of them.
DA Yankees Win

If you unlock a card there is a update at the bottom of the screen that tells you. So far Ive unlock like 4 cards all with the cubs. There is some lag issue online but I think 2K will resolve those. Overall I think its a good game and the controls are fun once you get the hang of them.
Steph

Excellent write up. this is way better then the one IGN gave b/c it cited specific examples of pros and con. If you had to rate this and The Show what would you give both?`
Steph

Excellent write up. this is way better then the one IGN gave b/c it cited specific examples of pros and con. If you had to rate this and The Show what would you give both?`
smokez4Dayz

I’ve trusted 2k since dreamcast. I think they try to innovate instead of copy or rehash. I’ll pick up this game later today. Like all SPORTS GAMES, I believe you need a solid month with a title, no matter how long you play per day. You need to sleep on it and wake up the next day and get better, so whether I also pick up the Show, I still would have to ‘go hard’ with game before I nitpick framerate and right analog features. When I can unconsiously pitch, field, and throw to any base without hesitance, I can’t grade the game. I’ll check it out tonight. as always pasta, you give a solid early look.
smokez4Dayz

I’ve trusted 2k since dreamcast. I think they try to innovate instead of copy or rehash. I’ll pick up this game later today. Like all SPORTS GAMES, I believe you need a solid month with a title, no matter how long you play per day. You need to sleep on it and wake up the next day and get better, so whether I also pick up the Show, I still would have to ‘go hard’ with game before I nitpick framerate and right analog features. When I can unconsiously pitch, field, and throw to any base without hesitance, I can’t grade the game. I’ll check it out tonight. as always pasta, you give a solid early look.
CrimsonVoodoo

Nice writeup – after a couple games I’ve gotten MUCH more comfortable with the pitching to where I’m sure I’ll be sticking with it

I haven’t found the issues with too many fly balls – just played a game where I had a couple hits up the middle, a couple in the hole, and another down the line. I’m just thrilled the HR’s have been toned down significantly

I hope the choppy play (which is a little overblown) can be patched up somehow, and with that I think it’ll be a heck of a game
CrimsonVoodoo

Nice writeup – after a couple games I’ve gotten MUCH more comfortable with the pitching to where I’m sure I’ll be sticking with it

I haven’t found the issues with too many fly balls – just played a game where I had a couple hits up the middle, a couple in the hole, and another down the line. I’m just thrilled the HR’s have been toned down significantly

I hope the choppy play (which is a little overblown) can be patched up somehow, and with that I think it’ll be a heck of a game
Evan

I’ve enjoyed the game a lot. I don’t agree with all of the negative reviews.
Evan

I’ve enjoyed the game a lot. I don’t agree with all of the negative reviews.
SBAlki

There is a temporary fix for the frame rate issues…..
I found this on XBOX forums

http://forums.xbox.com/18892046/ShowPost.aspx
SBAlki

There is a temporary fix for the frame rate issues…..
I found this on XBOX forums

http://forums.xbox.com/18892046/ShowPost.aspx
Patrick

I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.
currocure

Great article! I saw the videos posted and I really like the overall presentation that 2K Sports always puts in their games, such as the people walking into the ballpark at the beginning, and the recap and win probability of the 7th inning. Some of the replays are great as well.

However, I am very sorry that 2K Sports did not focus in the essence of the game, particularly in a sport that is defined by the little details and that people love because of its subtleties. I am sorry that instead of trying to deliver something closer to a true baseball experience, they chose to focus into bringing something new. My feeling is that sometime during development, they realized that the game would not be good enough, so they tried to throw something new in (which would have been welcome if such innovations were built into an already solid baseball game).

It is unforgivable that in a full developement year, they could’nt get the framerate right, or the animations that at least for me seem robotic and unnatural. Even the commentary which I find very very boring.

At the end this is just the opinion of a guy that really enjoys baseball, after reading the article and looking into the videos.
Patrick

I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.
currocure

Great article! I saw the videos posted and I really like the overall presentation that 2K Sports always puts in their games, such as the people walking into the ballpark at the beginning, and the recap and win probability of the 7th inning. Some of the replays are great as well.

