The Wrap-Up: MLB 09 The Show

by pastapadre
Posted March 6th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

mlb09theshow0306a

At times I’ve had some difficulty writing about The Show over the last couple months which is actually due to what a quality product 08 was. Usually you can assess the previous iteration and have an idea of what you’re looking for out of the next. With 08 the only real glaring weakness was with online play. It is tougher to identify and discuss the improvements to a game when it was already so good to begin with.

So that’s where I start when evaluating MLB 09 The Show. I already knew it was a really good game. But would the enhancements and additions stand out when playing it extensively? And has SCEA done enough to justify the purchase of a game that didn’t add any big new features? Continue on for “The Wrap-Up” on MLB 09 The Show.

When I say there are no big new features that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything that stands out immediately because there is. The lighting in the game is amazing. There really is no other sports game that comes close to how well it has been done here. Graphically overall MLB 09 could stand up against any sports title released and is arguably the cleanest and best looking of this generation.

The authenticity on and off the field is unmatched. It’s the little things that really makes everyone recognize what an achievement the game is and adds a great deal of longevity and value. You appreciate the work that went into the game more because of that. Gameplay wise the best way to sum it up is by saying it is a fantastic simulation of the actual sport. It is a baseball video game, not video game baseball.

The pitching meter has been adjusted some for this year and it results in pitches being less reliable. And that is a good thing. I like to pitch from the behind the pitcher view, with no strike zone, ball cursor, or vibration. It makes it very challenging to spot pitches accurately. The result is more excitement and nerves and realistic pitch counts.

Working the count in The Show is the best way for success at the plate. I still struggle to string together hits which ends up meaning more runs are accounted for via the home run than probably should be. I think that could be something that varies from user to user though.

Road to the Show has received some enhancements, though I really didn’t notice many differences at least that stood out in my time with it outside of some new options. I still prefer being a relief pitcher but now that they’ve offered the option to skip base running I’m going to consider playing a position in the field. Unfortunately for those who actually like running the bases the camera is broken which makes for an adventure. Still the mode helps separate the game from the competition in terms of depth and variety. It’s good enough that it could stand on its own as a separate game but you get it included.

mlb09theshow0306c

The screenshot feature is actually something that is built into the PS3 that any game can take advantage of but few have. Thankfully The Show includes the functionality and it is the best to date. The image quality is fantastic and unlike other screenshot features it isn’t limited to taking them in replay mode. As long as you’re playing MLB 09 you can capture anything that comes on screen including on-going gameplay action and while in the menus.

They also added a highlight saving feature. While they don’t have a way to upload directly to a website like EA and 2K do you can transfer them to your computer just like the screenshots and upload them to a hosting site from there. The quality is quite good as well although they don’t come out in full HD. The thing is that recording the highlights is anything but user friendly. It is really awkward and difficult to utilize. While you have full freedom to move the camera around you can’t do cuts so you’re seeing all the movement as opposed to being able to cut to different angles.

I’m not a fan of the home run cut scenes. I’d rather get to see the ball sailing out. The instant cut to the batter for his reaction could be powerful if it was rare but seeing it every time now takes some of the excitement of a big home run away.

The loading times once again are on the long side. That hampers the experience especially for people going through Road to the Show at a quick pace. Loading in and out of games frequently just accents how long those load times are. This is probably more of a PS3/Blu-ray issue though than it is The Show’s fault.

I really hope that SCEA doesn’t cave to the people who are claiming the game needs to utilize the right stick more. If they do I’m pleading to only make right stick functionality as an additional option and not the defaults. Innovation for the sake of innovation is not a good idea. There is no reason to change the best pitching system and best batting system on the market today in order to present a image of innovation via the gimmicks of their inferior competition. The only RS functionality I actually like is throwing to the bases. The others offer nothing more than being able to claim they are innovative and “next-gen”.

