MLB 2K8 vs MLB 08: The Show

by pastapadre
Posted March 9th, 2008 at 10:04 am

While I’ve previously gone through my initial impressions of MLB 2K8 and MLB 08: The Show, I figured it would be interesting to match the two games up in different categories and determine which came out on top. Of course those with only a 360 don’t have a choice in the matter, but it’s important to know what is being done well and what isn’t both on their own individual terms as well as competitively for the future of these franchises.

The two games headed into release taking completely different paths. 2K8 dramatically changed the central mechanics and practically hid the game as very few videos could be found along with (intentionally or not) submitting the demo too late for it to be out prior to release. The Show stayed the course while improving its already stellar gameplay, was very open with media, and the demo was several weeks out in front of the release date. Generally those are signs that can be read, and in this case the assumptions that were being made seem to have been accurate.

Pitching
The most significant change this year was 2K8 switching to Total Pitch Control which solely uses right analog motions. It requires some practice and patience to learn and get comfortable with. I feel they had good intentions and it works relatively well (except for occasions when it doesn’t register correctly) but the concentration and precise nature that is required takes away from other aspects of the game. The “Meatballs” are the biggest problem as they always end up in the strike zone and the end result is generally a home run or double. Ultimately I think the revamping just wasn’t necessary. The Show has the basic meter pitching that people are familiar with and they did a good job this year making it a little more difficult to spot pitches.

Prefer: The Show

Hitting
This is the area 2K8 really suffers the most, with a hitting system that is oversimplified and lacks a sense of user control as it is predominantly based on timing. As such it ends up resulting in a disconnected feeling. Then you have how almost every hit is lifted into the air which means a ton of home runs (again this year) along with a lot of doubles into the gap with a noticeable lack of grounders. The swing stick mechanic is just right analog overkill. The button method has always worked well, is more responsive, and offers more options for a user at the plate. The satisfying feeling that you get when you connect well is a bonus with the buttons that you don’t get with the stick.

Prefer: The Show

Fielding/Throwing
2K8 changed it up this year with another right analog feature as you now use it to throw to the bases along with a meter displaying the power. That is the best change they made this year. It just feels really responsive and natural. The Show’s generic button corresponding to bases works fine but there is a lack of a visible meter and sometimes the fielders take too long to get rid of the ball.

Prefer: 2K8

Baserunning
Both games have similar systems that work pretty well and are easy to get comfortable with.

Prefer: N/A

Graphics
Last year this category would’ve went the exact opposite way. The Show has made a significant graphical leap while 2K8 has actually regressed. Most assumed that was due to making sacrifices for the sake of the framerate, but as will be discussed later apparently it wasn’t enough.

Prefer: The Show

Presentation/Commentary
2K did absolutely nothing with commentary, unless you count editing out the word “Devil” when discussing the Rays (literally all they did was pull the word out and splice the remaining audio back together). The commentary flows well most of the time but there is a lack of excitement surrounding critical moments. It also is riddled with errors. In just the second game I played they called a batter by the wrong name. Over with The Show the commentary is top notch. Of course there is still room for improvement but it’s definitely the better of the two being much deeper and varied, more current, and more accurate.

The crowd reaction and atmosphere is much better in The Show as well. Presentation wise both games do a pretty good job with replays of highlights from earlier in the game, and 2K’s win analysis and game recap after the 7th inning is quite cool.

Prefer: The Show

Franchise
I don’t play franchise modes so it wouldn’t be fair to make a judgment here.

Prefer: N/A

Extras
This mainly comes down to the Road to the Show mode vs the 2K8 trading card feature. I like both of these things but a deep independent mode is clearly of more value. RTTS is what I spend the majority of my offline time playing. It offers something completely unique as you work to progress and advance your individual player through their career. It makes the The Show almost like having two games in one.

