MLB 2K8 vs MLB 08: The Show
March 9, 2008 by pastapadre
While I’ve previously gone through my initial impressions of MLB 2K8 and MLB 08: The Show, I figured it would be interesting to match the two games up in different categories and determine which came out on top. Of course those with only a 360 don’t have a choice in the matter, but it’s important to know what is being done well and what isn’t both on their own individual terms as well as competitively for the future of these franchises.
The two games headed into release taking completely different paths. 2K8 dramatically changed the central mechanics and practically hid the game as very few videos could be found along with (intentionally or not) submitting the demo too late for it to be out prior to release. The Show stayed the course while improving its already stellar gameplay, was very open with media, and the demo was several weeks out in front of the release date. Generally those are signs that can be read, and in this case the assumptions that were being made seem to have been accurate.
Pitching
The most significant change this year was 2K8 switching to Total Pitch Control which solely uses right analog motions. It requires some practice and patience to learn and get comfortable with. I feel they had good intentions and it works relatively well (except for occasions when it doesn’t register correctly) but the concentration and precise nature that is required takes away from other aspects of the game. The “Meatballs” are the biggest problem as they always end up in the strike zone and the end result is generally a home run or double. Ultimately I think the revamping just wasn’t necessary. The Show has the basic meter pitching that people are familiar with and they did a good job this year making it a little more difficult to spot pitches.
Prefer: The Show
Hitting
This is the area 2K8 really suffers the most, with a hitting system that is oversimplified and lacks a sense of user control as it is predominantly based on timing. As such it ends up resulting in a disconnected feeling. Then you have how almost every hit is lifted into the air which means a ton of home runs (again this year) along with a lot of doubles into the gap with a noticeable lack of grounders. The swing stick mechanic is just right analog overkill. The button method has always worked well, is more responsive, and offers more options for a user at the plate. The satisfying feeling that you get when you connect well is a bonus with the buttons that you don’t get with the stick.
Prefer: The Show
Fielding/Throwing
2K8 changed it up this year with another right analog feature as you now use it to throw to the bases along with a meter displaying the power. That is the best change they made this year. It just feels really responsive and natural. The Show’s generic button corresponding to bases works fine but there is a lack of a visible meter and sometimes the fielders take too long to get rid of the ball.
Prefer: 2K8
Baserunning
Both games have similar systems that work pretty well and are easy to get comfortable with.
Prefer: N/A
Graphics
Last year this category would’ve went the exact opposite way. The Show has made a significant graphical leap while 2K8 has actually regressed. Most assumed that was due to making sacrifices for the sake of the framerate, but as will be discussed later apparently it wasn’t enough.
Prefer: The Show
Presentation/Commentary
2K did absolutely nothing with commentary, unless you count editing out the word “Devil” when discussing the Rays (literally all they did was pull the word out and splice the remaining audio back together). The commentary flows well most of the time but there is a lack of excitement surrounding critical moments. It also is riddled with errors. In just the second game I played they called a batter by the wrong name. Over with The Show the commentary is top notch. Of course there is still room for improvement but it’s definitely the better of the two being much deeper and varied, more current, and more accurate.
The crowd reaction and atmosphere is much better in The Show as well. Presentation wise both games do a pretty good job with replays of highlights from earlier in the game, and 2K’s win analysis and game recap after the 7th inning is quite cool.
Prefer: The Show
Franchise
I don’t play franchise modes so it wouldn’t be fair to make a judgment here.
Prefer: N/A
Extras
This mainly comes down to the Road to the Show mode vs the 2K8 trading card feature. I like both of these things but a deep independent mode is clearly of more value. RTTS is what I spend the majority of my offline time playing. It offers something completely unique as you work to progress and advance your individual player through their career. It makes the The Show almost like having two games in one.
I was quite intrigued by the trading card feature in 2K8 and still like the achievement feel, the ability to use card constructed teams online, and that it gives a reason to play more games with a variety of teams. There is now incentive for doing so and it adds to the replay factor. However I’ve also been discouraged by some of the incredibly difficult requirements that I can’t see myself ever completing as well as how it has changed the way I play the game from just trying to win to attempting things I wouldn’t have otherwise in hopes of earning a player’s card. Still though it has an addictive quality and it was a good feature addition for this year.