Online play has been the achilles heel for SCEA’s MLB franchise for years now. Unfortunately that continues to be the case. Click here to read the most extensive online play analysis available for MLB 09.

The Wrap-Up

MLB 09 The Show isn’t just aimed at gamers but also at the hardcore baseball fans. It is remarkable the level of authenticity and polished gameplay being offered. This is a game that is selling PS3s. It’s a game that the Madden developers are praising. However online play continues to prevent The Show from providing the total package and fulfilling its potential to be the best and most complete sports title on the market.

Tags: latest news, wrap-up

Russell

You are right Pasta, this game sold me the PS3 on Thursday. It was worth every penny. The level of difficulty in pitching and trying to hit your spots is amazing and batting is what makes me say "Hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in a sport".

DR Russell
http://www.agrians.com/ emtiaz

its really awesome article do you people know video games adding intelligence to new generation.
http://www.itbuzz.co.cc/2009/03/how-computer-game…
http://www.agrians.com emtiaz

its really awesome article do you people know video games adding intelligence to new generation.
http://www.itbuzz.co.cc/2009/03/how-computer-game…
T. Daley

I really don't know what you guys are talking about, when i comes to "poor online performance". I think all of you guys should check your side of the equation. I live in Hawaii and playing online can be an adventure at times since Hawaii is as far as it gets from anywhere on the mainland.

Now the last 2 years of playing the show online have been disasterous. I'd say that less than 1% of all the games i played online in 07 and 08 were even playable. Now in 09 i have yet to have a bad game yet. Im not talking about just "acceptable", I am talking very close to offline play. Now if I am experiencing that playing from Hawaii then you guys problem is something other than the game. The game has definitely corrected the problem on your end.

Pasta: You especially should know that there are so many factors that go into online quality. For you to make a judgement like you have is a huge disservice to the community and the game. You make it out to be the same as last year and that couldn't be further from the truth. When you enter into a game it tells you what your connection is to the person you are playing. I will not even play a person unless the connection is Great or Good. I go for Great most of the time.

Also Pasta you have no idea what type of internet connection your opponents have so you cant be sure why your getting bad connections. Bottom line is that your assessment of the online play in MLB 09 is downright misleading and quite possibly just plain wrong.

thaSLAB®

I agree with you there T. Daley, I have had all good games so far this year… I had pretty good games last year too, but this year has been smooth (very close to offline) – and the same as offline, when I play at a MINOR LEAGUE stadium with less going on in the background. I played 3 perfect games last night at Franco Field. NO LAG AT ALL. I wanted to record it but I had already started playing and couldn't pause to go and dig out my DVDR… lol, I dont think my opponent would have waited while I set up. I think I will have to record some games and post on YouTube just to show how smooth it is. T. Daley, add me on PSN too: thaSLAB.

I was wondering what type of connection PP has too, because he mentioned long upload times for YouTube, and his HD vidz not showing smooth for him, but I see them smoothly. Either way, it does come down to both players connection since it is a p2p set up.

T. Daley

I really don't know what you guys are talking about, when i comes to "poor online performance". I think all of you guys should check your side of the equation. I live in Hawaii and playing online can be an adventure at times since Hawaii is as far as it gets from anywhere on the mainland.

Now the last 2 years of playing the show online have been disasterous. I'd say that less than 1% of all the games i played online in 07 and 08 were even playable. Now in 09 i have yet to have a bad game yet. Im not talking about just "acceptable", I am talking very close to offline play. Now if I am experiencing that playing from Hawaii then you guys problem is something other than the game. The game has definitely corrected the problem on your end.

Pasta: You especially should know that there are so many factors that go into online quality. For you to make a judgement like you have is a huge disservice to the community and the game. You make it out to be the same as last year and that couldn't be further from the truth. When you enter into a game it tells you what your connection is to the person you are playing. I will not even play a person unless the connection is Great or Good. I go for Great most of the time.