I was quite intrigued by the trading card feature in 2K8 and still like the achievement feel, the ability to use card constructed teams online, and that it gives a reason to play more games with a variety of teams. There is now incentive for doing so and it adds to the replay factor. However I’ve also been discouraged by some of the incredibly difficult requirements that I can’t see myself ever completing as well as how it has changed the way I play the game from just trying to win to attempting things I wouldn’t have otherwise in hopes of earning a player’s card. Still though it has an addictive quality and it was a good feature addition for this year.

Prefer: The Show

Framerate
It would be a mistake not to discuss the framerate somewhere in a comparison of the two games. Clearly this is the issue that has the 2K8 community most upset. Once the ball is hit into play the game chugs and skips along. The game also pauses following each cut scene as it transitions. While those things haven’t made the game unplayable to me it is annoying and unacceptable. There just is a lack of fluidity to the entire production. The Show seems to run smoothly with a consistent 60fps.

Interestingly it was pretty clear heading into release that the framerate was a known problem on the 2K side. Of the few rare videos that were released by media sites they were limited to about a minute long and even then the problem was quite noticeable. As I even noted Ben Brinkman was less than confident in his response to the topic during the conference call.

Prefer: The Show

Online Play
For full detailed analysis of the online play experiences presented by both games read my online play report. There are multiple issues to be addressed with each but the SportsConnect website and improving performance has The Show on top right now. I wouldn’t have guessed this would be the case given the track record of the two companies from their previous online offerings. The weekly roster updates with The Show could be included here as well which are far more detailed and frequent than what 2K offers.

Prefer: The Show

MISC
What is up with 2K8′s tiny menu and lineup card text? All the flashbulbs in the crowd that do nothing but distract and aren’t realistic are bothersome, along with players all of the sudden all sprinting back in unison to their defensive positions (bizarre looking). Then there’s the manual that talks about a nonexistent contact swing and has confused many people as the Swing Stick 2.0 doesn’t differentiate between contact and power. I do like how the circle disappears when an outfielder is running with his back turned to the ball.

The Show has poor collision detection compared to 2K8 as players can basically just walk through each other. That is probably the most visible thing wrong with the game.

Summary
2K8 has some fun elements but it is just too inconsistent. I really wanted to like the game and had gone into release hoping to be surprised because of the low expectations that had been created. In a way I actually was initially as I enjoyed learning the new pitching mechanics and appreciated the effort they put into that and the right analog base throwing. However the issues with the game have already begun to overshadow those enjoyable aspects and that doesn’t bode well long-term. I don’t think it’s as bad as the community is making it out to be but I’m hard pressed to find many things it does better than The Show.

The Show is a genuine representation of baseball. It feels like the real thing and the attention to detail is impressive. You get the sense that that the results on the field are earned and not based primarily on luck. In the end it provides a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.

Prefer: The Show

Tags: latest news

ac11367

2k8, after putting in hours of practice in terms of Swing Stick 2.0 and Total Control Pitching, it provided me with immense satisfaction that I’ve finally mastered them. With sliders tweak to make the AI pitchers to throw less strikes and AI batter to take more pitches, this game turns into a real gem. Yes, the fielding is laggy, but most of baseball’s action occurs in the battery anyway. I think people should put in more hours to master the necessary techniques before knocking this game. The Show, I only have it for PSP, and I love it too.
ac11367

2k8, after putting in hours of practice in terms of Swing Stick 2.0 and Total Control Pitching, it provided me with immense satisfaction that I’ve finally mastered them. With sliders tweak to make the AI pitchers to throw less strikes and AI batter to take more pitches, this game turns into a real gem. Yes, the fielding is laggy, but most of baseball’s action occurs in the battery anyway. I think people should put in more hours to master the necessary techniques before knocking this game. The Show, I only have it for PSP, and I love it too.
Swag

After the first day I got 2K8 the Framerate was no longer a problem it stopped 100% with the choppiness.2K said it had nothing to do with the online but I think it did since the only time I got online is when the choppiness occured, its like the lag carried over to the offline games.I found it weird also that when I took my ethernet cord out it still was showing online rankings and sports news on the bottom ticker when I was playing exibition games.

