Honest Opinions Wanted

[starship]

I currently have the Xbox 360 and MLB 2k9. I am an avid lifelong baseball fan and my primary interest is in playing franchise. I've come to the conclusion that 2k9's franchise mode is hopelessly broken/unplayable and is not going to be fixed.

For the first time I am actually considering buying a PS3 just to play The Show. In reading the various threads here, especially the one on bugs/glitches, I am wondering if it really does play as good of a game as claimed or if I'm being taken in by all the hype.

I understand that what I'm talking about is a subjective thing and that I will have to make the ultimate decision myself. However, I have never even seen The Show and have to rely on the thoughts and opinions of others to help me make my decision.

So, is The Show's franchise mode really that good? Can I play a realistic game of baseball and get decent results without freezes, dumb AI moves, and incorrect scoring? Is it really worth $400+ to play this baseball game?

Thanks for your help.

[pbz06]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

Being worth $400 is a decision only you can answer. The PS3 has other games you can get too, plus you can make the switch over to blu ray movies.

But there is a reason why it gets so much hype and attention. It's the best baseball video game ever. I played 2k9 at my friend's place the other weekend, and I was amazed at the lack of polish and total arcade feel of it (amazed how bad it was ). But to stay away from 2k9 bashing, yea, The Show is the better game.

Gameplay is pure, yet a little challenging. The first time I played 2k9, I was able to knock about 22 hits and 12 runs, lol. The first time I played The Show 09, I was shut down by Jake Peavey and scattered 5 hits or so, and loved it.

The AI is smart and punishing.

It has it's share of bugs, just like any game, but none are gamebreaking. Don't forget that those threads you are referring to are for people experiencing bugs..so obviously it will sound like the majority.

You can also head up to your local Gamestop and play the Show demo. Most of them have a PS3 setup with some demos.

[DaoudS]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

You didn't know SCEA hired all of us to post good things about their game?

I honestly purchased a PS3 just for The Show and I have no regretted it for one second. If you can afford it then go for it.

[BigWilly]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

I bought the PS3 over the Xbox just for the Show, and it's the only game I've had in my console since I bought the PS3 4 months ago. Best sports game I've ever played, despite some bugs.

In your situation, given you already have an Xbox, it's a more difficult decision. But if you love baseball, and want a realistic portrayal of the sport, and can afford the price tag - then I'd definitely give it a long look.

[Scooter3]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

Honestly if you love baseball, I recommend that you take the plunge!

I grantee you one thing this is the best baseball sim ever, and it gets better every year.

You won't get more dedicated developers than the people at SCEA, they eat sleep and drink baseball...

mean motor scooter...

[bigjake62505]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

I just sold my 360, and some other stuff just to make the switch. I am still a little short, the difference in the price is just a little irritating. But if you enjoy a good baseball game this is the only way. I am a huge baseball fan and I have suffered through 2k7, 2k8, and 2k9. I was on the border of getting a PS3 last year but I waited, this year I put in 2k9 played it for a while and turned it off. I was a little ticked when my outfielder stood there in suspended animation, slow motion, then let the ball fall right beside him. Then I put the game back in and created a player played with him through a majority of the minor leagues then the next season I brought him up and every time my player would come up to bat the game freezes no matter what I do. As soon as that happened I unhooked my 360 and took pictures for ebay.

[bigjake62505]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

Also just step back and evaluate your style, what games do you play, what bells and whistles are you looking for, are you a big online player, ect... I mostly only play sport games, and the playstation has the same sport games as the 360. The only game that is not on both is The Show. I do not get into online very much all I want it for is the patches, downloads, ect... The blue ray really does not matter much to me since all I want is to play games. I have heard that the xbox live is better than PSN but since I said I really do not play online that does not matter. In my opinion the xbox is at its maximum potiental, and I think that the PS3 still has alot left in the tank. I owned a 360 since launch and at the time that was the best system but now I think that the ps3 is closing the gap.

[RogueHominid]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

If your personal finances can bear it (and these are tough times for us all), this is a game you must own.

If you love baseball, this is the game for you. If you love sports gaming, this is the best game you will have ever played. It's simply an exquisite experience. It's that simple.

[Scrapps]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

If money isn't really an issue for you, I have two words. Do it! Do it now! Ok, so thats five. I did so a little over a year ago and haven't looked back. It has some flaws, but is probably the best video game I've ever played.

[twiztiddarkangelman]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

I echo everything that's been said, if you can afford to get the PS3, then by all means go get it now. I would get it for"The Show" alone. That's how much I think of this game.

[bigjake62505]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

You said that you want honest opinions and you are getting some here. I am not a fanboy in any way, I am a fan of games that take the extra steps to make games great. Even with the flaws that I have read about The Show it has to be 10 times better than 2K.

[chuckm1961]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

I've played High Heat, MVP and now The Show.

Best game of baseball I've ever played.

But...1) don't expect a perfect exeperience, there are some problems; and 2) don't expect it to be easy to win on high difficulty levels.

Regarding #1, if for example you're the kind of person who wants to sell back a game because Joe Average does not have the right sleeve length, then I would not spend your money.

[baa7]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

Is it really worth $400+ to play this baseball game?

IMO, no. I have the PS2 version, and it's great. I've played the PS3 version, and it's essentially the identical game, but with better graphics obviously. The truth is, after playing the PS3 version, I've decided to hold off on a purchasing PS3 until SCEA overhauls the player models along things like stances and pitch deliveries. But you really need to play it yourself before deciding.

[mikekim21]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

While this isn't a perfect game (occasional scoring mistakes, some weird animations, online might be the one of the worst in a major sports game), I have not regretted buying a PS3 just for this game. The difference between this and the 360 version of 2k9 is night and day.

If you can do it, do it. You will not be disappointed. Especially if you just play single player or 1v1 with your friends locally (not online).

This is coming from an owner of a 360 from the release date in Nov 05 or whatever to about 1 month ago.

[Effington]

Re: Honest Opinions Wanted

I feel you. I was on the 360 playing 2k8 last year, and it was one of the worst experiences ever. The game froze so often that I had to stop playing completely after about a week.

I made the switch. The only games I play are sports games, so this is really the only thing it effected. I still get Madden and any basketball game I want. However, this is the only console-specific game, thanks to the rules of the MLB exclusivity deal.

I definitely feel it was worth it. This game is much better on the field. Fielding is better, the graphics are better, attention to detail (batting stances, announcing, strategy, depth, franchise mode, RTTS), game stability, all make it much, much better. The only things I liked in 2k baseball was their pitch meter, which was hard to perfect, but loved how if you got good, you saw direct results. In The Show, results are much more random, no matter how well you play. Which you can argue is more realistic, and I think that's why SCEA designed it so.