MLB 2K9 Demo Now Available

by pastapadre
Posted February 24th, 2009 at 2:09 am

mlb2k90223

The demo for MLB 2K9 is now out for the 360 and will be arriving for the PS3 on Thursday. This is a relatively highly anticipated demo coming off of last year’s poor offering and with the studio move to Visual Concepts. Unlike last year the demo is out prior to the game’s release which is encouraging in itself and this could result in some confidence heading up to it’s release next week.

A three inning rematch of the World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays @ Philadelphia Phillies is featured and comes in at 848.96 MB. There don’t seem to be any changeable settings such as difficulty levels, control schemes, or camera angles unfortunately.

I’ll have some videos (now in beautiful HD) up later this morning and will have impressions and possibly more clips in the evening. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the demo in the comments.

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http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Hey even I've got some positives I've written up my thoughts, just waiting for my second video to upload and then I'll have it up. Interested to see if you agree with my observations.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Hey even I've got some positives I've written up my thoughts, just waiting for my second video to upload and then I'll have it up. Interested to see if you agree with my observations.
Topher0820

I'll say that i hated last year's demo as well…bought the game and my opinion went up from "terrible" to "not bad" so maybe this will be the case again

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I won't take pot shots. I have no issues with someone defending a game that they truly enjoy.

Pasta,

Do you know if the demo is indicative of the final version? I know The Show demo was not the final product and was wondering if 2K9 is based on an early build which could be a factor….

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Well it would be at least 3+ weeks early, but generally the demo isn't going to be drastically different from the final version.

Topher0820

I'll say that i hated last year's demo as well…bought the game and my opinion went up from "terrible" to "not bad" so maybe this will be the case again

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I won't take pot shots. I have no issues with someone defending a game that they truly enjoy.

Pasta,

Do you know if the demo is indicative of the final version? I know The Show demo was not the final product and was wondering if 2K9 is based on an early build which could be a factor….

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Well it would be at least 3+ weeks early, but generally the demo isn't going to be drastically different from the final version.

TakeYourMeds

Who said he doesn't have the demo

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I was thinking the same thing. There was no mention of Dirty not playing the demo. Weird….

Shane

perhaps the Brown dude thought he's PS3 only, as the demo doesn't hit then till Thursday

TakeYourMeds

Who said he doesn't have the demo

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I was thinking the same thing. There was no mention of Dirty not playing the demo. Weird….

Shane

perhaps the Brown dude thought he's PS3 only, as the demo doesn't hit then till Thursday

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah I think what he meant was since he has a PS3 he doesn't need to worry about 2K9 because The Show is the easy buy. Not that he doesn't have a 360.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah I think what he meant was since he has a PS3 he doesn't need to worry about 2K9 because The Show is the easy buy. Not that he doesn't have a 360.
http://intensedebate.com/people/AJD114 AJD114

To get the 2k9 demo on 360 you need to go into Game Market Place/Brows/M/MLB 2K9 and you can get the demo. Some reason the demo isn't in new demos.
http://intensedebate.com/people/AJD114 AJD114

To get the 2k9 demo on 360 you need to go into Game Market Place/Brows/M/MLB 2K9 and you can get the demo. Some reason the demo isn't in new demos.
http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

Nice vids pasta, I'm at work here on the east coast so gotta get me a little preview of what's in store for me tonight. I'm liking what I see though. Nice smooth gameplay, Maybe I'm missing something in the vids that everyone else is seeing but looks like a graphics upgrade to me not a downgrade. Player models are way better than last year and they finally got rid of the silk uniforms.
http://intensedebate.com/people/aldrichdesigner aldrichdesigner

Nice vids pasta, I'm at work here on the east coast so gotta get me a little preview of what's in store for me tonight. I'm liking what I see though. Nice smooth gameplay, Maybe I'm missing something in the vids that everyone else is seeing but looks like a graphics upgrade to me not a downgrade. Player models are way better than last year and they finally got rid of the silk uniforms.
joeyammo

Is it me or did 2k7 look alot better? I think the player models are awful and the gameplay has taken a hit too. While the framerate has been improved, the game plays horribly. The pitching mechanics have been simplified, as have the batting mechanics, but batting is too easy. I hit 4 homeruns in 3 innings, including a grand slam. Sliders can fix the difficulty problems, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to play a realistic game out of the box without having to do major adjustments?

The decision is simple. If you have a ps3, buy The Show. For 360 owners, buy a ps3 so you can buy The Show. 2K9 isn't in The Show's ballpark.

