Early Response to 2K9 and The Show Online Play
by 
As a baseball gaming fan it was frustrating to have both games last year struggle with online play. MLB 2K8 offered arguably the worst online play for any sports game this generation and MLB 08 The Show was only slightly better as performance was extremely inconsistent.
So going into this year both 2K and SCEA have discussed how they expect online to be better. In the case of MLB 09 The Show I still had the sense that there wasn’t much confidence that they had actually fixed lag issues, though they have stated lost frames were a big part of the issue last year and that was specifically addressed. For MLB 2K9 there wasn’t much to go on as all of the 2K Sports titles have really struggled online since 2K8 and 2K didn’t offer any specifics on what had been worked on.
We’re starting to see some online impressions making their way out now as various people get their hands on the games. For 2K9 things are encouraging. There haven’t been any reports of the terrible lag that inflicted last year’s game. Home Run Derby has also been added. One flaw though is that 2K has not done anything to prevent multiple starting pitchers from being used in each game. It also appears that the games are slanting heavily towards high scoring affairs. But despite all that it certainly is a good sign that the experience will be better compared to last year.
On the other hand The Show is already seeing lots of mentions regarding lag and choppy gameplay. In 08 there would be times where you would swing and not see the bat swing or the ball even come in, it would just cut to the field where the ball was then in play. Sounds as though instances similar to that one are reoccurring. I’ve seen discussion around lag and disconnects in multiple forums. Really online play is the only thing holding The Show back from being considered the best sports series of this generation. Such a critical portion of the game being so severely flawed though can not be ignored. Apparently there is a patch coming at the end of next week that will address some online issues, but it is unknown if that will affect performance specifically.
Of course a big part of how these games handle online will come post-release once the wave of consumers are connected. I may be receiving The Show today and if so I will look to get some first hand thoughts with online amongst other things. I’ll have a full online play report that analyzes performance, options, and features for both titles next week.
February 28, 2009 at 9:38 pm
GO 2k
February 28, 2009 at 11:41 pm
PASTA: Just out of curiosity, where are these reports coming from and are they reliable sources. Both games are not on the street yet and even if someone were able to get there hands on a copy are the servers even up and running to play a game online.
March 1, 2009 at 12:28 am
Never mind PASTA as I myself just got my copy today……..28 Feb 09, 2:15pm Hawaii Time………Booyah!
March 1, 2009 at 1:51 am
Yeah last I looked there were over 100 people signed-in online with the game.
March 1, 2009 at 2:04 am
Pasta whats your PSN tag. My Mets are looking for some action.
PSN: BLTZkrieg666
February 28, 2009 at 9:57 pm
The Show will not only be the best baseball game but the best sports game of the year
February 28, 2009 at 10:12 pm
that's just a silly thing to say
February 28, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I like 2K atmosphere, but players look like shit and the game feels to arcadish. The Show is more sim. If The Show had the real-time atmosphere and the comentary that 2K has it would be great. Yes 2k comentary is better then The Show. They mesh better in 2K.
February 28, 2009 at 11:07 pm
They mesh better? Do you have your copy??? 'Cuz last year and the year b4 it sucked BIG TIME! The Show does a great job and their cutscenes are top-notch so real-time doesn't hurt them at all……especially when 2k just shows them walking around like robots! OOOOhhh
February 28, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Online Play better not be a lag party, its fun playing random people online
February 28, 2009 at 10:37 pm
for people who live near nyc, there are a few places that are selling 2k9 right now. if you go to the gamespot forums for 2k9, theres plenty of topic about where the stores are. i live in south jersey so im just waiting till tuesday.
February 28, 2009 at 10:38 pm
for people who live near nyc, there are a few places that are selling 2k9 right now. if you go to the gamespot forums for 2k9, theres plenty of topic about where the stores are(i know one is right around where yankee stadium is). i live in south jersey so im just waiting till tuesday.
February 28, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I just don't understand how you can have a game like Killzone 2 with 32 players, or a game like Warhawk and Resistance and online works perfectly. But a sports game like baseball, which is arguably slower paced, can't seem to get by the problems. Doesn't seem to make sense.
