MLB 2K9 Franchise Diary
by 
Jon Robinson of ESPN has posted up the first part of his MLB 2K9 Franchise Diary series. This is something he did last year with 2K8 as well. The write-up includes the first details on improvements made to Franchise mode as well as an image of the new MLB.com interface. You can read the article in its entirety here.
MLB 2K9’s Franchise was built from the ground up, adding and improving on things gamers have already praised from the NBA title. The game now features stats-based player progression where younger players no longer improve by just sitting on the bench. You actually need to work them into the lineup if you want to see them get better over time.
Hitting wise I’m looking forward to the new simpler process. I had switched over to the classic button hitting because I’m not a fan of the swing stick in baseball games. This however sounds more like a compromise and I’ll at least be giving it a shot at first.
February 5, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I'm just really worried about the frame rate issues, any news on that?
February 5, 2009 at 9:51 pm
"The other thing I notice about the game right off the bat is that the majority of frame-rate issues have been solved. The bugs are still being worked out of the preview copy I'm playing, so there is still the occasional hitch when the ball is hit into the outfield and the game will slow down like 2K8, but producer Jeff Thomas pretty much guarantees that the issues will be solved and that the game will run at a smooth 60 frames-per-second when it's released."
That's promising.
February 5, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Not really since they promised the same thing last year.
February 5, 2009 at 9:59 pm
This is from the guy playing the game. He mentioned an occasional hitch when the ball is hit into the outfield. Sounds a lot better than last year to me.
Both pitching and hitting scenarios sound great too. Looking forward to it.
February 11, 2009 at 3:30 am
the frame rate is not the only problem with the game, as a college pitcher myself i can tell u that the show is so much more realistic than 2k8/9 its not even funny
February 5, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Is the pitching back to how it was in like lets say mvp baseball? or we still using the Right stick?
February 5, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Those screenshots look like the Wii version….
February 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I agree those better not be 360
February 5, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Reading is FUNdamental.
February 5, 2009 at 10:15 pm
not really? if you haven't noticed the game is developed by the same team that developed NBA 2k9 did you notice any frame rate issues in that game….no because that game is awesome. I've been waiting for 2k to move mlb to Visual Concepts because if they didn't notice VC knows what they are doing and if I was SCEA I would be worried because VC knows gameplay and 'Chise. CH-Ch
February 5, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Bold comments from a guy who doesn't know Jack. What do you know about VC. Do you work for them. Do you have a personal relationship with all of the developers. The answer is "no you don't".
VC makes basketball games which are very good. That in no way gives them an ounce of credibility in the realm of baseball games. Take off your rose colored glasses and get some perspective.
This is VC's first ever attempt at a baseball game so essentially this is a 1st year title at best. If you are lucky they will give something comparable to MLB 07. None the less you will never have a product as good as the 3rd year MLB title in MLB 09. Do the math. Every game gets better with each passing year (MLB 2k8 being the only exception) so you guys are already 2 years behind the curve.
I am sure (sarcasm) SCEA is just quaking in there boots at the thought of VC developing a "baseball" game. ROTFLMAO
February 6, 2009 at 5:02 am
LOL! Do you work for SCEA?? Your acting like a pathetic fanboy. Changing to a developer that puts out the best basketball game and THE BEST sports game of all time (NFL 2k5) is nothing but a good thing. I seriously doubt it will even come close to MLB 09 and im sure SCEA isnt worried about anything but call down Sony boy.
And from reading the article it seems VC is doing a fine job improving MLB 2k, something the former dev kush struggled to do.
February 6, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Bringing up NFL 2k5 are we?????? Now who is the pathetic fanboy. Give it a rest already. I can believe there are peeps like you that are still harping over a football game that is 5 years old and last generation to boot. NFL2k5 was OK but it just aint madden. I don't know when you people are going to get it through your thick skulls.
Madden rules the football landscape the way World of Warcraft rules the MMORPG landscape. That is just the way it is. ACCEPT IT!!!!!!!!!!.
