Picked it up the other day, and it's a step up from last year. I swore there was a big in last year's version regarding left handed hitters, and I think EA awknowledged a "minor physics flaw" (digitalsportspage.com) with lefties. That's gone now, so Thome and Abreu are actually hitting some round trippers, as opposed to my one season where they had about 30 home runs between them, while Jimmy Rollins had about 50.
I like the owner's mode, but I haven't explored it fully yet. I'm Dynasty moding it right now, and the batter's eye is pretty helpful. The manager arguing is pretty fun, but it also makes no sense sometimes (you can argue with the umpire AFTER you hit a homerun to win the game). A roster update is needed to enjoy it fully, though. Sammy's still a Cub and Delgado's still a free agent.
I had MVP Baseball and I REALLY enjoyed it, so this is a must buy for me. When/Where did you get it? I was under the impression that it wouldn't be out for another few days.
Also, what platform do you have this for? I had 2004 for the PC, but I'm thinking about getting 2005 for PS2, even though I'va heard that the PS2 version is not as good. Does anyone here have any thoughts?
Glad they fixed that lefty bug. I never really realized because all of my top guys were right handers, but after I heard about it, it really started to bother me.
Best Buy had it, but I've also seen it at EBGames. I picked up the XBox version, for both the online play and for the low loading times (I could take a nap during last year's PS2 version load times).
The gameplay is definitely improved. Fielding is much smoother now, as are transitions like when a batter fouls one off the plate and we move right into the next pitch. Being able to tell what kind of pitch it is by the color of the ball is a good addition as well. Lots more retro unis (or at least it seems like it) and a pretty up-to-date roster, save the several aforementioned changes necessary.
The managerial complaint option is neat, though frustrating when you find it by accident. Ankiel strikes out a Cub, I accidentally hit "B", and out comes Tony to argue. Tossed for arguing balls and strikes. I had planned to finish the 8th with Rick and bring Izzy in for the ninth, but the GameCube takes control and brings King in instead. It took me twenty minutes leafing through the manual to find out why.
The two batting and pitching mini-games are minor fun, and a great way to rack up points fast for ballparks and unis.
Minor complaints: •Mark Mulder's head is WAY too big •The game still cheats. When "auto-retreat" is on and I use the controller to move my runner back, he STILL stands there like a dumb Astro fan. Thanks a lot. Errors come at suspect times, too, like only late in the game when the CPU is about to lose. Hmmm. •Jesus is no longer on the cover.
It seems like most everyone had the 2004 version, which I'm playing now. Is the Dynasty mode in that good? I've tried to resolve that I won't get any new games this year and just keep playing the dynasties/franchises I've got going, and part of the reason for that is I haven't finished my first season of MVP 2004 yet. (I've got about 40 games to go, but my AA is in first and my AAA team is making a playoff push.) I'm starting to twitch seeing a newer version on the shelves. Is the off-season stuff satisfying?
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Originally posted by DJ RanAnd I keep reading that "Create a Stadium" is pretty unsatisfying. Can someone who knows weight in?
I know it's my 3rd post in this thread (sorry), but it's VERY unsatisfying. By my count, you can make like 10 different variations, and that's it. You choose from set stuff, like dimensions, walls, grass, dirt, seats, and location. It's very restrictive (no more than 4 choices for each). You can choose the name, but it's not guaranteed that the announcers will say "Welcome to (insert park here)". I don't think they say "Ashburn Field" (what Citizen's Bank Park SHOULD have been called) in my owner's mode (started it last night).
EDIT: But it's still a very good game that warrants a look if you like baseball games.