MLB 2K9 Demo Impressions and Videos

by pastapadre
Posted February 24th, 2009 at 11:20 am

mlb2k9demosc

I wanted to get up some initial impressions of MLB 2K9 after running through the demo a couple times. By no means is this a definitive assessment of the game, but there are numerous things worth mentioning that I found to be positives as well as dislikes that I have come across already. Overall the reaction to the demo seems to be quite mixed with most everyone recognizing improvement but much of that being overshadowed by discussion of various issues.

Continue on to read through my thoughts as well as check out the first two videos I’ve recorded so far off the demo in HD.

Unfortunately the demo is short on options. 2K didn’t allow for the changing of difficulty levels, controls, camera angles, and it ends after three innings even if the game is tied. The CPU actually plays the game as if the 3rd is the 9th inning though, so I’ve seen the pitcher get pulled for a pinch hitter and walk-offs result in a celebration (though one that isn’t very satisfying). There is no tutorial included so I don’t even know how to do some things such as the base running. These impressions are based on what the demo allows and although it will be representative of the final product to a large extent keep under consideration that things may vary when those options are adjusted and as everyone gets acclimated to the game.

Much has been made of the changes to the pitching and hitting controls. So far I really appreciate the simplification of the swing stick. I have despised using a swing stick in all of the baseball games, usually switching right back over to the buttons. But now I can see myself sticking with it. It is back to being predominantly based on reaction instead of completing a “process”. The only downside is not being able to check swing effectively.

The pitching however has actually gotten worse. I would’ve rather they stuck with last year’s pitching and just eliminated the meatball. It seems like there is no benefit now, as though you’re forced to do the gesture just to do it. And the giant yellow circle and flash of light after each pitch is unnecessary. The large ball cursor also makes it difficult to really pinpoint where you are attempting to pitch to. It is almost as though you can only attempt to pitch to five sections in the strike zone (middle and the corners) or outside the strike zone.

Is it just me or does it seem like the pitch takes long to reach the plate? Fastballs don’t give a sense of their velocity. While it is nice in the sense that it is easier to read pitches and hold off swinging at balls it also seems to make it especially easy to make contact. I can’t specifically remember swinging and missing a single time.

That, along with the CPU swinging at practically any pitch that is going to be a strike (big problem) is going to lead to games with very low pitch counts. I can see this becoming one of if not the main gripe people have with the game.

Even if it is tied to the difficulty level you can literally pick every CPU runner off. That shouldn’t happen even on the lowest difficulty. It remains to be seen if higher ones will have that same problem.

The framerate seems solid, while I’m not sure it always runs at 60fps it does seem mostly consistent which is the important thing. I haven’t noticed any instances where it has affected the experience for me. That concern seems to have been squashed now. You really notice the difference in how the much better 2K9 feels vs 2K8 based off the framerate alone.

The real-time presentation does really make the game flow nicely. I’m not the type that usually sits through cut scenes, but I’ve let this style of presentation play through at times. It just feels more natural, even when skipping to the next event it doesn’t seem as though you passed up something you were being told you should watch. The only thing that distracts from this is how awkward the players move and some odd events within them. As an example in the first inning video below you’ll see Carl Crawford after a foul ball looking off to the side as he holds his bat. Problem is there is no bat in his hands. I was also disappointed that after hitting a home run they didn’t show the player crossing the plate or any sort of celebration as it just ended as he rounded second base. On the plus side I really like how the crowd looks when they go for a ball hit into the stands.

The new commentary makes a huge difference. After last year and not working on commentary at all (except replacing “Devil” with a pause before saying Rays) and now bringing in the new team it really adds to the experience with a fresh feel and good pacing.

One of my favorite things about 2K9 which is another control element they introduced last year actually is using the right analog stick to throw as a fielder. You can still use the buttons to throw to the bases but I love using the stick. It keeps me engaged and just feels fun that way.

Hit variety seems much improved also. I found good success using the left stick to influence the hits. Pushing down will get you to hit grounders, pushing up will lead to balls hit in the air. The only problem I have with this is that naturally most people will primarily hold up on the stick which may result in more home runs being hit than is realistic. The demo has seen lots of home runs but that could partly be attributed to the difficulty level.