February 28, 2009 at 11:09 pm
good point!
March 1, 2009 at 12:08 am
Wait till you hear 2ks commentary. Its the best in any game so far.
March 1, 2009 at 2:01 am
Who c ares about commentary. Its always good and its just a matter of who you like and who you don't like. If it were John Miller and Joe Morgan again you would say the same thing.
Gary thorn and Steve Philips are a good combo but the shows 3 man booth is equally as good. Gary Thorne, however, is much much better In NHL 09. He's just a better Hockey guy.
They should have gone with Joe Buck or Tim Mc Carver. But all in all it doesn't matter.
March 1, 2009 at 3:47 am
"They should have gone with Joe Buck or Tim Mc Carver. "
Wow, not sure what to say about that…
March 1, 2009 at 12:29 am
That would by the show, for those who couldn't figure that out.
March 1, 2009 at 12:45 am
<img src="http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu15/daley7199/Picture12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
March 1, 2009 at 12:41 am
at the end of the day…2k has released another bad product – everybody knows it but act like they are afraid to say it.
I'm done with 2k. THE SHOW 09 it is for me!!
March 1, 2009 at 12:50 am
Having played the 2k demo i will say that at least the game works and 360 drones will have a playable game this year albeit the equivalent to batting practice. 2k9 requires no skill at all. Its basically just a batting practice session.
As far as i am concerned any PS3 owner who would buy this game deserves to be hit up side the head with a Louisville Slugger. As for 360 owners……. Enjoy your game!
March 1, 2009 at 3:24 am
yes the Show's button mashing takes so much skill!
March 1, 2009 at 12:54 am
Fuck you all !!! I like mlb2k9, the show maybe overall a better game but I think 2k9 is not as bad as people are saying, wait until it comes out first ,then make commit or if your going to buy the show then buy the show why the fuck are you talking about a game your not going to buy!!!! I"m sick and tired of this childish ass talk ,mlb the show this, mlb the show that alright already!!!!
March 1, 2009 at 1:29 am
If you like the game so much SEA BASS then why the need to cus out us Show fans. The show IS THE BETTER GAME, but not because we show fans say so. Its just a fact. There is no denying it and no matter how much you want to like 2K, the fact remains the same. The show just does the x's and O's of baseball much better, and that is all that matters.
We talk about the show and 2k because there are actually people out there who arent mindless robots who actually want to know which game is better and why. Why are you here is the better question since you, the robot, will buy 2k regardless of quality.
March 1, 2009 at 1:16 pm
It comes down to personal preference… being a ps3 owner I can choose so it's The Show all day everyday (by the way cant wait till tuesday!!!!). That doesnt mean that Mlb 2k9 is a crappy game, I just dont PREFER it over the show, it's not a fact. A fact would be something like the show outselling 2k9 on the ps3 (when it happens on tues). If you own a just a 360 you are missing out on a quality game in The Show but that doesnt mean youre left with an unplayable baseball title.
March 1, 2009 at 12:44 am
oh, and how many of you know that you can't edit created player batting stances in 2k9 this year? what kind of nonsense is that?
take your bias's aside a second and digest that. how is that possible to leave out in a game in 2009? I don't care what company you are…that is simply insane.
March 1, 2009 at 12:54 am
they know that something like that really doesnt matter at this point. people are either going to be desperat enough for a baseball game on 360 to buy it, or they are going to get MLB the Show.
March 1, 2009 at 12:45 am
MLB 2K9 is terrible….end of story….
March 1, 2009 at 12:48 am
Disappointing about The Show online….I was looking forward to it….
March 1, 2009 at 12:53 am
Online gaming has ruined the quality of games for people who play offline. I hope MLB The Show stays on the same track for the rest of its existance, online is for cheesers
March 1, 2009 at 12:58 am
Online is good and all but in no way is the determining factor whether i buy a game or not. MLB 09 the show is the best baseball game hands down and the online play is just a bonus as far as i am concerned.
Being the avid sports gamer I find that MOST………not all, but most people that play online ruin the game experience by not playing the game straight up. I believe in authenticity and quite frankly i don't enjoy playing people who exploit the game any way they can to win. I would much rather play the AI offline then play against the tools that flood the online community.