February 6, 2009 at 9:01 pm
if you really ask real football gamers out there and i mean the real ones that appreciate the naunces of the game, nfl 2k5 still rules the virtual gridiron landscape. madden rules the popularity landscape only on marketing and its history….but if you want to bash on 2k5….please play the game again……this time with patience. madden gameplay still doesn't even come close to what 2k5 achieved…..i'd been waiting for madden to be more sim than arcade. all you guys are pathetic for bashing anyone……please have some intelligent post rather than this stupid nonsense
February 6, 2009 at 7:03 am
are you kidding me mlb 2k9 had a whole bunch of glitches and frame rate issues to the 2k cam and online still horrible, still a good game but when there top seller has issues I don't see how this game gonna have less.
February 5, 2009 at 10:20 pm
unfortunately this guys is on 2k's payroll. i read another review that said the frame rate issues were just as bad as last year. beleive me, i want nothing more than for mlb 2k to make a great game, but they seem to be more interested in deceiving their own customers than putting out a good product
February 5, 2009 at 10:27 pm
The early reports from this game haven't looked the best, but this article seems to be pretty positive. The outlook on the framerate appears to have improved and franchise seems like it could be good. Now I want to know what they are doing about online play.
February 5, 2009 at 10:27 pm
And they took on NHL in the same way they are doing with MLB and put out a very mediocre result. There may be some more trust with VC at the reigns sure but if there are framerate problems there are framerate problems and 2K is going to try to cover it up just like they did last year. We can only wait and see.
February 5, 2009 at 10:32 pm
well those screens make me think 2k is playing games again with the ones they are releasing and the lame teaser trailers. purposely not showing how the game actually looks when its played
February 5, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Those two screenshots look like they are from the PS2, not the PS3 or 360. If the game looks like that it is going to be a laughingstock again. And there are STILL framerate issues, and a promise from 2K isn't worth the toiletpaper I wiped my butt with this morning. Thank goodness for MLB The Show!!
February 5, 2009 at 11:21 pm
You guys make me laugh. Why can't we with xbox's get excited and hope. We are all well aware of what happened last year and that you have a PS3. I don't want to pay $500 to play one game when I alreay have an Xbox, Wii and spend most of my time with computer sims. Enjoy the show, good for you, but I don't understand why it's so important to remind us over and over that 2k8 stunk. We get it.
February 5, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Well Chad, apparently you don't get it b/c here you are again poised and ready to drop your 60 bucks on a likely garbage game.
I mean really Chad. Your like the little kid whose mom tell him don't touch the stove, its hot and you just have to burn the crap out of your self just to see if its true.
You don't want to spend money on a new console and that is fine. So why don't you take the same approach with baseball. You don't HAVE to have a baseball game. So just skip it and send 2k a message that you won't be a sucker for them anymore.
February 6, 2009 at 1:36 am
Who the hell cares, its chads money, why are you so concerned about who buys mlb 2k9 YOUR GOING TO BUY THE" GREATEST BASEBALL GAME EVER MADE" WHY ARE YOU CONCERNED WITH MLB 2K9
February 5, 2009 at 11:43 pm
If you guys like the show09 better than 2k9 why the hell are you guys reading info on mlb 2k9!! What just to tell us(360owners) its not better than the show 09 ok, like chad said we get it !!! just go play the show 09 then
February 5, 2009 at 11:44 pm
GUYS WTF IS GOING ON HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arent any of you guys the least bit concerned by the fact that 2k released MLB: front office manager when they should have been dedicating there resources to fixing a broken MLB2k franchise. Doesn't this just prove that 2k is clearly in it for the money and not at all that concerned about the loyal customers.
Perhaps 2k is relying on the notion that PS3 owner isn't going to be buying this game and 360 owner has no other choice. 2k is simply cashing in as much as possible to utilize there exclusivity license with Major League Baseball and the players association.
360 owners have every right to be concerned and even upset over what 2k has and is doing to them. Front office manager is getting slaughtered in the media reviews which is further evidence of there willingness to release substandard products. I'm sorry but I cant see VC bringing anything to the table other than a mediocre at best title and certainly nothing that will compare to MLB: The show.