Also Pasta you are making the pitching sound way harder then it is the pitching is 100 times better then the shows meter the meter is old just how simply pressing a button to throw a pitch got old.And after about 1 day off playing the 2K8 pitching was completely natural and I did not need to focus extra at all with the pitching and as far as just learning the new pitching it took about 5 minutes in the practice mode.1 More thing you can switch back the old pitching style so why would THE SHOW have better pitching when 2K has both options?Hmmm Fan Boy? lol I’m just messing with you.

Other then that I agree with pretty much everything else.
Swag

After the first day I got 2K8 the Framerate was no longer a problem it stopped 100% with the choppiness.2K said it had nothing to do with the online but I think it did since the only time I got online is when the choppiness occured, its like the lag carried over to the offline games.I found it weird also that when I took my ethernet cord out it still was showing online rankings and sports news on the bottom ticker when I was playing exibition games.

Also Pasta you are making the pitching sound way harder then it is the pitching is 100 times better then the shows meter the meter is old just how simply pressing a button to throw a pitch got old.And after about 1 day off playing the 2K8 pitching was completely natural and I did not need to focus extra at all with the pitching and as far as just learning the new pitching it took about 5 minutes in the practice mode.1 More thing you can switch back the old pitching style so why would THE SHOW have better pitching when 2K has both options?Hmmm Fan Boy? lol I’m just messing with you.

Other then that I agree with pretty much everything else.
DLane

Speaking from a pitcher’s perspective I dont think either of the new pitching systems are that great. I was a huge fan of the ‘Rock and Fire’ in the final installment of College Baseball. That was a natural motion the pull back and thrust forward is a lot better then pulling slightly left and rotating the analog stick a slight turn. The Show’s is not much better as I think button pushing is not that innovative, but if that is what is selling games dont stray from what your current formula.
DLane

Speaking from a pitcher’s perspective I dont think either of the new pitching systems are that great. I was a huge fan of the ‘Rock and Fire’ in the final installment of College Baseball. That was a natural motion the pull back and thrust forward is a lot better then pulling slightly left and rotating the analog stick a slight turn. The Show’s is not much better as I think button pushing is not that innovative, but if that is what is selling games dont stray from what your current formula.
Eski

Forums are designed for those to share their opinion, regardless if everyone, or anyone, agrees with it or not.

There is nothing wrong with being a “fanboy” and remaining loyal to a specific publisher, designer or franchise. I am all for it.

I think the biggest thing that has hurt 2K is the expectations. After 2K7, my expectations were extremely high – fair or unfair. It is the same thing that EA faces with Madden. MLB 2K is a solid baseball game and is entertaining, same as with Madden. 2K also has some innovations that would be welcomed in any other baseball game.

I purchased a PS3 just to buy The Show and I the game does so much more than 2K in terms of framerate and presentation. If 2K had The Show’s frame rate, the argument as to which is better would probably be mute. If 2K can somehow fix the frame rate issues we would be praising two stellar games…..

Regardless of which game you support, as long as you have fun playing it that is what matters most.
Eski

Forums are designed for those to share their opinion, regardless if everyone, or anyone, agrees with it or not.

There is nothing wrong with being a “fanboy” and remaining loyal to a specific publisher, designer or franchise. I am all for it.

I think the biggest thing that has hurt 2K is the expectations. After 2K7, my expectations were extremely high – fair or unfair. It is the same thing that EA faces with Madden. MLB 2K is a solid baseball game and is entertaining, same as with Madden. 2K also has some innovations that would be welcomed in any other baseball game.

I purchased a PS3 just to buy The Show and I the game does so much more than 2K in terms of framerate and presentation. If 2K had The Show’s frame rate, the argument as to which is better would probably be mute. If 2K can somehow fix the frame rate issues we would be praising two stellar games…..

Regardless of which game you support, as long as you have fun playing it that is what matters most.
Fhaeton

Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?
Fhaeton

Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?
pastapadre

[quote comment="15350"]Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?[/quote]

read my online play report
http://www.pastapadre.com/2432/online-play-report-mlb-2k8-and-mlb-08-the-show

Both games have lag issues. 2K has yet to address theirs and The Show’s has improved some (but still hit and miss). The Show is just a better sim so you’ll get a more realistic game out of it online.