However, I am very sorry that 2K Sports did not focus in the essence of the game, particularly in a sport that is defined by the little details and that people love because of its subtleties. I am sorry that instead of trying to deliver something closer to a true baseball experience, they chose to focus into bringing something new. My feeling is that sometime during development, they realized that the game would not be good enough, so they tried to throw something new in (which would have been welcome if such innovations were built into an already solid baseball game).

It is unforgivable that in a full developement year, they could’nt get the framerate right, or the animations that at least for me seem robotic and unnatural. Even the commentary which I find very very boring.

At the end this is just the opinion of a guy that really enjoys baseball, after reading the article and looking into the videos.
Steph

[quote comment="14901"]I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.[/quote]
what are you smoking
Steph

[quote comment="14901"]I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.[/quote]
what are you smoking
Ed

The most distressing things about the game are the frame rate issues and load issues. While the game is not unplayable, I think that I will enjoy it, releasing a game that studders is unexpected. You can add all of the features that you want, but if the basic underlying movement of the game is not sound then you have to wonder. This was a problem that MLB2K7 had. I would have put it on the top of my fix list. Really knowing nothing about programing I wonder if basic programing decisions made 2 years ago when the next gen games were designed make studering impossible to fix in the game. I wish I had a PS3 to experience The Show. Pasta thank you for leading an intelligent discussion of sports gaming. And thank you those who have added to the discussion for your intelligent comments. In the end it is only a game and those of us who have only a 360 will survive, although not as happy as our PS3 fellow gamers.
Ed

The most distressing things about the game are the frame rate issues and load issues. While the game is not unplayable, I think that I will enjoy it, releasing a game that studders is unexpected. You can add all of the features that you want, but if the basic underlying movement of the game is not sound then you have to wonder. This was a problem that MLB2K7 had. I would have put it on the top of my fix list. Really knowing nothing about programing I wonder if basic programing decisions made 2 years ago when the next gen games were designed make studering impossible to fix in the game. I wish I had a PS3 to experience The Show. Pasta thank you for leading an intelligent discussion of sports gaming. And thank you those who have added to the discussion for your intelligent comments. In the end it is only a game and those of us who have only a 360 will survive, although not as happy as our PS3 fellow gamers.
tomba321

harsh? Nah man this is BAD . there is NO reason for this game to lag like this. If i could flush my ps3 version down the sewer i would. i was promised and assured by some people at 2k that this game WAS improved over last years ps3 version. It’s not it’s worse and it looks worse. no excuse i want ea to buy out 2k because of this. its not a money issue it’s atrust within a product issue. You get me to go into a store because of your interviews Brinkman! what nerve.
tomba321

harsh? Nah man this is BAD . there is NO reason for this game to lag like this. If i could flush my ps3 version down the sewer i would. i was promised and assured by some people at 2k that this game WAS improved over last years ps3 version. It’s not it’s worse and it looks worse. no excuse i want ea to buy out 2k because of this. its not a money issue it’s atrust within a product issue. You get me to go into a store because of your interviews Brinkman! what nerve.
tomba321

[quote comment="14901"]I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.[/quote]

pure CRACKola

That is idiotic.
tomba321

[quote comment="14901"]I’ve tried both, The Show and 2K8… and 2K8 rocks! Way better than what The Show is trying to reach in terms of gameplay.

The Show is more oriented for young gamers. 2K8 is the real baseball simulation. Real baseball fans will love 2K8.[/quote]

pure CRACKola

That is idiotic.
Ben

Great Review Pasta, The thing that bothers me the most about this game is the online lag, also me and a buddy tried to play three times and couldn’t make it past the second inning before a notice popped up on the screen saying a network problem has occurred not allowing the game to continue. Do you know why this is? I would really like to play my friends online. Pasta do you think that the lag online can be fixed with a patch and will 2K release a patch? Thanks for everything.
Ben

Great Review Pasta, The thing that bothers me the most about this game is the online lag, also me and a buddy tried to play three times and couldn’t make it past the second inning before a notice popped up on the screen saying a network problem has occurred not allowing the game to continue. Do you know why this is? I would really like to play my friends online. Pasta do you think that the lag online can be fixed with a patch and will 2K release a patch? Thanks for everything.
agent k

The demo is out on xbl says:
http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/03/05/demo-major-league-baseball-2k8.aspx
I’m going to try it out before I buy it.
agent k

The demo is out on xbl says:
http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/03/05/demo-major-league-baseball-2k8.aspx
I’m going to try it out before I buy it.
pastapadre

[quote comment="14910"]Pasta do you think that the lag online can be fixed with a patch and will 2K release a patch?