Prefer: The Show
Framerate
It would be a mistake not to discuss the framerate somewhere in a comparison of the two games. Clearly this is the issue that has the 2K8 community most upset. Once the ball is hit into play the game chugs and skips along. The game also pauses following each cut scene as it transitions. While those things haven’t made the game unplayable to me it is annoying and unacceptable. There just is a lack of fluidity to the entire production. The Show seems to run smoothly with a consistent 60fps.
Interestingly it was pretty clear heading into release that the framerate was a known problem on the 2K side. Of the few rare videos that were released by media sites they were limited to about a minute long and even then the problem was quite noticeable. As I even noted Ben Brinkman was less than confident in his response to the topic during the conference call.
Prefer: The Show
Online Play
For full detailed analysis of the online play experiences presented by both games read my online play report. There are multiple issues to be addressed with each but the SportsConnect website and improving performance has The Show on top right now. I wouldn’t have guessed this would be the case given the track record of the two companies from their previous online offerings. The weekly roster updates with The Show could be included here as well which are far more detailed and frequent than what 2K offers.
Prefer: The Show
MISC
What is up with 2K8’s tiny menu and lineup card text? All the flashbulbs in the crowd that do nothing but distract and aren’t realistic are bothersome, along with players all of the sudden all sprinting back in unison to their defensive positions (bizarre looking). Then there’s the manual that talks about a nonexistent contact swing and has confused many people as the Swing Stick 2.0 doesn’t differentiate between contact and power. I do like how the circle disappears when an outfielder is running with his back turned to the ball.
The Show has poor collision detection compared to 2K8 as players can basically just walk through each other. That is probably the most visible thing wrong with the game.
Summary
2K8 has some fun elements but it is just too inconsistent. I really wanted to like the game and had gone into release hoping to be surprised because of the low expectations that had been created. In a way I actually was initially as I enjoyed learning the new pitching mechanics and appreciated the effort they put into that and the right analog base throwing. However the issues with the game have already begun to overshadow those enjoyable aspects and that doesn’t bode well long-term. I don’t think it’s as bad as the community is making it out to be but I’m hard pressed to find many things it does better than The Show.
The Show is a genuine representation of baseball. It feels like the real thing and the attention to detail is impressive. You get the sense that that the results on the field are earned and not based primarily on luck. In the end it provides a very rewarding and worthwhile experience.
Prefer: The Show
AGREE 100%. I have been a 2k fan for years but this year is a big setback. The show is a pure sim and is the choice for basesball fans with both systems. Sorry xbox only owners.
i agree with pretty much every point you made. if 2k8 had smooth framerate it would be so much better just from that. but still it wouldnt be as good as the show.
This is a great article and a true comparison of both games. Thanks!!!!
Past what do you think about G4 X play giving 2k7 4/5 and giving the show 3/5 this really piss me off. If you look at the Meta. the show is getting 90’s and high 80’s and then at the bottem you have a 60 from xplay. Do you think that the Devs. take a look at that and shake there head or what.
There reason for the low ball score is that the game made no changes from last year. Do these guys even play these games or what or even last years games because I think you have to know a little about last years games to make judgement or this years crop of baseball games. For them to say that the show is nothing but a “roster update” was way off IMHO. Sorry for the rant
I can’t disagree with anything that was said..though, as it would be nice to have realistic settings out of the box, after some slider tweaking in 2k8, the swing stick 2.0 doesn’t work too badly. I’ve had more success with realistic situations with it as opposed to the standard button pressing (of which I *cannot* drive the ball to the gaps - it only leads to grounders or pop-outs).
The new pitching mechanic is fun, but will be better once they patch the bug that allows certain movements to not be recognized.