GGGGBROWN

YEAH GO SPEND OVER $500.OO DOLLARS FOR ONE GAME SORRY ASSHOLE!! ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS I'LL STICK WITH 2K9

joeyammo

Is it me or did 2k7 look alot better? I think the player models are awful and the gameplay has taken a hit too. While the framerate has been improved, the game plays horribly. The pitching mechanics have been simplified, as have the batting mechanics, but batting is too easy. I hit 4 homeruns in 3 innings, including a grand slam. Sliders can fix the difficulty problems, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to play a realistic game out of the box without having to do major adjustments?

The decision is simple. If you have a ps3, buy The Show. For 360 owners, buy a ps3 so you can buy The Show. 2K9 isn't in The Show's ballpark.

GGGGBROWN

YEAH GO SPEND OVER $500.OO DOLLARS FOR ONE GAME SORRY ASSHOLE!! ITS NOT THAT SERIOUS I'LL STICK WITH 2K9

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Played a few innings of the demo. I honestly think the game is much improved. Below are my observations:

1) The swing stick — What is the point? If you pull back and push forward as the ball is being pitched you swing too late. Basically, just hold back before the pitcher starts his windup. Why would the developers even force the players to pull back at all on the stick. It reminds me of World Series on the Dreamcast. You had to hold the left trigger in to start your hitting. What I learned was hold the trigger in then release as the ball reached the desirable zone.

2) The inability to preload a throw…Basically, I had to wait for the throw meter to pop up before I could thrown.

3) The pitching mechanic seemed much improved…More user friendly and forgiving

4) Liked the camera angles and the fact players actually enter the dugout…

5) The opening presentation is a straight rip off of NBA 2K however the in-game presentation was nice and the play-by-play team is excellent

6) The batting helmets didn't have the shine (yes, little detail)

7) Numbers on Philly's sleeves way too small
Philly's logo on hat way too big

9) The dirt physics looked good on the informs

10) Didn't notice hurricane like winds flopping the jersey physics — It was cool two years ago…Thank goodness it looks like it's gone

11) Frame rate was solid

12) Hate that stupid ball trail — Please tell me that can be turned off…

13) The weird poofs of dirt behind the hitter while running on the base paths

14) Crowd looks good, a lot of the player faces do not

Again, many of my gripes are little things that do not impact the game. I think fans of 2K will have a game that will play way better than 2K8….Much improved….
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Played a few innings of the demo. I honestly think the game is much improved. Below are my observations:

1) The swing stick — What is the point? If you pull back and push forward as the ball is being pitched you swing too late. Basically, just hold back before the pitcher starts his windup. Why would the developers even force the players to pull back at all on the stick. It reminds me of World Series on the Dreamcast. You had to hold the left trigger in to start your hitting. What I learned was hold the trigger in then release as the ball reached the desirable zone.

2) The inability to preload a throw…Basically, I had to wait for the throw meter to pop up before I could thrown.

3) The pitching mechanic seemed much improved…More user friendly and forgiving

4) Liked the camera angles and the fact players actually enter the dugout…

5) The opening presentation is a straight rip off of NBA 2K however the in-game presentation was nice and the play-by-play team is excellent

6) The batting helmets didn't have the shine (yes, little detail)

7) Numbers on Philly's sleeves way too small
Philly's logo on hat way too big

9) The dirt physics looked good on the informs

10) Didn't notice hurricane like winds flopping the jersey physics — It was cool two years ago…Thank goodness it looks like it's gone

11) Frame rate was solid

12) Hate that stupid ball trail — Please tell me that can be turned off…

13) The weird poofs of dirt behind the hitter while running on the base paths

14) Crowd looks good, a lot of the player faces do not

Again, many of my gripes are little things that do not impact the game. I think fans of 2K will have a game that will play way better than 2K8….Much improved….
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree…I think the graphics look better. Last year's game had odd lighting as if players were in the sun yet looked as if they were in shade….Outside of some small graphical items in terms of realism and the swing stick being utterly pointless, I think this game is pretty solid….The presentation is the best this series has had….

Also, I am a huge Tigers fan…Nice logo….
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree…I think the graphics look better. Last year's game had odd lighting as if players were in the sun yet looked as if they were in shade….Outside of some small graphical items in terms of realism and the swing stick being utterly pointless, I think this game is pretty solid….The presentation is the best this series has had….