Thanks for everything.[/quote]

2K has a pretty good track record with online play. I’d be more confident that their problems get fixed than SCEA’s (although I’ve heard some reports that The Show’s performance has improved since last night). Hopefully both really put some effort into getting things running smoothly. Its so frustrating to me to see online play ignored in reviews like IGN did with The Show saying that not only does it run without a hitch this year, but that it was good last year. Both laughable statements.

[quote comment="14896"]Excellent write up. this is way better then the one IGN gave b/c it cited specific examples of pros and con. If you had to rate this and The Show what would you give both?`[/quote]

I don’t believe in giving games arbitrary numbers. But I’ll have a comparison of the two games up by the end of the week that would basically lay those things out just not in number form.
pastapadre

[quote comment="14910"]Pasta do you think that the lag online can be fixed with a patch and will 2K release a patch?

Thanks for everything.[/quote]

2K has a pretty good track record with online play. I’d be more confident that their problems get fixed than SCEA’s (although I’ve heard some reports that The Show’s performance has improved since last night). Hopefully both really put some effort into getting things running smoothly. Its so frustrating to me to see online play ignored in reviews like IGN did with The Show saying that not only does it run without a hitch this year, but that it was good last year. Both laughable statements.

[quote comment="14896"]Excellent write up. this is way better then the one IGN gave b/c it cited specific examples of pros and con. If you had to rate this and The Show what would you give both?`[/quote]

I don’t believe in giving games arbitrary numbers. But I’ll have a comparison of the two games up by the end of the week that would basically lay those things out just not in number form.
tomba321

pasta did you play the ps3 version?
tomba321

pasta did you play the ps3 version?
Ryan

Great job pasta, thanks. Overall i think it’s fun but it’s so choppy sometimes; especially in the highlights pre-bat, mid-inning, at the end of the game, etc. Is there any way 2k can come out with a patch to fix that or are we stuck with it? Wouldn’t you have rather waited a month to get a smooth running game than have it be released the way it runs now?
Ryan

Great job pasta, thanks. Overall i think it’s fun but it’s so choppy sometimes; especially in the highlights pre-bat, mid-inning, at the end of the game, etc. Is there any way 2k can come out with a patch to fix that or are we stuck with it? Wouldn’t you have rather waited a month to get a smooth running game than have it be released the way it runs now?
Eski

2K’s gameplay is solid. I agree that the frame rate is no where near what was advertised and that can impact the look of the game.

I also agree that the visuals have taken a step backward. Some of the uniforms, notably the Tigers’ white uniforms. Last year, the numbers had a strange white outline. Though that annoyance was removed the numbers are too thin and players who have double digits, the numbers spaced weird.

Other visual items I noticed in my short time playing:

1) Crowds — A 50,000 seat stadium in 2K seats only 300 (look how spaced out the fans are)
2) Fans are less detailed
3) Grass has taken a huge step backward (look at the field from the “behind-the-pitcher” view)
4) The new cut scenes are nice
5) Lighting is off

Also, what happened to the day one downloadable content promised by 2K for the 360 with alternate uniforms???

Another item is the bonus teams. Why no classic teams???

I like 2K but the overall package is just off…..
Eski

2K’s gameplay is solid. I agree that the frame rate is no where near what was advertised and that can impact the look of the game.

I also agree that the visuals have taken a step backward. Some of the uniforms, notably the Tigers’ white uniforms. Last year, the numbers had a strange white outline. Though that annoyance was removed the numbers are too thin and players who have double digits, the numbers spaced weird.

Other visual items I noticed in my short time playing:

1) Crowds — A 50,000 seat stadium in 2K seats only 300 (look how spaced out the fans are)
2) Fans are less detailed
3) Grass has taken a huge step backward (look at the field from the “behind-the-pitcher” view)
4) The new cut scenes are nice
5) Lighting is off

Also, what happened to the day one downloadable content promised by 2K for the 360 with alternate uniforms???