March 1, 2009 at 12:53 am
Can MLB 2k9 get ANYTHING right?
March 1, 2009 at 1:29 am
So 2K's biggest problem is it plays like Game 7 of the World Series and all pitchers are available and The Show's biggest problem is lag.
Yeah 2K can't get anything right….
March 1, 2009 at 1:51 am
Let's just be real: 2k sports are living off of the legendary NFL 2K5 and the reputation they built off of their dreamcast games…they've released a solid basketball game, but that's the only thing saving their hides.
and everybody who posts about MLB 2k9 who has the show, has little tidbits of info that just makes the game worse!!! The back of MLB 2k9's box even brags about the world series celebration, when it fact THERE ISN'T ONE AT ALL!!!
March 1, 2009 at 1:51 am
Let's just be real: 2k sports are living off of the legendary NFL 2K5 and the reputation they built off of their dreamcast games…they've released a solid basketball game, but that's the only thing saving their hides.
and everybody who posts about MLB 2k9 who has the game already, has little tidbits of info that just makes the game worse!!! The back of MLB 2k9's box even brags about the world series celebration, when it fact THERE ISN'T ONE AT ALL!!!
March 1, 2009 at 2:09 am
Let me correct you on one small detail Mister_Woods. It is not 2k that is living off of NFL2k5, it is 2K fanboy who is living on NFL 2k5. Every year when Madden comes out you hear the same regurgitated babble about NFL2k5, a last generation system game.
2ksports used to be an up an coming player but now they are just garbage. Basketball is the only thing they do right but even that franchise is stale and just a rehash of the previous years game. 2k is dead.
March 1, 2009 at 2:54 am
But that's not the point of this article or my post. My point was 2K Sports has done something SCEA hasn't. Made a lag-free online experience. Who cares that you'll be able to use all your starters. With no online dynasty that's not a big problem.
Somethings I think the 2K bashing goes a bit too far at times (as does the EA bashing come football season)
March 1, 2009 at 1:52 am
Let's just be real: 2k sports are living off of the legendary NFL 2K5 and the reputation they built off of their dreamcast games…they've released a solid basketball game, but that's the only thing saving their hides.
and everybody who posts about MLB 2k9 who has the game already, has little tidbits of info that just makes the game worse!!! The back of MLB 2k9's box even brags about the world series celebration, when in fact THERE ISN'T ONE AT ALL!!!
March 1, 2009 at 12:55 am
Source?
March 1, 2009 at 2:19 am
Honestly online is fun and all but there are so much kids who will glitch and use exploits. I buy a baseball game more for online unlike Madden where I play online and offline more of online. I own a 360 and have played the show and w/o doubt THE SHOW IS THE BETTER GAME but not the best sport game of the year like kids up at top post are saying.
March 1, 2009 at 2:26 am
How are you all getting this game already?
March 1, 2009 at 2:30 am
The title of sports game of the year is very subjective but if i were to make a decision on which sports game should receive the crown it would be based upon two categories. 1) Representation of the actual game and 2) Quality of the Online play.
Now with those two criteria being considered, the clear cut winner for sports game of the year is NHL 09. Whether you are a hockey fan or not, there is no other sports game that can compare with NHL 09 in terms of representation of the actual game and the quality of online play.
NHL 09 is the only sports game i have played to date where the online play and the offline play are virtually the same if not the exact same. I live in Hawaii so if anyone is qualified to make a statement like that, it would be me.
March 1, 2009 at 2:45 am
I'd actually say FIFA 09 would take the online crown at least in terms of performance. OTP games with 20 different people connected in running like it does offline, and a TON more online traffic to deal with considering how it is the highest selling sports game worldwide.
March 1, 2009 at 2:46 am
I'd actually say FIFA 09 would take the online crown at least in terms of performance. OTP games with 20 different people connected in running like it does offline, and a TON more online traffic to deal with considering how it is the highest selling sports game worldwide. But yeah NHL is very impressive also.