The graphics just don’t reach the standards that other sports titles have set. Several of them including the competition are much more impressive graphically. This is especially seen in areas such as 2K9′s player faces, grass, dirt clouds, and stadium details. The screenshots that 2K released were certainly not representative of how the game actually looks. That is not to say that the graphics are terrible, but in comparison to many other sports titles it just doesn’t match up favorably.

Overall the framerate, presentation, and hitting especially were the things that stood out as strengths. However there are several issues I have come across or things that simply bother me and that is after just a couple rounds of the demo. I’m looking forward to the game’s release next week as despite all these things it appears to be a much better offering than 360 users got last year and hopefully that is a good sign for the future of the franchise.

Tags: latest news, Videos

Danny Kiddoo

is anyone having problems Downloading the demo from XBox Marketplace? Under the 2k7 demo it has the 2k9 cover art, but the demo is still the '07. the '09 demo is not available for download.

aslkJ

look for it in the search by name area it should be listed

Danny K

It is listed, however you can not download the demo. it has the description but nothing else. the video preview and cover art is listed under the 2k7 demo. I'm very confused haha

Danny Kiddoo

is anyone having problems Downloading the demo from XBox Marketplace? Under the 2k7 demo it has the 2k9 cover art, but the demo is still the '07. the '09 demo is not available for download.

aslkJ

look for it in the search by name area it should be listed

Danny K

It is listed, however you can not download the demo. it has the description but nothing else. the video preview and cover art is listed under the 2k7 demo. I'm very confused haha

tmaz

why are the P's on the hats so big, it looks ridiculous
tmaz

why are the P's on the hats so big, it looks ridiculous
Edd

Sony has an offer that if you get their credit card they will refund $100 of the purchase price of a PS3 plus you have 12 months to pay back. Shipping is also free. The catch is that it will take at least a week and a half from when you order online. I took advantage of the offer and I am loving The Show. Wish I would have done this last year. But it is a lot to pay to scratch your "ich".
Edd

Sony has an offer that if you get their credit card they will refund $100 of the purchase price of a PS3 plus you have 12 months to pay back. Shipping is also free. The catch is that it will take at least a week and a half from when you order online. I took advantage of the offer and I am loving The Show. Wish I would have done this last year. But it is a lot to pay to scratch your "ich".
PIERRE

I got PS3 last year just because of this baseball gaming issue!Thank god I didnt buy MLB2K8 last year and after not having World Baseball Classic like it did in 2k6 and after playing MLB2k9 DEMO.I will not proudly buy it again!I bought MLB2k7 when it came out.The graphic 3 years ago were really good.I was thinking that 2k was heading the right direction!Now were in 2009 folks and its insanely apparent that 2k has fully taken advantage of MLB exclusive on XBOX!That demo is sickly disturbing!It felt like I was playing MLB2k7 all over again!Home Run Derby2k with worse graphics and better fielding controls.Dissapointing at the very least!I caught on last year to 2ks shady ways with baseball.Luckily I got to enjoy a real baseball title last year in SHOW08.Now this year SHOW09 looks surreal!If I didnt see my 360 running infront of me when playen MLB2k9 DEMO I would be surprised that this is a 360 game in 2009, really!I couldve been playing this game on a Dreamcast 10 years ago!This is extremely sad thats the best 2k can do for a baseball game in 2009!SAD and I'd boycott 2k on this baseball game so these bastards dont make money off you unfortunate 360 owners that wont be playing the SHOW09 this year!
PIERRE

I got PS3 last year just because of this baseball gaming issue!Thank god I didnt buy MLB2K8 last year and after not having World Baseball Classic like it did in 2k6 and after playing MLB2k9 DEMO.I will not proudly buy it again!I bought MLB2k7 when it came out.The graphic 3 years ago were really good.I was thinking that 2k was heading the right direction!Now were in 2009 folks and its insanely apparent that 2k has fully taken advantage of MLB exclusive on XBOX!That demo is sickly disturbing!It felt like I was playing MLB2k7 all over again!Home Run Derby2k with worse graphics and better fielding controls.Dissapointing at the very least!I caught on last year to 2ks shady ways with baseball.Luckily I got to enjoy a real baseball title last year in SHOW08.Now this year SHOW09 looks surreal!If I didnt see my 360 running infront of me when playen MLB2k9 DEMO I would be surprised that this is a 360 game in 2009, really!I couldve been playing this game on a Dreamcast 10 years ago!This is extremely sad thats the best 2k can do for a baseball game in 2009!SAD and I'd boycott 2k on this baseball game so these bastards dont make money off you unfortunate 360 owners that wont be playing the SHOW09 this year!
PIERRE