Also Pasta you have no idea what type of internet connection your opponents have so you cant be sure why your getting bad connections. Bottom line is that your assessment of the online play in MLB 09 is downright misleading and quite possibly just plain wrong.

thaSLAB®

I agree with you there T. Daley, I have had all good games so far this year… I had pretty good games last year too, but this year has been smooth (very close to offline) – and the same as offline, when I play at a MINOR LEAGUE stadium with less going on in the background. I played 3 perfect games last night at Franco Field. NO LAG AT ALL. I wanted to record it but I had already started playing and couldn't pause to go and dig out my DVDR… lol, I dont think my opponent would have waited while I set up. I think I will have to record some games and post on YouTube just to show how smooth it is. T. Daley, add me on PSN too: thaSLAB.

I was wondering what type of connection PP has too, because he mentioned long upload times for YouTube, and his HD vidz not showing smooth for him, but I see them smoothly. Either way, it does come down to both players connection since it is a p2p set up.

T. Daley

I really don't know what you guys are talking about, when i comes to "poor online performance". I think all of you guys should check your side of the equation. I live in Hawaii and playing online can be an adventure at times since Hawaii is as far as it gets from anywhere on the mainland.
Now the last 2 years of playing the show online have been disasterous. I'd say that less than 1% of all the games i played online in 07 and 08 were even playable. Now in 09 i have yet to have a bad game yet. Im not talking about just "acceptable", I am talking very close to offline play. Now if I am experiencing that playing from Hawaii then you guys problem is something other than the game. The game has definitely corrected the problem on your end.
Pasta: You especially should know that there are so many factors that go into online quality. For you to make a judgement like you have is a huge disservice to the community and the game. You make it out to be the same as last year and that couldn't be further from the truth. When you enter into a game it tells you what your connection is to the person you are playing. I will not even play a person unless the connection is Great or Good. I go for Great most of the time.
Also Pasta you have no idea what type of internet connection your opponents have so you cant be sure why your getting bad connections. Bottom line is that your assessment of the online play in MLB 09 is downright misleading and quite possibly just plain wrong.
T. Daley

I really don't know what you guys are talking about, when i comes to "poor online performance". I think all of you guys should check your side of the equation. I live in Hawaii and playing online can be an adventure at times since Hawaii is as far as it gets from anywhere on the mainland.
Now the last 2 years of playing the show online have been disasterous. I'd say that less than 1% of all the games i played online in 07 and 08 were even playable. Now in 09 i have yet to have a bad game yet. Im not talking about just "acceptable", I am talking very close to offline play. Now if I am experiencing that playing from Hawaii then you guys problem is something other than the game. The game has definitely corrected the problem on your end.
Pasta: You especially should know that there are so many factors that go into online quality. For you to make a judgement like you have is a huge disservice to the community and the game. You make it out to be the same as last year and that couldn't be further from the truth. When you enter into a game it tells you what your connection is to the person you are playing. I will not even play a person unless the connection is Great or Good. I go for Great most of the time.
Also Pasta you have no idea what type of internet connection your opponents have so you cant be sure why your getting bad connections. Bottom line is that your assessment of the online play in MLB 09 is downright misleading and quite possibly just plain wrong.
nyr2k2

Really? What Pasta is experiencing is pretty much echoing the community at large. Yeah, maybe one out of ten people seem to have consistently stable connections. Congratulations for being one of them! The vast majority of others aren't so lucky.

Additionally, anything Pasta has reported in regards to The Show's online play has been based on his own experiences. Should he not report his own experiences and simply say nothing at all? That would pretty much defeat the purpose of his website.

Again, congratulations on being one of the very few with a consistently good online experience. That said, Pasta's experiences seem to closely mirror those of most other users, and I thank him for reporting them.
nyr2k2

Really? What Pasta is experiencing is pretty much echoing the community at large. Yeah, maybe one out of ten people seem to have consistently stable connections. Congratulations for being one of them! The vast majority of others aren't so lucky.