Also, I am a huge Tigers fan…Nice logo….
http://intensedebate.com/people/AJD114 AJD114

The players movements are very robotic looking. I they can fix how they move it would be a huge improvement.
http://intensedebate.com/people/AJD114 AJD114

The players movements are very robotic looking. I they can fix how they move it would be a huge improvement.
Anthony

The hitting physics are just totally wrong. It tough to be a baseball fan and see this pass as an acceptable hitting engine.
Anthony

The hitting physics are just totally wrong. It tough to be a baseball fan and see this pass as an acceptable hitting engine.
Wakefield49

i dont know what eveyone is talking about? the graphics look amazing, the game seems to play more like a baseball game, ps3 sucks and i promise you that 2k gets a higher review than the show

Sidewinder

LOL good one!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Only if the people reviewing the game smoke crack….

Wakefield49

i dont know what eveyone is talking about? the graphics look amazing, the game seems to play more like a baseball game, ps3 sucks and i promise you that 2k gets a higher review than the show

Sidewinder

LOL good one!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Only if the people reviewing the game smoke crack….

Justin

Not that it is a deal breaker but the numbers on the sleeves of the Phillies uniforms are too high and too small. The number on the real uniforms is located near the bottom of the sleeve. Just another example of a sports game screwing up the easy things.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Agreed….I thought that the logo on the Phil's hats also looked a tad too large.

Justin

Not that it is a deal breaker but the numbers on the sleeves of the Phillies uniforms are too high and too small. The number on the real uniforms is located near the bottom of the sleeve. Just another example of a sports game screwing up the easy things.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Agreed….I thought that the logo on the Phil's hats also looked a tad too large.

Joe

I just got done playing it and I will be purchasing it. I say this because it seems to be a decent baseball game but more importantly it's the only one for 360. If The Show was available for 360 I'm sure most of us would purchase it rather than 2K. But I do want to let 360 owners out there know that in my opinion it is a good baseball game that is worth buying.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I think the final version will play better once people are able to adjust sliders. Honestly, it isn't so much that the game played terrible. I think slider and skill level tweaking will make this game enjoyable….

Joe

I just got done playing it and I will be purchasing it. I say this because it seems to be a decent baseball game but more importantly it's the only one for 360. If The Show was available for 360 I'm sure most of us would purchase it rather than 2K. But I do want to let 360 owners out there know that in my opinion it is a good baseball game that is worth buying.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I think the final version will play better once people are able to adjust sliders. Honestly, it isn't so much that the game played terrible. I think slider and skill level tweaking will make this game enjoyable….

Jamin

I hate how everyone puts down the game. I wish this game was in the shows place. PS3 owners stop whining about how bad this game is congratulations on being able to play the show. Just go play that game and stop going to 2k boards and posting how mlb 2k sucks.

nyr2k2

I don't know, the observations in this thread seem reasonable and have come from people that have actually played the demo. Not just a bunch of PS3 owners trying to bust the balls of 360 owners. In fact, there hasn't been a single comment in this entire entry from a PS3 owner that could be considered flame bait, IMO.

Jamin

ya your right but it is bound to come mlb 2k haters. I let my emotions get to me. I was really looking forward to this game coming out and reading around on different websites about the demo shot my hope of this being a good game and it's only a demo

Sidewinder

Dont take it personally buddy. People that know The Show and how much better it is as a baseball sim are just trying to enlighten the 2K faithful. I was a 2K guy too until I switched last year and appreciate the people that pointed me in The Show's direction.

Spinning your wheels over a game that just doesnt cut it is just a waste of time when there is a much better option. Unless you only have a 360. I bought a PS3 for The Show last year and never regretted it once.

Jamin

The thing is I only have a 360 and would love to get a ps3. I realize how much better the show is but people don't realize the flaws in that series, or if they do they don't point them out like they do with 2k9. I am only 16 and I don't have the money to buy a ps3 and I also realize that there are more important things in like than buying a 3.
I play the show on ps3 even though it's not the PS3 version it is good. I respect the the show and the price is going down to $299 in April so I hope I can get one than. But for now mlb 2k9 is all I have

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I own both systems and hope that the final product plays better, which it should with slider and options adjustments. Although I am getting The Show, I will rent 2K9 to see how the final product plays. If it is fun I will buy it for the 360….

Jamin

You are very lucky to have both games as an option. I am very jealous of you. Do me a favor and post some videos on youtube because I love seeing videos of the show! I would love to see some phillies videos

Sidewinder.

Hang in there Woods. You just had a way much faith and hope in 2k. The game is much smoother than last year though. I feel your pain though if you only have a 360.
Jamin

I hate how everyone puts down the game. I wish this game was in the shows place. PS3 owners stop whining about how bad this game is congratulations on being able to play the show. Just go play that game and stop going to 2k boards and posting how mlb 2k sucks.

nyr2k2

I don't know, the observations in this thread seem reasonable and have come from people that have actually played the demo. Not just a bunch of PS3 owners trying to bust the balls of 360 owners. In fact, there hasn't been a single comment in this entire entry from a PS3 owner that could be considered flame bait, IMO.