If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather play The BIGS for that kind of experience (plus it didn’t have any lag and was more sim in some ways).

Its just unfortunate that both games have problems with online play. But in this case I’d say the best decision is to choose the best playing game and go from there.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15350"]Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?[/quote]

read my online play report
http://www.pastapadre.com/2432/online-play-report-mlb-2k8-and-mlb-08-the-show

Both games have lag issues. 2K has yet to address theirs and The Show’s has improved some (but still hit and miss). The Show is just a better sim so you’ll get a more realistic game out of it online.

If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather play The BIGS for that kind of experience (plus it didn’t have any lag and was more sim in some ways).

Its just unfortunate that both games have problems with online play. But in this case I’d say the best decision is to choose the best playing game and go from there.
GamerMan76

[quote comment="15350"]Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?[/quote]

My “opinion” would have to be the MLB08:The Show… if you have the PS3, I suggest downloading the demo and playing the 3 innings. I’m not that big of a baseball fan and haven’t owend a baseball game since my Sega Game Gear so my opinion may not count as much, but I feel this it the most complete baseball game I have ever played or have seen.

I have played the 2k series before and have liked them but never enough to buy them. I have also played previous iterations of MLB and not really liked them.

This one makes me feel like I’m at the game or watching it live on TV. The controls are a matter of preference and I would definitely take that into account.

Pitching is button mashing button you definitely need to preload where you throw it or you will have a game like I frist did with my demo experince of a 28-0 loss … LOL

Batting has taking me a bit longer to grasp, but I am starting to get much better at it. x for a normal hit and [] for a power hit. Make the pitcher work for the strike and make sure that ball is coming to the strikezone or you will be had. The left stick is good for direction… don’t pull it to much to one side unless you are reaching out for the pitch or you will foul it… I found as a right hadn batter you will need to hold the left stick a little to the right and you can get the pop fly or the grounder to go to the left field .. do the oppposite to get it to the right.. I still need more practice but there is definitely an art behind batting besides just hitting the x or [] button and hoping it goes where you want.

Also with the batter/pitching analysis it is really helpful. If you use the guess pitching it will definitely help with getting the contact.. I personally like a little more challenge and don’t use it myself.

The commentary is excellent and makes you feel part of the game and are more exciting than a lot of other commentaries I have heard even on real Baseball games on TV.

I’m really enjoying the RTTS right now and shake it up with an exhibiton game to see how much my mechanics of playing the game have improved from going through this mode..I’m working a CP so I can get better at pitching since that is one key you need to win with your team is pitching.

It feels like 2 games in 1 and the PS3 version also comes with a free $20 baseball cap from New Era of wahtever team you want. As not a big fan of baseball I can’t say enough nice things about this game.

Cons of this game are the detection as mentioned above, the fans although very active you see the duplicates to easily, the replays there sometime is an extra ball out of nowhere, but very minor issues that really don’t detract from the gameplay itself.

Good luck in your decision and I hope you get the game that best fits your playing style.
GamerMan76

[quote comment="15350"]Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?[/quote]

My “opinion” would have to be the MLB08:The Show… if you have the PS3, I suggest downloading the demo and playing the 3 innings. I’m not that big of a baseball fan and haven’t owend a baseball game since my Sega Game Gear so my opinion may not count as much, but I feel this it the most complete baseball game I have ever played or have seen.

I have played the 2k series before and have liked them but never enough to buy them. I have also played previous iterations of MLB and not really liked them.

This one makes me feel like I’m at the game or watching it live on TV. The controls are a matter of preference and I would definitely take that into account.