Alas, as a 360 owner, I need to do what I can with what’s available
i actually went out and bought a ps3 just for the show and im n0t dissapointed..best baseball game ever made
metsfan96 wrote:
congrats. on your new ps3 you wont be dissapointed with the ps3. Make sure you check out games like uncharted, and rachet, and warhawk
I don’t know why everyone is hating on MLB 2K8.
Pasta, the show actually does have a throwing power meter. It’s on the inside of the circle underneath your fielder
I went out and bought a PS3 and have already fallen in love with The Show! It’s the best baseball sim on the planet! 2K should be embarrassed for bringing out such a garbage product and expecting us to like it. I mean, how do you release a brand new game KNOWING it had severe framerate issues? That’s just like a dealer selling you a NEW car knowing the motor has a crack in it! Then 2K claims “oh, don’t worry, there’s a patch coming soon that can fix the problems”…….well, i shouldn’t have to wait for a “patch” to fix the problems on something that’s brand new and i dropped 60 bucks on! The Show runs smooth and is much more like a real baseball game. I’ll never buy another 2K product again!!! I don’t trust them anymore!
DA Yankees Win wrote:
Because it’s total GARBAGE that’s why!!
tdoggy wrote:
Interesting that I haven’t noticed that, its so subtle now that I looked for it. Still doesn’t change my opinion on that area though. Sometimes the fielders take their time getting the throw off to where it costs me an out. Its not as responsive and I don’t feel like I have as much control over the throws.
Certainly the frame rate issue is legit and online play as of right now is pretty much unplayable
The other stuff - well, I admit to confusion. The games I’ve played have huge hit variety and I hit more grounders than anything - of all kinds; in the hole, down the line, up the middle etc.
How pressing a button to hit is more “intuitive” is beyond me - hitting IS timing and the step/swing movement is far more sim-like, and as mentioned above results in all types of hits
The pitching control - which I initally complained about on this site has now become my favorite mechanic of all - and it’s a GOOD thing to be involved in every pitch, instead of mashing a button. Getting users MORE involved is better. I read a post somewhere that said “I can’t play drunk anymore” - LOL
I think there’s a couple things at work here - PS3 owners finally have a great system unique game to call their own and are clamoring on the bandwagon. That - and 2K has a terrible marketing department (alot of issues you read about are because people don’t either know about features or how to use them) and released a game that clearly needed additional tuning
IF (and that’s a legit IF) 2K fixes on the online play and frame rate issues - at that point I think 2K stands right with The Show as a legitimate “A” quality title
Sorry but 2k8 is much better
Please. This is not big time battle or debate, these games will lucky if they do 400,000 sold. Baseball video games don’t garner the attention that Madden gets. Who cares if 2k tried some new stuff and you don’t like it, you can use classic style…so how is The Show better if It has 2k control setup and the show’s control setup? The Show took no chances and those Show graphics are ‘blah’ at best. You don’t grade the franchise mode? who cares if you don’t play it, many of your readers do, and btw, 2k8 is said to have a stellar franchise, with real player minors, etc. Too many PS3 fans look for reasons to make their purchase valid. A so-so baseball game is it.
smokez4Dayz wrote:
Wow, spoken like someone who has certainly never played the show. The “mainstream media” has given The Show ‘08 overwhelmingly positive reviews, whereas 2k8 has received far less critical acclaim. Unless you’re going to tell me that the mainstream media is entirely comprised of PS3 owners “trying to justify their purchase,” then you argument hold little weight.
Everyone has their opinions about the games (even though few have played both), which is fine. But you make yourself look like an ignorant fanboy with comments like the aforementioned justifying-the-purchase one above.
For the record, I purchased The Show the day it was released, and rented 2k8 the next day. I haven’t put the time into 2k8 that I have into The Show, but based off of my brief experiences with the games, I’d agree with most of what Pasta has said. The only point I differ on is online play: I’ve had no lag issues with either games.
smokez4Dayz wrote:
Funny, The Show already had that.
Did you write the X-Play review?