Id hate to see NBA2k go because its The Show of basketball games.If only EA could comeback to baseball, and 2k could make CollegeHoops again!Maybe 2k can make like a BASEKETBALL game inspired by those SouthPark crackers.Maybe then we would get a decent baseball game from 2k because it would be running on there NBA2k engine!Luckily I got my PS3 for baseball, did you!
PIERRE

Id hate to see NBA2k go because its The Show of basketball games.If only EA could comeback to baseball, and 2k could make CollegeHoops again!Maybe 2k can make like a BASEKETBALL game inspired by those SouthPark crackers.Maybe then we would get a decent baseball game from 2k because it would be running on there NBA2k engine!Luckily I got my PS3 for baseball, did you!
PIERRE

I think The Show should get tested for a ban substance because its so superior!Then you compare to 2ks Softball and I laugh!Would be really angry If I didnt have PS3 for the SHOW!
PIERRE

I think The Show should get tested for a ban substance because its so superior!Then you compare to 2ks Softball and I laugh!Would be really angry If I didnt have PS3 for the SHOW!
Tomba

Great traffic thanks to the HD pasta!!!!!
Tomba

Great traffic thanks to the HD pasta!!!!!
PIERRE

Did I mention MLB2k9 DEMO is awful!Its apparent they had like one or two guys working on this game!Thats to wonder if they even worked on this game!Its a perfect world for 2k because theyll gladly make a fortune on this MLB game and wont put $100 towards maken it acceptable next year!You suckers wont b playen The Show!It sux n I feel for u who have 360s dat wont b able to purchase a PS3!Its sad that 360s potential has not been used for the great sport of baseball regardless of steroids.Maybe if those two guys dat worked on this crap had taken roids to build the strength of dignity n pride of not allowing themselves to present such a shameful effort of a videogame in the 20th century!
PIERRE

Did I mention MLB2k9 DEMO is awful!Its apparent they had like one or two guys working on this game!Thats to wonder if they even worked on this game!Its a perfect world for 2k because theyll gladly make a fortune on this MLB game and wont put $100 towards maken it acceptable next year!You suckers wont b playen The Show!It sux n I feel for u who have 360s dat wont b able to purchase a PS3!Its sad that 360s potential has not been used for the great sport of baseball regardless of steroids.Maybe if those two guys dat worked on this crap had taken roids to build the strength of dignity n pride of not allowing themselves to present such a shameful effort of a videogame in the 20th century!
PIERRE

By the way that will cost you $64.94 360 owners!Would you like it in a bag or would you like to hold it in ur hand, so dis crap smears all over n in between your fingers?ridiculous 2k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

i'll hold in my hand so that i have easier access to my tigers…… LOL

PIERRE

By the way that will cost you $64.94 360 owners!Would you like it in a bag or would you like to hold it in ur hand, so dis crap smears all over n in between your fingers?ridiculous 2k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

i'll hold in my hand so that i have easier access to my tigers…… LOL

Marc S

I played the demo earlier and it sucked. I dont care if its slightly improved from 2k8, because 2k8 was awful.
Marc S

I played the demo earlier and it sucked. I dont care if its slightly improved from 2k8, because 2k8 was awful.
Cass

Come April, we will all be playing the games "for what they are" 2k gamers will be playing a "crap game" and MLB the show players will be playing a "Great game" you seem to forget the difference
Cass

Come April, we will all be playing the games "for what they are" 2k gamers will be playing a "crap game" and MLB the show players will be playing a "Great game" you seem to forget the difference
Mike Mckenna

SERIOUSLY EVERYONE SHOULD NOT BUY THIS GAME…THATS THE ONLY WAY TO LET THESE 2K SCUMBAGS KNOW HOW WE FEEL….WE GOTTA HIT EM IN THE POCKETS BECAUSE THEY'VE HIT US IN OURS THE PAST 3 YEARS…..THIS IS SERIOUS BULLSH1T….THE GAMES THEY HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT I DONT UNDERSTAND, I MEAN LOOK AT LAST YEARS DEMO, IT WAS OUT POST RELEASE OF THE GAME WTF……GUYS DONT MAKE THESE PEOPLE MONEY…I KNOW IM NOT

Larry Fitzgerald.