Pitching is button mashing button you definitely need to preload where you throw it or you will have a game like I frist did with my demo experince of a 28-0 loss … LOL

Batting has taking me a bit longer to grasp, but I am starting to get much better at it. x for a normal hit and [] for a power hit. Make the pitcher work for the strike and make sure that ball is coming to the strikezone or you will be had. The left stick is good for direction… don’t pull it to much to one side unless you are reaching out for the pitch or you will foul it… I found as a right hadn batter you will need to hold the left stick a little to the right and you can get the pop fly or the grounder to go to the left field .. do the oppposite to get it to the right.. I still need more practice but there is definitely an art behind batting besides just hitting the x or [] button and hoping it goes where you want.

Also with the batter/pitching analysis it is really helpful. If you use the guess pitching it will definitely help with getting the contact.. I personally like a little more challenge and don’t use it myself.

The commentary is excellent and makes you feel part of the game and are more exciting than a lot of other commentaries I have heard even on real Baseball games on TV.

I’m really enjoying the RTTS right now and shake it up with an exhibiton game to see how much my mechanics of playing the game have improved from going through this mode..I’m working a CP so I can get better at pitching since that is one key you need to win with your team is pitching.

It feels like 2 games in 1 and the PS3 version also comes with a free $20 baseball cap from New Era of wahtever team you want. As not a big fan of baseball I can’t say enough nice things about this game.

Cons of this game are the detection as mentioned above, the fans although very active you see the duplicates to easily, the replays there sometime is an extra ball out of nowhere, but very minor issues that really don’t detract from the gameplay itself.

Good luck in your decision and I hope you get the game that best fits your playing style.
CrimsonVoodoo

If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather … – pasta

OK – full disclosure Pasta – how many NON-ONLINE games of 2K8 have you played and on what setting? I’ve been confounded by some of your earlier comments about HR’s and doubles being the majority of hits in 2K, when in my experience that’s not even close to true

But the above cheap shot – lil’ disappointed – no one I know who has put in time with the game is hitting alot of cheap HR’s

For the record – I’m 16 games into my franchise (Go Cubs!) and I’ve hit 30 HR’s, 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 77 singles. My pitching staff has an ERA of 3.73 – hardly the numbers of a BIGS type game

Hey, I don’t mind if people point out 2K’s flaws – it has plenty, many more than it should. Being an arcadey baseball game is not one of them

When the online is actually working well we’ll have to get a game in Pasta

BTW – enjoy the site – I’m new around here but generally enjoy the civil discourse. Keep up the good work
CrimsonVoodoo

If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather … – pasta

OK – full disclosure Pasta – how many NON-ONLINE games of 2K8 have you played and on what setting? I’ve been confounded by some of your earlier comments about HR’s and doubles being the majority of hits in 2K, when in my experience that’s not even close to true

But the above cheap shot – lil’ disappointed – no one I know who has put in time with the game is hitting alot of cheap HR’s

For the record – I’m 16 games into my franchise (Go Cubs!) and I’ve hit 30 HR’s, 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 77 singles. My pitching staff has an ERA of 3.73 – hardly the numbers of a BIGS type game

Hey, I don’t mind if people point out 2K’s flaws – it has plenty, many more than it should. Being an arcadey baseball game is not one of them

When the online is actually working well we’ll have to get a game in Pasta

BTW – enjoy the site – I’m new around here but generally enjoy the civil discourse. Keep up the good work
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

[quote comment="15360"]If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather … – pasta

OK – full disclosure Pasta – how many NON-ONLINE games of 2K8 have you played and on what setting? I’ve been confounded by some of your earlier comments about HR’s and doubles being the majority of hits in 2K, when in my experience that’s not even close to true

But the above cheap shot – lil’ disappointed – no one I know who has put in time with the game is hitting alot of cheap HR’s

For the record – I’m 16 games into my franchise (Go Cubs!) and I’ve hit 30 HR’s, 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 77 singles. My pitching staff has an ERA of 3.73 – hardly the numbers of a BIGS type game

Hey, I don’t mind if people point out 2K’s flaws – it has plenty, many more than it should. Being an arcadey baseball game is not one of them

When the online is actually working well we’ll have to get a game in Pasta

BTW – enjoy the site – I’m new around here but generally enjoy the civil discourse. Keep up the good work[/quote]

Well I was responding to the online aspect which is a HR fest. Offline its harder to hit HRs against the CPU, although the CPU has no trouble jacking them out at will (the only way they score against me is on HRs or doubles). I generally stick to defaults in order to evaluate a game initially. Which is how the majority of consumers will play the game. Non-online games I’ve completed five, and played about 15 more that I quit from at different points out of frustration.