CrimsonVoodoo wrote:
Again, I’m not understanding where this idea is emanating from. Granted, there are fanboys belonging to both camps that will argue their game is superior, but unless we’re operating under the assumption that major game review outlets are openly biased and comprised of fanboys, then that part of the argument falls flat. The Show has been more well-received, in general, than 2k8. Is it possible that The Show is just the better game, platform arguments aside?
would this matchup still be the same if you have an xbox 360 and a PS2, pasta?
Being a 360 owner I can only speak to 2k8, but what makes this game great to me is the Franchise mode and trading card system.
In terms of franchise, it’s very deep, and extensive. I will never play as a minor league team, but once someone puts out a roster to download with everyones names on it, it will only make it better. I’m a big baseball fan and I love watching guys progress through the system and 2k8 does a great job of showcasing that.
Also, the trading card thing I thought was lame as hell when I first read about it. However, looking at it now, it really brings back my days as a kid collecting cards and “creating” a team. As silly and childish as it is, I find myself trying to do great plays, and unlock more cards … in fact, everytime I get a wild card, I am hoping that it’s a card pack!
I know these don’t seem like great reasons to buy one game over the other, but to me, franchise mode seals the deal and the trading card system is the icing on the cake.
Having been amped up for 2K8, I have been somewhat disappointed. The pitching mechanic is excellent and different however the hitting is brutal. Not to mention the visuals and presentation are what we have seen the past two years.
I purchased The Show last night and what an amazing game. Yes, the gameplay is very familiar but the visuals and presentation are downright sick.
I started a season with the Tigers (opened against the Royals) and the teams were decked out in classic throwback uniforms (not of my doing). I thought that was a sweet touch.
Not to mention, the in-game highlights, analysis and commentary are flippin outstanding. Also, the create-a-player is deep.
Although there may be nothing innovative with the controls, The Show is miles ahead of 2K….
Pasta, good stuff….
I dont even play my major league games anymore in my Red Sox franchise. I like playing as Bucholz and Jed Lowerie as opposed to playing as Papi and Beckett. So far I have changed everyones name in the Sox system to their real names.
The throwing meter in The Show is a tad weak. The longer you hold the button for the corresponding base, the circle beneath the player with the ball fills up…
2K definitely has the better throwing system. Too bad everything else came up short….
moneymike wrote:
Is it garbage because you suck at it?
My point about folks clamoring on The Show bandwagon has nothing to do with whether or not it’s a good game. I have no doubt it’s a good game, maybe even a great game according to reviews.
What I was referencing was the overwhelming fanboi wave that is to be found on almost every sports board - while there are a number of folks who post about why they love The Show there are 10X as many threads that are of the “I bought The Show and 2K suxxxx !!! LOL” Ironically it’s the same over-the-top brainless critique that some 2K football fans take as it regards Madden. The minority fanbase always seems to feel the need to over justify their purchase and I don’t get it …
Pasta: try preloading your throws before your fielder gets to the ball. I find this cuts down the the lag of trying to throw the ball AFTER picking it up. (Outfielders I am speaking of).
I prefer the right analog stick pitching compared to the old boring button pitching. Also I have hit a lot of grounder’s in mlb 2k8 with swing stick 2.0 and I hate button hitting. To each is own though. The show just always felt “scripted” to me. Thats the best I can put it. I just like the feel of 2k8 more. Not sayin its better, its just what I like.
Anyone that has actually played 10 games of both and says 2ks is better is crazy. And dont say im a PS3 fanboy because I own both and prefer 360.
Not saying you’re crazy - just saying calling someone crazy regarding their preferred baseball videogame is …. well …. crazy
I only own a 360 and I own 2K8. So I can’t play The Show. I agree with Pasta that the complaints are a bit overblown. 2K8 is a satisfying game. I’ve found that with slider changes some of the issues like pitching and hitting are greatly improved. The bottom line is that maybe 2K8 (with the exception of the frame rate problems) is actually a fairly good game that unfortunately is going up against The Show. A title that probably ranks as the best baseball game ever and is certainly appears to be one of the best sports titles ever released. Its a bit like until this year the FIFA vs ProEvo debates. FIFA has always been good but ProEvo/Winning Eleven has been in comparison sublime. On the soccer side we now have two very good games. Hopefully next year the 2K team will make the strides that EA did with FIFA.