Welcome to how I feel about madden 09!!!
smokez4dayz

what does last years demo have to do with anything? talk about reaching!

Mckenna

Im just bringing up how inconsistent they have been with there stuff….I mean I dont understand how a demo has no controller layout options so you can know what the hell you are doing….The new running system, the new diving and fielding mechanics, I heard you can stop your throw ummm how can we figure this out without any direction…It just sucks that they keep putting out crappy games…Why is NBA 2K9 so great? Because of NBA Live 09 competing….Simple breakdowns guys come on. They are jerking the pockets of everyone….and they damn well benefit off of our vulnerability….They are making crazy guap off of these games.

Mike Mckenna

SERIOUSLY EVERYONE SHOULD NOT BUY THIS GAME…THATS THE ONLY WAY TO LET THESE 2K SCUMBAGS KNOW HOW WE FEEL….WE GOTTA HIT EM IN THE POCKETS BECAUSE THEY'VE HIT US IN OURS THE PAST 3 YEARS…..THIS IS SERIOUS BULLSH1T….THE GAMES THEY HAVE BEEN PUTTING OUT I DONT UNDERSTAND, I MEAN LOOK AT LAST YEARS DEMO, IT WAS OUT POST RELEASE OF THE GAME WTF……GUYS DONT MAKE THESE PEOPLE MONEY…I KNOW IM NOT

Larry Fitzgerald.

Welcome to how I feel about madden 09!!!
smokez4dayz

what does last years demo have to do with anything? talk about reaching!

Mckenna

Im just bringing up how inconsistent they have been with there stuff….I mean I dont understand how a demo has no controller layout options so you can know what the hell you are doing….The new running system, the new diving and fielding mechanics, I heard you can stop your throw ummm how can we figure this out without any direction…It just sucks that they keep putting out crappy games…Why is NBA 2K9 so great? Because of NBA Live 09 competing….Simple breakdowns guys come on. They are jerking the pockets of everyone….and they damn well benefit off of our vulnerability….They are making crazy guap off of these games.

Larry Fitzgerald.

How come you can't move your man closeer or farther away from the plate?
Larry Fitzgerald.

How come you can't move your man closeer or farther away from the plate?
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

I think the game is an overall improvement, but I also think 2K's "3 year plan" is going to have to be extended by a couple years. These are the same problems that they've had every single year. They have a long way to go before they can ever gain any respect from sports gamers. Since I love baseball, I can probably learn to enjoy it, but just once can you guys please make a quality product?
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

I think the game is an overall improvement, but I also think 2K's "3 year plan" is going to have to be extended by a couple years. These are the same problems that they've had every single year. They have a long way to go before they can ever gain any respect from sports gamers. Since I love baseball, I can probably learn to enjoy it, but just once can you guys please make a quality product?
ricky

This game is so real, just like watching a tv broadcast. the gameplay is so fun!!! Ive played mlb the show 09 demo and its the same thing as 08 boring!!! 2k has stepped it up and this game is awesome. The graphics are really good, its smooth and ive never had more fun hitting a homerun in a baseball game. I cant wait a week!!!

aaron

This must be either 2K Ron or a developer lol

ricky

This game is so real, just like watching a tv broadcast. the gameplay is so fun!!! Ive played mlb the show 09 demo and its the same thing as 08 boring!!! 2k has stepped it up and this game is awesome. The graphics are really good, its smooth and ive never had more fun hitting a homerun in a baseball game. I cant wait a week!!!

aaron

This must be either 2K Ron or a developer lol

PIERRE

This game is crap guys!Come on I would love for it to be good, aleast half decent.Its crap unless your like a little kid or want a arcade baseball game with crappy graphics!I hit 2 straight Home Runs with Evan Longoria,1HR with Patt Burrell,1HR with Carlos Pena,1HR with Upton,1HR with Crawford= #6HR's in a 3 inning game.Thats not good!!!!!!!!Its like Im playen da same o MLB2k Home Run Derby again!!!!!!Awful.I almost hit one out of the stadium with Purrell!!!!I feel bad 4 those who wont b playen SHOW09!
PIERRE