February 6, 2009 at 12:49 am
It's two comletely different teams, what part of that can't you understand?
February 6, 2009 at 2:43 am
One thing that worries me right off the bat (pardon the pun :^) is that MLB2K9 has Randy Winn listed as a "star hitter" in this screen shot? Really? Randy Winn star hitter? If Winn is considered a star hitter by the devs, then you have to wonder how realistic the franchis mode will be as it pertains to current MLB players.
February 6, 2009 at 9:16 am
Go ahead and look at the Giants and tell me who the star hitter is after Rowand. If your number 2 is anyone but Winn I will be stunned. Check the numbers, it's more a reflection of how paltry thier offense is at the moment.
February 6, 2009 at 3:01 am
NO $hit sherlock. VC has never made a baseball game and you are ready to crown them kings. VC making a baseball game is the equivalent to when Michael Jordan tried to play for the Whitesox………..Stick to basketball Mike and same goes for you VC.
February 6, 2009 at 9:21 am
I am confused, you said 2k should be concentrating on the 2k series instead of FOM. Should the Live team stop working on it and move over to fix the madden franchise?
Your opinion is great, there are some of us that hope it's a B game, if it is in year one I will be very happy. The show looks great, I am happy for you.
I am still confused why you guys insist on bagging on 2k9?
February 6, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Chad, your debating skills are very poor. We are talking baseball here and the fact 2k chooses to release another "BASEBALL" game instead of concentrating their efforts in fixing a seriously broken game in MLB 2k8. You are talking about Live, which is basketball stopping work to fix madden which is football. 2k is clearly more concerned on capitalizing on there expensive exclusivity license with MLB/MLBPA and to attempt to improve there slumping stock prices. TTWO for anyone interested in seeing the stock. I bet now they wished they had taken EA's 26$ a share offer.
You clearly are showing your ignorance here. Fisrt off LIve is produced by EA Canada and Madden by Tiburon. Perhaps you should give some thought to your rebuttles. You clearly haven't done your home work.
February 7, 2009 at 1:19 am
Mr. Daley,
Here is the point that guys like you will never get, I don't come here to debate. I don't need to come on here are argue which game system is better or justify my purchase. I am hoping that 2k makes a good game of baseball this year, nothing more, nothing less.
I am a baseball fan and would like to have a good game to play. Some how that's hard to comprehend. I should never have attempted to clarify anything, it's exactly what your type is looking for.
Like I said before and for the last time for me, enjoy The Show, it looks like a great game and I wish it was avaliable for the 360.
February 7, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Right On Chad
February 6, 2009 at 3:18 am
i think they meant winn is star hitter for just his team not for the whole league!! Randy is a solid player but with lack of talent giants have on that team he is a key player for them
February 6, 2009 at 3:39 am
I love having a 360 and a PS3. I recently convinced my parents to return the blu-ray player we just bought and spend the few extra dollars on a PS3 whos blu-ray can be upgraded. Ever since then the world has been mine. And by the way 360 is so much better than the PS3 in "my opinion" (realize the "my" part in that), but they suck at making baseball games. So PS3 I love you and for the first year I won't have convince myself that 2K can be as good as The Show if I tweak the difficulty and settings for 6 hours because it can't and it never will be as good as The Show. God Bless me and my PS3.
February 6, 2009 at 4:07 am
this is obviously a site for people that are in the bag for THE SHOW – and you all can deny that, but as soon as 2k9 gets a good (p)review, people go crazy? LOL..I mean sitting at your little computers/laptops seriously PO'd because a game that you don't like, is getting a little love on ESPN…wow.
also, 2k just dropped a second video, and it's nowhere to be seen on this site…the video CLEARLY shows how superior graphically 2k is over THE SHOW (which i enjoyed playing last year by the way – neither sony NOR microsoft is putting $$$ in my pockets just giving an opinion) – but it won't even get a mention because people are in the bag for THE SHOW already before it comes out…
we'll just have to wait and see what the critics say when the games are dropped. I can assure you 2k will be getting higher scores than MLB THE SHOW across the board. and no, i'm not angry – I just like a little friendly competition
February 6, 2009 at 4:40 am
Like I said I have 360 and PS3 so I don't care what's better I'll buy everything, but you Mister Woods must be slightly insane, "I can assure you 2k will be getting higher scores than MLB THE SHOW." That will never happen, atleast not this year. I think it would be good for their to be competition because that is how games get better, but lets not get crazy and say 2K will beat out The Show.