Additionally, anything Pasta has reported in regards to The Show's online play has been based on his own experiences. Should he not report his own experiences and simply say nothing at all? That would pretty much defeat the purpose of his website.

Again, congratulations on being one of the very few with a consistently good online experience. That said, Pasta's experiences seem to closely mirror those of most other users, and I thank him for reporting them.
t. daley

So how would you explain my "LUCKY" situation as you put it. Based upon distance alone I am further away from any server / lobby / player. Factor in that the previous 2 years of the show have been completely unplayable for me. Now this year I have yet to have a bad game.

Its quite obvious that Sony has cleaned up the online play. Sony cant account for what the individual players are using for there ISP or other factors. People beleive what they READ. B/C Pasta is experiencing it and printing it on his blog here, other people will believe it to be true whether it really is or not. First off online and offline are never identical. NHL 09 was the closest i have ever seen but there were people who complained about that game.

Online quality has alot to do with pings and distance from servers. Like I have said I am in Hawaii so I am farther away from any opponent in this game than anybody else. Pastas comments therfore makes no sense. Its not LUCK. Either your connection is good or its not. There is no magic here.

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

Dude, are you serious? I have played several online games and it has been a struggle. I have a cable connection so my ISP isn't the issue. I have no idea where you are even going with your post.

Past commented on his experience. Others have experienced the same thing. Maybe Hawaii has a sattellite

VikingsFan

Ive played many more games then you, and ive had no problems.

t. daley

So how would you explain my "LUCKY" situation as you put it. Based upon distance alone I am further away from any server / lobby / player. Factor in that the previous 2 years of the show have been completely unplayable for me. Now this year I have yet to have a bad game.

Its quite obvious that Sony has cleaned up the online play. Sony cant account for what the individual players are using for there ISP or other factors. People beleive what they READ. B/C Pasta is experiencing it and printing it on his blog here, other people will believe it to be true whether it really is or not. First off online and offline are never identical. NHL 09 was the closest i have ever seen but there were people who complained about that game.

Online quality has alot to do with pings and distance from servers. Like I have said I am in Hawaii so I am farther away from any opponent in this game than anybody else. Pastas comments therfore makes no sense. Its not LUCK. Either your connection is good or its not. There is no magic here.

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

Dude, are you serious? I have played several online games and it has been a struggle. I have a cable connection so my ISP isn't the issue. I have no idea where you are even going with your post.

Past commented on his experience. Others have experienced the same thing. Maybe Hawaii has a sattellite

VikingsFan

Ive played many more games then you, and ive had no problems.

JTC324

Pasta I agree with your assessment of the game. It is totally awesome to play in almost all aspects. I have been trying to let my feelings be known to developers that they need to spend a little more effort on rosters. I know they come out with one once a week, but a major flaw is that they replace mlb 40 man players players with new CAPs (why they were omitted in the first place is unknown – examples such as fringe players daryle ward, jacque jones and brett omko) or they remove players that might not be on a 40 man roster and remove them from the game when they are actually with the same team they were removed from but on a minor league deal. Can you relay my feelings as i know other gamers feek the same….again nice sum up of the game.
JTC324

Pasta I agree with your assessment of the game. It is totally awesome to play in almost all aspects. I have been trying to let my feelings be known to developers that they need to spend a little more effort on rosters. I know they come out with one once a week, but a major flaw is that they replace mlb 40 man players players with new CAPs (why they were omitted in the first place is unknown – examples such as fringe players daryle ward, jacque jones and brett omko) or they remove players that might not be on a 40 man roster and remove them from the game when they are actually with the same team they were removed from but on a minor league deal. Can you relay my feelings as i know other gamers feek the same….again nice sum up of the game.
opoodertoot

Same here. I keep hearing people complain about it but why don't they just turn the thing off? lol
opoodertoot

Same here. I keep hearing people complain about it but why don't they just turn the thing off? lol
Mr. Marcus