This game is crap guys!Come on I would love for it to be good, aleast half decent.Its crap unless your like a little kid or want a arcade baseball game with crappy graphics!I hit 2 straight Home Runs with Evan Longoria,1HR with Patt Burrell,1HR with Carlos Pena,1HR with Upton,1HR with Crawford= #6HR's in a 3 inning game.Thats not good!!!!!!!!Its like Im playen da same o MLB2k Home Run Derby again!!!!!!Awful.I almost hit one out of the stadium with Purrell!!!!I feel bad 4 those who wont b playen SHOW09!
PIERRE

PAT BURRELL WITH THE PHILLIES HAT STILL, EVEN THOUGH THE SHOW 09 HAS JUST BUTTONS IT IS DOMINANT
PIERRE

PAT BURRELL WITH THE PHILLIES HAT STILL, EVEN THOUGH THE SHOW 09 HAS JUST BUTTONS IT IS DOMINANT
DAREAL PIERRE

Yo dis is da real PIERRE n I didnt rite dis last comment dats n all CAPS and doesnt make any sense!It must b a kis or somthin.Dunt know!
DAREAL PIERRE

Yo dis is da real PIERRE n I didnt rite dis last comment dats n all CAPS and doesnt make any sense!It must b a kis or somthin.Dunt know!
UncleMo

Hot? I thought they were stolen.
UncleMo

Hot? I thought they were stolen.
jdd

check this out…
http://www.operationsports.com/videoview_game.php…
jdd

check this out…
http://www.operationsports.com/videoview_game.php…
Scott

2k sports will be no more anyway next year. Ubisoft or EA will buy them out, so most likley thier wont be MLB 2k10…THANK GOD!
Scott

2k sports will be no more anyway next year. Ubisoft or EA will buy them out, so most likley thier wont be MLB 2k10…THANK GOD!
Scott

I love the Robot player feel to the game…Ugh someone shoot me please!!!!
Scott

I love the Robot player feel to the game…Ugh someone shoot me please!!!!
Sadam Assler

Haha remember the Adam Sessler in the G4tv interview saying something like: "First of all, this game looks absolutely gorgeous!" How much did they pay him to say that?

aaron

probably as much as they paid them last year to give it a better review then the show

Sadam Assler

They did?!

Art

What a faggala that Adam Sessler guy is
Ben Brinkman

Adam sessler has the MLB2k9 devs nuts squarely in his mouth

Sadam Assler

Haha remember the Adam Sessler in the G4tv interview saying something like: "First of all, this game looks absolutely gorgeous!" How much did they pay him to say that?

aaron

probably as much as they paid them last year to give it a better review then the show

Sadam Assler

They did?!

Art

What a faggala that Adam Sessler guy is
Ben Brinkman

Adam sessler has the MLB2k9 devs nuts squarely in his mouth

http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

you do have access to the roster, you have to use the inside edge controls (right and left on the dpad) this brings up the line up card to make adjustments.

Chip1010

Just hitting down on the D-pad will bring up the roster.

(And hitting up lets you shift your infielders and outfielders.)

http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

you do have access to the roster, you have to use the inside edge controls (right and left on the dpad) this brings up the line up card to make adjustments.

Chip1010

Just hitting down on the D-pad will bring up the roster.

(And hitting up lets you shift your infielders and outfielders.)

PeckinOrder

I dont get why all of you people are complaining! Do you guys just like to hear yourself talk or like to read your own thoughts.

The majority of you people were complaining it was too hard to pitch, too hard to hit, too hard to run. Now they make it easier and you complain.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the graphics. Sure the player faces look weird, but who cares about that.

The only quirks I have with this game and they are absolutely stupid, but stuff Ive noticed is. It doesnt show you the MPH of your pitch every time, only in certain cases but not in all. And the players on base never have an opened fist.

The pitching is nice, the hitting is nicer. I like the new stealing, the running is much easier.

This is the best version of 2k weve ever had, and you guys complain for whatever reason. I just cant stand it.
PeckinOrder

I dont get why all of you people are complaining! Do you guys just like to hear yourself talk or like to read your own thoughts.

The majority of you people were complaining it was too hard to pitch, too hard to hit, too hard to run. Now they make it easier and you complain.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the graphics. Sure the player faces look weird, but who cares about that.

The only quirks I have with this game and they are absolutely stupid, but stuff Ive noticed is. It doesnt show you the MPH of your pitch every time, only in certain cases but not in all. And the players on base never have an opened fist.

The pitching is nice, the hitting is nicer. I like the new stealing, the running is much easier.

This is the best version of 2k weve ever had, and you guys complain for whatever reason. I just cant stand it.