Jamin

ya your right but it is bound to come mlb 2k haters. I let my emotions get to me. I was really looking forward to this game coming out and reading around on different websites about the demo shot my hope of this being a good game and it's only a demo

Sidewinder

Dont take it personally buddy. People that know The Show and how much better it is as a baseball sim are just trying to enlighten the 2K faithful. I was a 2K guy too until I switched last year and appreciate the people that pointed me in The Show's direction.

Spinning your wheels over a game that just doesnt cut it is just a waste of time when there is a much better option. Unless you only have a 360. I bought a PS3 for The Show last year and never regretted it once.

Jamin

The thing is I only have a 360 and would love to get a ps3. I realize how much better the show is but people don't realize the flaws in that series, or if they do they don't point them out like they do with 2k9. I am only 16 and I don't have the money to buy a ps3 and I also realize that there are more important things in like than buying a 3.
I play the show on ps3 even though it's not the PS3 version it is good. I respect the the show and the price is going down to $299 in April so I hope I can get one than. But for now mlb 2k9 is all I have

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I own both systems and hope that the final product plays better, which it should with slider and options adjustments. Although I am getting The Show, I will rent 2K9 to see how the final product plays. If it is fun I will buy it for the 360….

Jamin

You are very lucky to have both games as an option. I am very jealous of you. Do me a favor and post some videos on youtube because I love seeing videos of the show! I would love to see some phillies videos

Sidewinder.

Hang in there Woods. You just had a way much faith and hope in 2k. The game is much smoother than last year though. I feel your pain though if you only have a 360.
Respect

Not going to bash you man. Everyone makes mistakes. Just dont hate on the Superior Show.

Takes a man to admit when they were wrong.
Respect

Not going to bash you man. Everyone makes mistakes. Just dont hate on the Superior Show.

Takes a man to admit when they were wrong.
Idiot

Yeah because it is the only game on the PS3.

Listen fucknut, you can get a PS3 for $320 on Dell now and no more than $400 in any other store.
Idiot

Yeah because it is the only game on the PS3.

Listen fucknut, you can get a PS3 for $320 on Dell now and no more than $400 in any other store.
Sammy

what the hell is up with the demo? there is no image on it, and when i click to download it, nothing happens
Sammy

what the hell is up with the demo? there is no image on it, and when i click to download it, nothing happens
Soulrak

Another attempt falling short yet again. This demo is very bad. I'm a fan of the 2K Sports games.. Baseball, although fallen short of it's other titles has been very mediocre & just not a realistic baseball game whatsoever. I'm a major fan of the actual game of baseball. And have now played both MLB 09: The Show & MLB 2K9 demos. MLB 09 is surely & without a doubt a better adaptation of the game & captures a much more realistic game of baseball. 2K9 has some great things going for them like the presentation & commentary… but the gameplay, motions & animations are just flat out mediocre. In my first attempt of the 2K9 demo game I won 7-1 in 3 innings with 4 HR's as the Phillies. In MLB 09, I won 1-0 in 4 innings as the Phillies with 0 HR's & drove in the winning run with a double down the left field line in the 3rd inning. MLB 09 is much more satisfying to play as a gamer & a fan of the game. 2K9 has so much potential.. Some of the visuals are great.. but the negatives definitely outweigh the positives. Can't believe they still haven't fixed the bat on ball audio. So disappointing because as a fan & owner of all consoles I was hoping to buy both games. Doesn't look like I will any longer.
Soulrak

Another attempt falling short yet again. This demo is very bad. I'm a fan of the 2K Sports games.. Baseball, although fallen short of it's other titles has been very mediocre & just not a realistic baseball game whatsoever. I'm a major fan of the actual game of baseball. And have now played both MLB 09: The Show & MLB 2K9 demos. MLB 09 is surely & without a doubt a better adaptation of the game & captures a much more realistic game of baseball. 2K9 has some great things going for them like the presentation & commentary… but the gameplay, motions & animations are just flat out mediocre. In my first attempt of the 2K9 demo game I won 7-1 in 3 innings with 4 HR's as the Phillies. In MLB 09, I won 1-0 in 4 innings as the Phillies with 0 HR's & drove in the winning run with a double down the left field line in the 3rd inning. MLB 09 is much more satisfying to play as a gamer & a fan of the game. 2K9 has so much potential.. Some of the visuals are great.. but the negatives definitely outweigh the positives. Can't believe they still haven't fixed the bat on ball audio. So disappointing because as a fan & owner of all consoles I was hoping to buy both games. Doesn't look like I will any longer.