You're not further than me T. Daley I live in Japan and my connection is virtually perfect. SO I do 2nd your opinion on the bad reputation that The Show has gotten from online play.
Mr. Marcus

You're not further than me T. Daley I live in Japan and my connection is virtually perfect. SO I do 2nd your opinion on the bad reputation that The Show has gotten from online play.
Josh

PASTA, EVERYTIME I ADD MY MY IMPORTED MUSIC FROM MY IPOD OR TRY TO ADJUST THE STARTING POINTS OF CERTAIN SONGS IN THE EDIT PLAYER MENU OR THE MY MLB MUSIC MENU, THE GAME EITHER FREEZES OR COMPLETELY RESTARTS MY PS3! WHATS THE DEAL WITH THIS? I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEMS BECAUSE I'VE BEEN READING OTHER GAME FORUMS & OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS & IF SO IS SONY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM?
Josh

PASTA, EVERYTIME I ADD MY MY IMPORTED MUSIC FROM MY IPOD OR TRY TO ADJUST THE STARTING POINTS OF CERTAIN SONGS IN THE EDIT PLAYER MENU OR THE MY MLB MUSIC MENU, THE GAME EITHER FREEZES OR COMPLETELY RESTARTS MY PS3! WHATS THE DEAL WITH THIS? I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEMS BECAUSE I'VE BEEN READING OTHER GAME FORUMS & OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS & IF SO IS SONY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM?
Josh

Pasta I personly like 2k's right stick pitching better because to me it gives you more of a feeling of actually throwing a pitch instead of just pushing a button twice & using a meter. That being said I agree with you in that if they do add the use of right stick pitching next year they should absolutely make it optional & not default. Some people like it & some don't.

Roger Clemens

So you have to do street fighter like moves in real life to throw a pitch?

Now damn, I should have used that instead of roids!

Anyhow, the batter/pitcher match ups (battles) are unmatched in The Show. Ever in the history of baseball gaming.
T. Daley

When will you 2k drones ever realize that gimmicky controls don't mean good controls. Now if you had a Wii controller in your hand then you may have something there but since you don't, R or L stick movements dont in ANY WAY feel like real pitching. Get a clue dude. Gimmicky controls is why 2k as a sports franchise has hit rock bottom.

People don't want to have to think about the controls when they play a game. They should be instinctive and you shouldn't have to battle them. The meter system is the best of the best. Its a long live tried and true system that has been the staple of sports games forever and that aint no accident either.

Josh

Pasta I personly like 2k's right stick pitching better because to me it gives you more of a feeling of actually throwing a pitch instead of just pushing a button twice & using a meter. That being said I agree with you in that if they do add the use of right stick pitching next year they should absolutely make it optional & not default. Some people like it & some don't.

Roger Clemens

So you have to do street fighter like moves in real life to throw a pitch?

Now damn, I should have used that instead of roids!

Anyhow, the batter/pitcher match ups (battles) are unmatched in The Show. Ever in the history of baseball gaming.
T. Daley

When will you 2k drones ever realize that gimmicky controls don't mean good controls. Now if you had a Wii controller in your hand then you may have something there but since you don't, R or L stick movements dont in ANY WAY feel like real pitching. Get a clue dude. Gimmicky controls is why 2k as a sports franchise has hit rock bottom.

People don't want to have to think about the controls when they play a game. They should be instinctive and you shouldn't have to battle them. The meter system is the best of the best. Its a long live tried and true system that has been the staple of sports games forever and that aint no accident either.

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

I think Pasta was referring to the HR camera showing up more frequently than it did last year. In '08, it seemed that there was a nice mix to the "no doubt" camera and one where the ball clears the wall…

I like the "no doubt" cam and then watching the replay to see where the ball was actually hit…

I think, and I am assuming what Pasta is saying, when you watch a broadcast of a game the camera follows the ball then the replays will show the hitter's reaction…Regardless, the homers are done well…

Sidewinder

No, there is a HR Celebration option. It defaults ON. Thus, it will immediately show your batter's reaction when he makes contact with a HR, instead of watching the ball go over the fence.