February 6, 2009 at 5:46 am
again….a little friendly competition. but thank you for your response that helped prove my point.
anybody that says anything wrong against MLB the SHOW and then has the audacity to praise 2k, is insane/crazy/laughable etc etc…
we all know 2k8 put out a sub-par product last year, and yes, THE SHOW is the MLB game to beat…but to sit around and act like 2k9 just looks like a joke of a baseball game is just not being honest…I guess some of you want so bad to be a part of a "clique" or "group" that you have to take it that far…sad. very sad.
February 6, 2009 at 8:19 pm
MLB 2k8 didn't get better scores than MLB: the show 08 and they certainly wont be surpassing them this year either.
There is a nice article on the operation sports website called developers lost but now are found that demonstrates how SCEA San Diego went about making the show in the correct way where as 2k didn't. It further chronicles how sony chose to dedicate the majority of the dev cycle ensuring the core game play was solid then and only then did they shift over to the bells and whistles aspect of the game. 2k's chief flaw was that they spent way too much time trying to develop the bells and whistles side of the game and never game the core game play the adequate amout of attention it needed and thus MLB 2k8 was a complete mess.
Now with VC at the Helm you can only hope that they will learn from the awful mistakes that ben brinkman made with this game but honestly baseball isn't there bag and I would expect that there attempt will be mediocre at best but hopefully you will actually have something that is playable this year around.
February 9, 2009 at 2:57 pm
man, I never said anything about 2k8 getting higher scores than the show 08 – did you even read what i typed or just skimmed through it?
some of you are like zombies – if you see ANYTHING that even remotely looks like praise for the 2k series, your circuits start to overload and you just go off on these rants. I've already said that THE SHOW is the real deal, and a GREAT baseball game…
but my opinion is that 2k9 will score better than MLB 09…all we have to do is wait for the game to be released, and we will see what metacritic and gamerankings tally up…
calm down man, it's not that serious. I am a person with an opinion, trust me, you are going to run into thousands more people like me
February 6, 2009 at 5:59 am
After reading this I'm pretty excited about it. I don't need faster framerates, better graphics, etc. Honestly, I just need an MLB game to play with my team until NCAA Football 10 comes out. I love baseball and since I don't have a PS3 I have no choice but to buy this game. It's really not that serious to me. I'll spend the money on the game and if it stinks then it gets sold back at the same value it would if it rocked.
February 6, 2009 at 9:41 am
MLB 2K always does this to me. I get excited because people give positive reviews before the game comes out and then of course I buy it just to get disappointed. Third times a charm, too bad this is the fourth.
February 6, 2009 at 11:52 am
Then I would say list Rowand as their only star. You shouldn't create star's based on the teams mediocrity. If that's the case then I assume that Paul Maholme is going to be considered a star pitcher for the Pirates.
February 6, 2009 at 11:54 am
And don't forget the star hitter for the Nationals, Christian Guzman.
February 7, 2009 at 5:37 pm
For all you 2kfans with short memories all I say to you is remember the whole hype cycle that ocurred during the MLB2k8 campaign. Here is how it goes:
1) Throw out a nice little teaser trailer that shows good graphics but doesn't reflect gameplay
2) Continure to show nothing but static screen shots to keep the fanboys enticed
3) Have interview with producer to further sell the hype about how good the game will be
4) Hold back the demo til the day of the game launch
5) Rake in the $$$ from the 360 fanboys that just cant say NO
6) Wash, Rinse, Repeat for 2k10,11, 12, etc.