CrimsonVoodoo wrote:
Gotcha, and I feel ya. Fanboyitis is rampant on most gaming message boards, and it’s about the most irritating thing out there.
Hi All,
I also went out a bought a PS3 for The Show this year. And after playing about 10 games I can say that I am officially “hooked”. Having come from the 360 version of 2K7, it definitely took some getting used to. The pitching is more realistic, and batting takes serious patience. I still have some trouble when playing the field as I am used to 2K7’s control scheme and the 360 controller.
That being said, The Show is by far the most realistic and deep franchise mode I have ever touched. And the gameplay really makes you think about what you are doing. My first few games I would step up to the plate and just hack away…getting the occasional hit, but striking out constantly. Almost to the point of frustration. Then I tried a game when I tried to be patient at the plate and make the pitcher work for his outs. What a difference…you’ll find that the pitcher, when worked has a tendency to get a little wild and might give you that meatball you are looking for. I also started checking out all of the real-time pitching and batting statistics prior to each batter (when pitching) and each plate appearance. This is tremendously helpful when you are trying to figure out how the pitcher approaching each of your hitters and also when you are pitching, from about the 3rd inning on, you can start to see the opponents hitting tendencies and place you pitches where they least like them. Aside from actual gameplay, there is so much to do and keep track of in franchise mode, its a little overwhelming, but the computer has your back and pretty much prompts you to take care of the most pressing issues.
Commentary is excellent…what I like the most is how the commentary keeps track of your gameplay and comments on what has happened in the past. For instance, T. Hafner, had a 6 game hitting streak, that I was totally unaware of until the commentary mentioned it. Pretty neat.
RTTS is pretty cool…but I’m so addicted to my franchise mode that I have not really gone back to it…although I want to.
After dropping my first 4 games of the season, including getting swept at The Jake by the White Sox, I am roaring back and have won 4 straight and I can’t wait to play my next game.
Cheers.
Darren wrote:
And it really depends on how you define “better”. If you’re talking from a graphics and frame rate standpoint, there’s little to argue about: The Show is better. If you hate the “button press” mechanics, and want something new, then there’s no arguing about it: 2K8 is for you. I’d argue that The Show presents the better overall package- pitching and hitting mechanics aside, since that’s purely preferential.
But again, to each his own
Just curious… who does the commentary in The Show?
I’m playing through my second season of my franchise in 2k7 today and may not even get 2k8 this year. While I like miller and morgan… not recording any new dialog is pretty darn lame.
Has anyone who purchased a PS3 just because of The Show not own a HD TV?
Darkheath wrote:
Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell.
Darkheath wrote:
Matt Vasgersian does the commentary with Rex Hudler and Dave Campbell.
The Bottom line is no matter what system you have or what game you are rooting for because of the system. The Show is a better game. (period)
And if your not smart enough to see so then your just fan boying.
I have both systems and have played both and its not even in the same league. So you cant really say that people are hyping up the show because of the ps3. And people who dont have the Ps3 should not feel like they have to justify there purchase because no matter how hard you try, IN THE END THE SHOW IS A BETTER GAME.
CrimsonVoodoo wrote:
That’s not crazy. I’ll tell you what crazy is: Crazy is walking down the street with a half of a cantaloupe on top of your head, while saying, “I’m a hamster. I’m a hamster.”
But yes, it’s all a matter of personal preference.
How is MLB 2k8’s hitting oversimplified if MLB 08 just presses a damn button. That’s definately one thing I don’t understand. Same thing with the pitching.