A cheap home run to me is one that is hit based on luck. And thats pretty much how home runs are hit in this game. Swing and pray style. This is especially evident online.

Hey if you’re enjoying the game thats great, I don’t presume to reflect everyone’s opinions or believe that mine is more important than someone else’s. I hope you get value out of 2K8, its just difficult for me to see a way to do so when I have The Show to compare it to.
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

[quote comment="15360"]If you want to hit a bunch of cheap home runs then 2K8 would be the way to go. Minus lag I’m sure that would be better but I’d rather … – pasta

OK – full disclosure Pasta – how many NON-ONLINE games of 2K8 have you played and on what setting? I’ve been confounded by some of your earlier comments about HR’s and doubles being the majority of hits in 2K, when in my experience that’s not even close to true

But the above cheap shot – lil’ disappointed – no one I know who has put in time with the game is hitting alot of cheap HR’s

For the record – I’m 16 games into my franchise (Go Cubs!) and I’ve hit 30 HR’s, 36 doubles, 3 triples, and 77 singles. My pitching staff has an ERA of 3.73 – hardly the numbers of a BIGS type game

Hey, I don’t mind if people point out 2K’s flaws – it has plenty, many more than it should. Being an arcadey baseball game is not one of them

When the online is actually working well we’ll have to get a game in Pasta

BTW – enjoy the site – I’m new around here but generally enjoy the civil discourse. Keep up the good work[/quote]

Well I was responding to the online aspect which is a HR fest. Offline its harder to hit HRs against the CPU, although the CPU has no trouble jacking them out at will (the only way they score against me is on HRs or doubles). I generally stick to defaults in order to evaluate a game initially. Which is how the majority of consumers will play the game. Non-online games I’ve completed five, and played about 15 more that I quit from at different points out of frustration.

A cheap home run to me is one that is hit based on luck. And thats pretty much how home runs are hit in this game. Swing and pray style. This is especially evident online.

Hey if you’re enjoying the game thats great, I don’t presume to reflect everyone’s opinions or believe that mine is more important than someone else’s. I hope you get value out of 2K8, its just difficult for me to see a way to do so when I have The Show to compare it to.
Eski

I might add that another disappointing item in 2K was the absence of true classic teams (86 Mets, 90 A’s, etc.).

I own both The Show and 2K and I actually stumbled upon unlockables in The Show.

I didn’t see anything about unlocking classic jerseys or players in the manual nor had I read anything online. Although, again disappointingly, there are no true classic teams, the classic uniforms are extremely detailed and accurate, unlike 2K.

I used the Twins and opted for the alternate uniforms (2K) and found that the logo on the batting helmets were off. The TC should be red and white however the T was navy.

Again, a little detail however 2K has never been good with detail on classic uniforms. Last year, it was Toronto’s 1992 jerseys that had inaccuracies….

I will be the first to say that these extra visuals don’t hamper gameplay but they do hamper immersion….
Eski

I might add that another disappointing item in 2K was the absence of true classic teams (86 Mets, 90 A’s, etc.).

I own both The Show and 2K and I actually stumbled upon unlockables in The Show.

I didn’t see anything about unlocking classic jerseys or players in the manual nor had I read anything online. Although, again disappointingly, there are no true classic teams, the classic uniforms are extremely detailed and accurate, unlike 2K.

I used the Twins and opted for the alternate uniforms (2K) and found that the logo on the batting helmets were off. The TC should be red and white however the T was navy.

Again, a little detail however 2K has never been good with detail on classic uniforms. Last year, it was Toronto’s 1992 jerseys that had inaccuracies….