With that turned OFF, then the camera follows the ball like normally it would. Once the ball lands past the fence, then it comes back to the batter circling the bases and touching Home Plate.

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

I think Pasta was referring to the HR camera showing up more frequently than it did last year. In '08, it seemed that there was a nice mix to the "no doubt" camera and one where the ball clears the wall…

I like the "no doubt" cam and then watching the replay to see where the ball was actually hit…

I think, and I am assuming what Pasta is saying, when you watch a broadcast of a game the camera follows the ball then the replays will show the hitter's reaction…Regardless, the homers are done well…

Sidewinder

No, there is a HR Celebration option. It defaults ON. Thus, it will immediately show your batter's reaction when he makes contact with a HR, instead of watching the ball go over the fence.

With that turned OFF, then the camera follows the ball like normally it would. Once the ball lands past the fence, then it comes back to the batter circling the bases and touching Home Plate.

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

Like the Jays, hate the uniforms…Toronto needs to re-design their unis OR go back to the originals. I loved the original hats and uniforms. Those were unique. Why a team named the Blue Jays went to a black color scheme is beyond me…

Bring back George Bell, Dave Steib, Kelly Gruber and Roberto Alomar…Oh, and Joe Carter.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Like the Jays, hate the uniforms…Toronto needs to re-design their unis OR go back to the originals. I loved the original hats and uniforms. Those were unique. Why a team named the Blue Jays went to a black color scheme is beyond me…

Bring back George Bell, Dave Steib, Kelly Gruber and Roberto Alomar…Oh, and Joe Carter.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I checked IGN for release dates for upcoming games. I see Gretzky Hockey is making an appearance for the PS3. I actually enjoyed Gretzky Hockey on the PS2. Are the developers of The Show making Gretzky Hockey??

Sorry for going off topic…
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I checked IGN for release dates for upcoming games. I see Gretzky Hockey is making an appearance for the PS3. I actually enjoyed Gretzky Hockey on the PS2. Are the developers of The Show making Gretzky Hockey??

Sorry for going off topic…
ssd

hey, has anyone else noticed that there are a TON of players missing from the game? players that were active and played all of last year, and years past. here are some examples of what i mean
Paul Bako, brendan donnelly, kris benson,. brett tomko, Eric Milton, emil brown, just to name a few, there are plenty more missing however.
ssd

hey, has anyone else noticed that there are a TON of players missing from the game? players that were active and played all of last year, and years past. here are some examples of what i mean
Paul Bako, brendan donnelly, kris benson,. brett tomko, Eric Milton, emil brown, just to name a few, there are plenty more missing however.
….

Some of these were never in the game or any game. They were scrub players and not in the MLBPA thus they could not be used in game.

…

but they are in the mlbpa, and were all in last years game, and will be released as caps by opening day. Im tired of hearing about the MLBPA excuse, because its year after year, players dont show up in the game that were in the game the year before and are in the mlbpa. dont get me wrong, i love the game, best baseball game ever by far, just sick of hearing that answer

….

Some of these were never in the game or any game. They were scrub players and not in the MLBPA thus they could not be used in game.

…

but they are in the mlbpa, and were all in last years game, and will be released as caps by opening day. Im tired of hearing about the MLBPA excuse, because its year after year, players dont show up in the game that were in the game the year before and are in the mlbpa. dont get me wrong, i love the game, best baseball game ever by far, just sick of hearing that answer

TOlittletoLate?

dude go to Optoins on PS3 menu n change mic setting to Logitech then itll b read n work!
TOlittletoLate?

dude go to Optoins on PS3 menu n change mic setting to Logitech then itll b read n work!
kbin007