OK - my last comment on all this -
“Better” is subjective. I prefer the 2K pitching mechanic. I prefer the Swing stick over a button push. I prefer the Fantasy Team creation of the card sets / collectible. So, to me, I prefer 2K
YOU may prefer the Road to The Show sub game. You may prefer button presses. You may prefer the nice graphic sheen and better framerates … if that’s the case you prefer The Show
It’s OK either way
No one is “crazy”, or “wrong” or “stupid” or a fanboy because of it
One thing I HATE about The Show is that the infielders refuse to cover second for a force play with two outs. Example: runner on first, two outs, grounder to short. Rather than flipping to the second baseman for the force at second, you’re forced to go the long way and toss across to first. If you try to flip to second, you’ll have to wait for the second baseman (or shortstop) to get to the bag, and the runner will generally be safe as it takes too much time to complete the toss.
Additionally, I wish there was a “hustle” rating for each player. Every player runs out every ground ball every time. When was the last time you saw Carlos Delgado sprint down the line on a routine ground ball to short? I wish the hustle of the base runners varied a BIT.
Those are some really nit-picky things though. If that’s all I have to complain about, I think the game is pretty solid.
DA Yankees Win wrote:
Well i guess 75% of the gaming community “suck at it” too because The Show is getting way more good reviews from people than that piece of crap 2K put out. Everybody can’t be wrong can they?
The Show is just the better game. Why can’t people just admit that? And i wasn’t even a Show fan until now, i always played 2K baseball games, but no more.
Interesting “emotional” discussion here about which game is better. Clearly, both games have their followers. Certainly 2K8 has very interesting features such as the pitching mechanics. However, baseball is a very complete and complex sport in which the details and subtleties end to be very important during a game and its final result. I believe that hardcore baseball fans (not gamers, real baseball fans) would agree that The Show is the game that delivers the most pure and true baseball experience. This is why I love this game. On the other hand, MLB 2K8, even with its interesting mechanics and the great card feature, could be a good game (once the framerate is fixed, if it ever is), which can be very enjoyable, but sadly, does not deliver such a pure baseball experience, which is, at the end, the escence and the reason for a simulation game.
Funny how the Show is sub-par when it takes no chances. But, when 2k basketball takes no chances it is still the greatest. And “if it aint broke, dont fix it” type responses. The Show is great at what it does and would rather be a polished game than an innovative mess. Stop trying to justify why the 2k isnt bad when it obviously is. And stop using “the show isnt taking chances” as an excuse of why it is better/not better. My basketball comparison rules out you reasoning and your contradictory statements. So please stop.
Only thing I agree with is, that Pasta didnt write up franchise. With his obvious beef with review site and there lack of online information, He should have talked about franchise for that reason alone. Hey, Pasta, dont ignore because you dont play. If that is the case, reviewers can skip online all day if it they dont intend to play online.
Ed wrote:
i went and bought a ps3 just for this game and i DO have a hdtv.. 1080p sharp lcd..52 inch
game looks and plays great..my only problem is playing on veteran i am 1-4 so far. i am so used to the 360 controller and the 2k style of ball that i am having alot of trouble getting clutch hits in this game..
It’s 1:30 am and I literally laughed out loud at the guy that said “sorry but 2K8 is much better” HAHAHA. I don’t care what any 2K fanboy says, (because anybody who plays that game at this point, HAS TO BE a fanboy) the notion that The Show is better than 2K8 is AS CLOSE TO FACT AS OPINION CAN GET! Enough said.
nyr2k2 wrote:
If you want a realistic baseball sim its as obvious as left and right. Controls aside its no contest.
Kmart2180 wrote:
I too have both systems and i’ve played both games and anybody that says 2K8 is better than The Show needs to be sent to a mental institution for serious evaluation. I’m glad i only rented 2K8 because the game is just flat out terrible. The graphics look like a ps2 game, the framerate and lag make the game almost impossible to enjoy, the commentary is stale, and it just doesn’t feel like a true sim experience like the Show does. Everything Pasta said about the Show is legit. Hell i had to pinch myself while playing The Show and tell myself that it’s only a video game cause i felt like i was in a REAL baseball game!! It’s just the better game folks, period. You 2K fanboys can deny it all you want but the reviews don’t lie.