I will be the first to say that these extra visuals don’t hamper gameplay but they do hamper immersion….
Hamp

A little guidence needed here – I can either get The Show for PS2 or 2K8 for the 360. Any thoughts?

The main things that are important to me are gameplay, a deep franchise mode and realism. I never play online and I can live with graphics that aren’t the sharpest.
Hamp

A little guidence needed here – I can either get The Show for PS2 or 2K8 for the 360. Any thoughts?

The main things that are important to me are gameplay, a deep franchise mode and realism. I never play online and I can live with graphics that aren’t the sharpest.
nyr2k2

[quote comment="15463"]A little guidence needed here – I can either get The Show for PS2 or 2K8 for the 360. Any thoughts?

The main things that are important to me are gameplay, a deep franchise mode and realism. I never play online and I can live with graphics that aren’t the sharpest.[/quote]

IMHO– which has been echoed by the majority of review outlets– The Show ’08 is the most realistic and best-playing baseball game on the market. It’s more true to the game in terms of overall play than 2K8. Many have argued that the pitching meter and left stick/button press batting mechanic in The Show are outdated, which may be true; however, they still produce extremely realistic results and are quite satisfying, I find.

I love The Show’s franchise mode. You control everything from the scouts and the scouting budget, the team travel mechanism, advertising budget and contracts, vendors and vendor prices to ticket and parking prices. It’s extremely deep and if you’re into micromanaging a franchise, you’ll be satisfied. I can’t speak too much towards 2K8′s franchise mode since I never started one (I only played single games), so you’ll have to do your own research on that one. FWIW, I haven’t played the current PS2 version of The Show, so I’m not 100% positive that these features are still in that version.

Obviously, the PS2 version won’t have the graphics of the bigger brother, though from the screens I’ve seen the game looks pretty sharp.

I’ve got The Show on my PS3 and PSP, and rented 2K8 for my 360 (since the 360 version looks better than the PS3 by a smidge). I really tried to give 2K8 a good play through, but I just got too sucked in to the Franchise and RTTS modes in The Show.
nyr2k2

[quote comment="15463"]A little guidence needed here – I can either get The Show for PS2 or 2K8 for the 360. Any thoughts?

The main things that are important to me are gameplay, a deep franchise mode and realism. I never play online and I can live with graphics that aren’t the sharpest.[/quote]

IMHO– which has been echoed by the majority of review outlets– The Show ’08 is the most realistic and best-playing baseball game on the market. It’s more true to the game in terms of overall play than 2K8. Many have argued that the pitching meter and left stick/button press batting mechanic in The Show are outdated, which may be true; however, they still produce extremely realistic results and are quite satisfying, I find.

I love The Show’s franchise mode. You control everything from the scouts and the scouting budget, the team travel mechanism, advertising budget and contracts, vendors and vendor prices to ticket and parking prices. It’s extremely deep and if you’re into micromanaging a franchise, you’ll be satisfied. I can’t speak too much towards 2K8′s franchise mode since I never started one (I only played single games), so you’ll have to do your own research on that one. FWIW, I haven’t played the current PS2 version of The Show, so I’m not 100% positive that these features are still in that version.

Obviously, the PS2 version won’t have the graphics of the bigger brother, though from the screens I’ve seen the game looks pretty sharp.

I’ve got The Show on my PS3 and PSP, and rented 2K8 for my 360 (since the 360 version looks better than the PS3 by a smidge). I really tried to give 2K8 a good play through, but I just got too sucked in to the Franchise and RTTS modes in The Show.
Blakester

I agree, overall The Show takes it, but both games still have a long way to go. P.S the franchise mode on the show needs a lil help.
Blakester

I agree, overall The Show takes it, but both games still have a long way to go. P.S the franchise mode on the show needs a lil help.
nlik

Uhhh do i see 2k8 having road to the show the show has way better features an they cannot touch 08 the show 360 people give it up u guys have halo and we dont and we admit that it is awesome and i think that it is ure turn to admit that we have a game that u dont have and it is better than youres.
nlik