March 1, 2009 at 2:56 am
Let me correct you on one small detail Mister_Woods. It is not 2k that is living off of NFL2k5, it is 2K fanboy who is living on NFL 2k5. Every year when Madden comes out you hear the same regurgitated babble about NFL2k5, a last generation system game.
Soccer isn't my game, but i can agree with your assessment.
March 1, 2009 at 6:24 am
First time posting on this site. Pasta, I love your site……
So, I wanted to say I have both games here in NJ and I have played a lot of 2k and the show already off line and online. The Show is very dissapoiting online so far but its okay im sure they will improve it considering that 2k did a lot of things to help their status.
2k is very impressive. Online and Offline. The only huge problem that i have had with the game since 2k7 that never changes is the home run happy games. Every swings up away and it causes a homerun everytime. I mean it makes it a stike out or homerun game. And that is unrealistic. But other than that I love the game. They need to change the sliders to the perfect blend of realism.
This realism is what stands from the show and 2k. That show looks like a real "I am in the park" MLB game. 2k needs to change somethings. they can do a lot through DLC. Hopefully they do.
March 1, 2009 at 6:34 am
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE ONLINE PLAY?!?
March 1, 2009 at 6:45 am
yeah…i'm with Pizza Padre..What about the online play????
March 1, 2009 at 6:48 am
There is a lot of childish banter going back and forth about these two games. The one area I would like to see addressed is the ONLINE PLAY. any information on that?
March 1, 2009 at 6:49 am
The Show…more like The Slow
March 1, 2009 at 7:19 am
Last 4 posts, all from the same guy ^^^^^
March 1, 2009 at 7:21 am
Illegal download, Illegally stolen from delivery trucks, Pasta is apparently getting it sent to him in advance for free? The world isnt fair.
March 1, 2009 at 8:29 am
Lets hope they fix the online play. And lets just hope both games are fun to play,but it is looking like the show is the better game agian this year.Midnight launch here i come.
March 1, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Did you just come to this conclusion bro? Seriously now..
March 1, 2009 at 10:43 am
Well when 2K9 basketball came out, there were a lot of issues with online play. Now after the patch, it has improved a lot. I play online all the time and run into very few lag issues. I'm sure these issues can be addressed with the Show in the near future.
March 1, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I think the bashing does get taken a little to far. The problem is people get frustrated when they go to EA forums and talk to developers and ask and ask and ask, then next years game comes out and NOTHINGS on it that the community wants (2ks no different). Last year Madden fans were begging for refs and what does EA do, they dont add refs and give you a Madden IQ that is useless and the ability to rewind a play. Its just frustrating the lack of feedback these developers actually take in. And this years no different, alot of people want the lag issues to be solved or at least somewhat solved so its not a complete lagfest.
March 1, 2009 at 9:10 pm
James, you do realize that the number of people who post on forums are miniscule when compared to the number of people who actually play these games, so for you to make a comment about people being frustrated and EA and 2k not listening, is really pointless. You are talking about such a small percentage of the games players. Generally only the hardest of hardcore players care enough to post on a forum and most people who do that just want to rant and rave.
EA/2k are well aware what is missing from there games and don't think for a minute that it isn't intentional. This game has to be released on a yearly basis and when you have retarded fanboys screaming at you on the forums year in and year out about what should be in the game, Its quite easy to understand why things are missing. YOU CANT GIVE'EM EVERYTHING AT ONE TIME! If you do that then you will have nothing to add in future years. How do you think Madden has lasted all these years. I don't know how old you are but I have owned every Madden game ever made and if you go back to the beginning people used to whine that madden was the same game every year just with updated players numbers. So it just goes to show that you cant please everyone nor should they try. EA (2k excluded) releases a Very Good Product year after year and thats all one can ask.
March 1, 2009 at 5:23 pm
How do you all have this game?
March 1, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Ugh look at the experiences that The Show's own community manager has had
http://www.operationsports.com/forums/2039242994-...
March 1, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I got mine from a local game shop here in Hawaii. They always sell games early if they get them in so as to get the jump on all the other outlets. ( Gamestop, Bestbuy, Walmart)
March 1, 2009 at 2:28 am
PSN is pastapadre. I may not be making it back online tonight though.