I wanted to add a few things about 2k8
- for ground ball swings you want to slightly move the RS downward. Not all the way down bcuz that is intended to create a check swing. Nor do you want to roll the stick left/ right. Just make a slight motion down- ward and you’ll induce some ground balls through the hole. Slightly moving the RS upward is for line drive swings.
- when pitching don’t worry about where to throw the ball. Pitch location is your catcher’s responsibility. The A.I. is drastically improved from 2k7. Catchers have a plan for getting the batter out. Follow the pitch sequence your catcher lays out for you and trust in him. Shaking off the catcher is a bad habit. Catchers won’t keep track of your opponent’s swing when you shake him off.
- no matter how great you’re w/ the analog pitching you’re still prone to giving up meatballs. So stay focused on the 3 important facets of pitching w/ the new mechanics: Gesture, effectiveness, release point. Learn from your mistakes. If you throw a curveball that becomes a meatball bcuz you released it too late, then the next time you throw a curveball release it a bit earlier.
2k8, after putting in hours of practice in terms of Swing Stick 2.0 and Total Control Pitching, it provided me with immense satisfaction that I’ve finally mastered them. With sliders tweak to make the AI pitchers to throw less strikes and AI batter to take more pitches, this game turns into a real gem. Yes, the fielding is laggy, but most of baseball’s action occurs in the battery anyway. I think people should put in more hours to master the necessary techniques before knocking this game. The Show, I only have it for PSP, and I love it too.
After the first day I got 2K8 the Framerate was no longer a problem it stopped 100% with the choppiness.2K said it had nothing to do with the online but I think it did since the only time I got online is when the choppiness occured, its like the lag carried over to the offline games.I found it weird also that when I took my ethernet cord out it still was showing online rankings and sports news on the bottom ticker when I was playing exibition games.
Also Pasta you are making the pitching sound way harder then it is the pitching is 100 times better then the shows meter the meter is old just how simply pressing a button to throw a pitch got old.And after about 1 day off playing the 2K8 pitching was completely natural and I did not need to focus extra at all with the pitching and as far as just learning the new pitching it took about 5 minutes in the practice mode.1 More thing you can switch back the old pitching style so why would THE SHOW have better pitching when 2K has both options?Hmmm Fan Boy? lol I’m just messing with you.
Other then that I agree with pretty much everything else.
Speaking from a pitcher’s perspective I dont think either of the new pitching systems are that great. I was a huge fan of the ‘Rock and Fire’ in the final installment of College Baseball. That was a natural motion the pull back and thrust forward is a lot better then pulling slightly left and rotating the analog stick a slight turn. The Show’s is not much better as I think button pushing is not that innovative, but if that is what is selling games dont stray from what your current formula.
Forums are designed for those to share their opinion, regardless if everyone, or anyone, agrees with it or not.
There is nothing wrong with being a “fanboy” and remaining loyal to a specific publisher, designer or franchise. I am all for it.
I think the biggest thing that has hurt 2K is the expectations. After 2K7, my expectations were extremely high - fair or unfair. It is the same thing that EA faces with Madden. MLB 2K is a solid baseball game and is entertaining, same as with Madden. 2K also has some innovations that would be welcomed in any other baseball game.
I purchased a PS3 just to buy The Show and I the game does so much more than 2K in terms of framerate and presentation. If 2K had The Show’s frame rate, the argument as to which is better would probably be mute. If 2K can somehow fix the frame rate issues we would be praising two stellar games…..
Regardless of which game you support, as long as you have fun playing it that is what matters most.
Ok I am a new owner to the PS3 and have yet to play either franchise in at least 3 to 4 years. I want to buy one and have been reading countless opinion threads and watched all the videos I can online. I am not a franchise player and certainly don’t care about virtual cards but I must say everyone seems to be very sharp in this blog and the beginning break down was very nice. From a new person perspective it seems that the weight is definitely heavy on the side of MLB The Show and I’m close to going in that direction but I don’t want to waste my dough. can I ask both sides for which is the better simulator to play online with someone. That would be my greatest selling point, I have high speed cable and want to be immersed in the game. Which will provide the best experience?