Another item is the bonus teams. Why no classic teams???

I like 2K but the overall package is just off…..
Reeso2991

Hey Pasta what about online baseball night? Tonight?
Reeso2991

Hey Pasta what about online baseball night? Tonight?
bull

Lighting isn’t turned off, what are you talking about? This game looks a little better than 2K7 in some areas and a little worse in others, but all the essentials are there, plus you get 60 fps. It’s more solid, though a bit hiccupy, but still nonetheless beautiful. And call 2K, I’m sure they’ll get a patch. Heck, there was a patch when I first inserted the disc, and that wasn’t rosters obviously.
bull

Lighting isn’t turned off, what are you talking about? This game looks a little better than 2K7 in some areas and a little worse in others, but all the essentials are there, plus you get 60 fps. It’s more solid, though a bit hiccupy, but still nonetheless beautiful. And call 2K, I’m sure they’ll get a patch. Heck, there was a patch when I first inserted the disc, and that wasn’t rosters obviously.
Anthony

I agree about hit variety. If you drew a line from home plate to LCF and a line to RCF, the majority of the balls are hit there. Whether it be a grounder to SS or 2B, or a double in the LCF or RCF gap.
Anthony

I agree about hit variety. If you drew a line from home plate to LCF and a line to RCF, the majority of the balls are hit there. Whether it be a grounder to SS or 2B, or a double in the LCF or RCF gap.
Zack

Found another way around the framerate issue (from 2k boards):

Here’s what I did…

- Started my 360 with HD attached
- Load menus came up, my VIP, settings and roster were auto-loaded
- I started a franchise and started my first game
- Before the first pitch is thrown, I tap the middle button on the controller to bring up the blade from the left that controls your profile. I signed out of my profile (and in turn out of my VIP as well) and got the error message saying “Progress Won’t Be Saved” blah blah blah. That’s a lie, wahoo!
- I played three innings (don’t have time to finish, need to get back to the office) and then simmed to the end of the game. I won 8-3.
- Back at the main menu of the franchise I tapped the middle button of the controller again and logged back in to my 360 profile/VIP. I went to the save menu, saved my franchise and viola! No problems.

So we should be able to play franchise mode immediately without any framerate issue, good news!
Zack

Found another way around the framerate issue (from 2k boards):

Here’s what I did…

- Started my 360 with HD attached
- Load menus came up, my VIP, settings and roster were auto-loaded
- I started a franchise and started my first game
- Before the first pitch is thrown, I tap the middle button on the controller to bring up the blade from the left that controls your profile. I signed out of my profile (and in turn out of my VIP as well) and got the error message saying “Progress Won’t Be Saved” blah blah blah. That’s a lie, wahoo!
- I played three innings (don’t have time to finish, need to get back to the office) and then simmed to the end of the game. I won 8-3.
- Back at the main menu of the franchise I tapped the middle button of the controller again and logged back in to my 360 profile/VIP. I went to the save menu, saved my franchise and viola! No problems.

So we should be able to play franchise mode immediately without any framerate issue, good news!
Mark

There shouldn’t be extra steps needed to get solve the framerate issues! I should be able to play the game as-is and expect it to play smoothly. These next-gen systems have lots of power, yet 2K is being too lazy too harness this power, or is putting too much time in other things other than the gameplay. ie; the trading cards… To me, it seems as though 2K is falling hard, the only game they make that is worth getting is NBA. I used to be a 2K die-hard, but now they are just getting embarrassing. I almost welcome the day EA will take over Take 2, and I don’t even like EA….
Mark

There shouldn’t be extra steps needed to get solve the framerate issues! I should be able to play the game as-is and expect it to play smoothly. These next-gen systems have lots of power, yet 2K is being too lazy too harness this power, or is putting too much time in other things other than the gameplay. ie; the trading cards… To me, it seems as though 2K is falling hard, the only game they make that is worth getting is NBA. I used to be a 2K die-hard, but now they are just getting embarrassing. I almost welcome the day EA will take over Take 2, and I don’t even like EA….