I'll start out by saying after playing a dozen or so games now I can't put this game in the best ever category like most of have. The off-line is great, probably a mid 90's rating, but the on-line portion is unplayable. I still don't see why Sony can't fix a problem that they know exsists, it's like they didn't even bother to do anything to fix the lag. I can safely say that I've played my first and last game on-line with this efition of the Show, unless I hear word of a patch that fixes it. A big part of next-gen gaming is supposed to be playing on-line, so why haven't they attempted to make it better? Anyway, a few nit-picks from the off-line part of the game now. First, why is almost every thow by the catcher, both human and comptuer high into second? It seems that everytime you steal second, that the second baseman or shortstop has to leap in the air to come down with the throw? <continues>

blondeviking64

LOL, I havent had the cather problem at all. Ive thrown several basestealers out. Im certain it depends on the power you use to throw with and the actual catcher you are using also. Try using brad asmus or yadier molina and not holding the triangle button so long.

kbin007

I'll start out by saying after playing a dozen or so games now I can't put this game in the best ever category like most of have. The off-line is great, probably a mid 90's rating, but the on-line portion is unplayable. I still don't see why Sony can't fix a problem that they know exsists, it's like they didn't even bother to do anything to fix the lag. I can safely say that I've played my first and last game on-line with this efition of the Show, unless I hear word of a patch that fixes it. A big part of next-gen gaming is supposed to be playing on-line, so why haven't they attempted to make it better? Anyway, a few nit-picks from the off-line part of the game now. First, why is almost every thow by the catcher, both human and comptuer high into second? It seems that everytime you steal second, that the second baseman or shortstop has to leap in the air to come down with the throw? <continues>

blondeviking64

LOL, I havent had the cather problem at all. Ive thrown several basestealers out. Im certain it depends on the power you use to throw with and the actual catcher you are using also. Try using brad asmus or yadier molina and not holding the triangle button so long.

kbin007

Next, when in Franchise mode, can you fire and hire coaches during the season, or do you have to wait for the off-season, or can you do it at all? If you can, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it. I wish there was more information given with the game to explain things like this. I've had the last two editions of this game and I still don't know what the difference is when you allow the pitching meter to go into the red or yellow. I can't see any increase in velocity or sharpness of the break by going into the red. Anyone know for sure, or you all like me and only guessing? Finally (although these are not all my gripes, only the ones I can think of now) two words, collision detection. Why can't they implement this? Other games do it rather successfully. I get tired of running through ghost players. All in all, this is still a great game, but I really don't see many improvements from last years game, and please Sony, get rid of the commentating crew for next year. Those would be my three biggest things to fix for next year, and in this order, 1) fix the lag, finally, 2) new commentators, and 3) more info available on how to use features.

kenny powers

I agree with you on collision detection, its not just restricted to players, as you can hit home run balls through the huge right field wall in houston. not against the wall, through it, like its not there.
blondeviking64

I have seen some collision detection ie, the 2 baseman dodging the runner to make a throw to first. Ive seen the runner jump out of the way of a ball thrown from 2nd to 1st. And Ive seen two outfielders run into each other trying to chase down a fly ball. I cant say that the collision detection is terribly good, but it is improved from last year. I have noticed that the velocity of pitches is less when the meter is in the yellow versus the red. I also noticed that depending upon where you miss (above or below) the yellow line affects where the pitch breaks. you can be pretty darn accurate if you get good with the meter and you can change the speed of pitches and others. Try throwing curveball or changeup first in the front end of the yellow, then in the backend of the red and see how the velocity changes

kbin007

Next, when in Franchise mode, can you fire and hire coaches during the season, or do you have to wait for the off-season, or can you do it at all? If you can, I haven't been able to figure out how to do it. I wish there was more information given with the game to explain things like this. I've had the last two editions of this game and I still don't know what the difference is when you allow the pitching meter to go into the red or yellow. I can't see any increase in velocity or sharpness of the break by going into the red. Anyone know for sure, or you all like me and only guessing? Finally (although these are not all my gripes, only the ones I can think of now) two words, collision detection. Why can't they implement this? Other games do it rather successfully. I get tired of running through ghost players. All in all, this is still a great game, but I really don't see many improvements from last years game, and please Sony, get rid of the commentating crew for next year. Those would be my three biggest things to fix for next year, and in this order, 1) fix the lag, finally, 2) new commentators, and 3) more info available on how to use features.