Uhhh do i see 2k8 having road to the show the show has way better features an they cannot touch 08 the show 360 people give it up u guys have halo and we dont and we admit that it is awesome and i think that it is ure turn to admit that we have a game that u dont have and it is better than youres.
Drew

Hey guys good comments across the board. I actually found most of this stuff helpful as I’m trying to decide whether or not to buy The Show. I haven’t picked up a baseball game really since MVP2005, and that in my opinion was the best baseball game ever at the time. I rented 2K8 the other day for PS2 and was quite disappointed with it. Before I go out and drop money on The Show, however, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how it compares to the old MVP series (before the college versions)?
Drew

Hey guys good comments across the board. I actually found most of this stuff helpful as I’m trying to decide whether or not to buy The Show. I haven’t picked up a baseball game really since MVP2005, and that in my opinion was the best baseball game ever at the time. I rented 2K8 the other day for PS2 and was quite disappointed with it. Before I go out and drop money on The Show, however, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how it compares to the old MVP series (before the college versions)?
xtybee

Get the demo’s.. theyre both available to dl for your ps3, I played them both and am still not sure what i like better.

The 2k pitching system seems really interesting, and the hitting too. Im thinking once i get the hang of it it can be a really rewarding experience. But it also might get old fast.

The demo is only 3 innings and in the 2k game i threw so many ‘meat’ balls that ended up being crushed it wasnt funny… again.. maybe once i get the hang more it will be more enjoyable.

i dont get the authors view that pressing a button is more ‘satisfying’ to hit than the swing stick… if anything the swing stick is more satisfying, because you have to time the step and swing which is a REALLY cool feature, as the step is just as important as the swing to anyone thats played real ball.

The fielding in the 2k game was really cool.

The Show definately had better graphics though and commentating.
I dont really care about the online aspect, what i care more about is the carreer modes.. which i cant check out in the demo’s.. and the rtts mode sounds reallly interesting to me. But im just going to play the demos a few more times and buy one of them.

I didnt think either game was garbage or really bad. They were both pretty fun.
xtybee

Get the demo’s.. theyre both available to dl for your ps3, I played them both and am still not sure what i like better.

The 2k pitching system seems really interesting, and the hitting too. Im thinking once i get the hang of it it can be a really rewarding experience. But it also might get old fast.

The demo is only 3 innings and in the 2k game i threw so many ‘meat’ balls that ended up being crushed it wasnt funny… again.. maybe once i get the hang more it will be more enjoyable.

i dont get the authors view that pressing a button is more ‘satisfying’ to hit than the swing stick… if anything the swing stick is more satisfying, because you have to time the step and swing which is a REALLY cool feature, as the step is just as important as the swing to anyone thats played real ball.

The fielding in the 2k game was really cool.

The Show definately had better graphics though and commentating.
I dont really care about the online aspect, what i care more about is the carreer modes.. which i cant check out in the demo’s.. and the rtts mode sounds reallly interesting to me. But im just going to play the demos a few more times and buy one of them.

I didnt think either game was garbage or really bad. They were both pretty fun.
nickz308

2k8 is the best anyone who dislikes it is a retard
nickz308

2k8 is the best anyone who dislikes it is a retard
nickz308

if you play the show and get every game the people talking get annoying. thats why this year i switched to 2k sports. batting is cool with the anolog stick on ps2
nickz308

if you play the show and get every game the people talking get annoying. thats why this year i switched to 2k sports. batting is cool with the anolog stick on ps2
nickz308

moneymike said
am March 9 2008 @ 1:56 pm Quote

DA Yankees Win wrote:

I don’t know why everyone is hating on MLB 2K8.

Because it’s total GARBAGE that’s why!!

your garbage idiot
nickz308

moneymike said
am March 9 2008 @ 1:56 pm Quote

DA Yankees Win wrote:

I don’t know why everyone is hating on MLB 2K8.

Because it’s total GARBAGE that’s why!!

your garbage idiot