kenny powers

I agree with you on collision detection, its not just restricted to players, as you can hit home run balls through the huge right field wall in houston. not against the wall, through it, like its not there.
blondeviking64

I have seen some collision detection ie, the 2 baseman dodging the runner to make a throw to first. Ive seen the runner jump out of the way of a ball thrown from 2nd to 1st. And Ive seen two outfielders run into each other trying to chase down a fly ball. I cant say that the collision detection is terribly good, but it is improved from last year. I have noticed that the velocity of pitches is less when the meter is in the yellow versus the red. I also noticed that depending upon where you miss (above or below) the yellow line affects where the pitch breaks. you can be pretty darn accurate if you get good with the meter and you can change the speed of pitches and others. Try throwing curveball or changeup first in the front end of the yellow, then in the backend of the red and see how the velocity changes

Steve-O

I also purchased a PS3 just for the Show and I love it. RTTS is very addictive even though my hitting still sucks. My only gripe is the online play is not good. MLB 2k9 seems to have fixed that issue this year.
Steve-O

I also purchased a PS3 just for the Show and I love it. RTTS is very addictive even though my hitting still sucks. My only gripe is the online play is not good. MLB 2k9 seems to have fixed that issue this year.
http://www.rangerfans.com/ Joe Siegler

Hey, not everyone failed to use the screen capture. I used it to grab a few screenshots for my Texas Rangers site here:

http://www.rangerfans.com/archives/2009/03/the_re…
http://www.rangerfans.com Joe Siegler

Hey, not everyone failed to use the screen capture. I used it to grab a few screenshots for my Texas Rangers site here:

http://www.rangerfans.com/archives/2009/03/the_re…
Mike

I still think Franchise has a bug in it though…it is very easy to trade "weaker" players for a very talented player…and example of this is you go out and overpay for a free agent in my case Jermaine Dye…I then traded Dye and my worst player for Grady Sizemore…Also the progression isnt that good as well…Hanley had a 35-35 season and his overall dropped 2…I know this is because of the coaching but that is very unrealistic…However I do have to admit the Show 09 is the 2nd best baseball game ever behind MVP 05
Mike

I still think Franchise has a bug in it though…it is very easy to trade "weaker" players for a very talented player…and example of this is you go out and overpay for a free agent in my case Jermaine Dye…I then traded Dye and my worst player for Grady Sizemore…Also the progression isnt that good as well…Hanley had a 35-35 season and his overall dropped 2…I know this is because of the coaching but that is very unrealistic…However I do have to admit the Show 09 is the 2nd best baseball game ever behind MVP 05
B.B.

Best Sports Game ever, and they can STILL improve it in the years to come. amazing
B.B.

Best Sports Game ever, and they can STILL improve it in the years to come. amazing
Scott SDmak

its all about selling jerseys that they hope people will wear out and about. dull colors like black and white are much more common to wear then a varient of blue
Scott SDmak

its all about selling jerseys that they hope people will wear out and about. dull colors like black and white are much more common to wear then a varient of blue
delron

has anyone noticed any uniform errors?
delron

has anyone noticed any uniform errors?
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Anthony_S1 Anthony_S1

About not being able to string together hits online, I'm realizing that since everybody picks good teams with great pitchers, you're always facing Santana, Sabathia, etc., so it would be tougher to string together hits against those guys consistantly. Tonight I used Texas online, playing Baltimore, and I lost 12-4, Padilla got lit up. So I think it's the good pitching you'll see more often online that makes it tough to string hits together.