MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

[Flightwhite24]

Ok just played 3 quick innings and I mean QUICK. Right off the bat the gameplay is fast and thats a good thing considering it is gonna be on a handheld. Hardly no cutscenes, I couldn't take a practice swing for some reason and maybe its not in.

I gotta say I was disappointed in the graphics and before some of you flip out, if you played the PS3 version of this year you would understand. Graphically the game is fine. I do like how the ball looks bigger in play because my old eyes even with my glasses need it to be bigger.

Pulse Pitching was kinda tough due to the left stick being much smaller so it wiggles a lot but as the game went on I made adjustments.

Also I had no problem fielding whatsoever everything felt fine, hell I might even field better on the Vita than the PS3.

Had no problem at the plate either making contact. Did go deep with M. Kemp from the Dodgers.

Overall this is gonna be HUGE for the "Franchise Guys" and for those who are impatient due to the game plays twice the speed of the PS3 version from what I can tell unless I am doing something wrong in the settings.

It feels really good being able to play The Show on my Vita and watch UFC on my 50 inch Plasma at the same time.

SCEA hit it out the park with this one

You mofos who don't have the game already make sure you spend some quality time with you family/girlfriends because come Mar 6th they might leave your CUSS WORD!!! because of this Masterpiece..

[Millennium]

MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

This thread is for IMPRESSIONS ONLY - posts that are NOT impressions will be deleted. If you continue to spam the thread with non-impressions, infractions will be handed out.

The only posters that have shown proof of the game are as follows:

pboreham
FLIGHTWHITE
thx1113

[Woodweaver]

That baseball is bigger than second base!

Yep, tried with a proportionally sized ball early on in cycle, and it is nearly impossible to see in most fielding views on this size screen. Trust me...it may not be ideal, but the alternative is just NOT fun.

[Flightwhite24]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

I've messed around with a few camera angles and the game looks fine. Just don't go in expecting PS3 The Show 12 graphics.

I have noticed that the Pulse Pitching might need a little tweaking as its not as responsive as the PS3 version. Seems a little laggy.

Can someone tell me how to post some pics and I will show what I am seeing for comparison

[Blzer]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Pardon me for posting in here; just helping out FLIGHTWHITE.

I've messed around with a few camera angles and the game looks fine. Just don't go in expecting PS3 The Show 12 graphics.

I have noticed that the Pulse Pitching might need a little tweaking as its not as responsive as the PS3 version. Seems a little laggy.

Can someone tell me how to post some pics and I will show what I am seeing for comparison

To snap a screenshot, hold onto the PS button and Start on your Vita at the same time. These will now be saves in your Photos section of your Vita, so you can use Content Manager to transfer to PC or the Flickr app on your Vita to upload them that way.

EDIT: FLIGHTWHITE just sent me three photos via Vita. I'm uploading them for him.









For anyone who's concerned, these screenshots look "warmer" on the Vita than they do in these shots, which are too "cool" for my taste.

[pboreham]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Cool. Ok, I think I got off on the wrong footing on OS!

Sorry for the panic caused, but as I said in the other thread, these are accurate shots and sometimes the game looks good/ok other times it looks like a poor PSP game. Thats not me trying to flame etc, its my honest opinion from having the game and if people dont like what I've posted and calling me a liar etc, then I dont mind - they will find out Tuesday I guess.

But graphics dont totally make the whole game, so here are some other thoughts and I'll try to post some positives - because there are many amongst the problems.

Firstly, patch out already (1.01) which contains minor fixes what I could see - but one was "increase crowd reactions" which is really needed.

Menu UI is pretty slick and easy to follow. Touch screen options all the way and thankfully just as easy to use dpad/buttons if you want. Music is down to personal taste, but I like most of it.

Tonne of options as you'd expect from a show game. Gameplay options, sliders, different control methods and option to create player etc. Not really gone too deep into much of that.

Start an exhibition game and on the next screen you can choose single player or the "Play Now Live" mode which will drop you into an exhibition game online. Thats what the manual says, I've not got online yet as my code doesnt work.

Usual commentary line up in the game. Dunno if its just me, but the commentary sounds very tinny and distant. Will try the game through headphones later as it may just be the Vita speakers.

Front end presentation is ok with the team line ups and fly by etc - all nicely done. Shame that the rest of the 'tv' style presentation is missing

As you've seen from the shots I've posted, its a mixed bag. Sometimes it looks really fine, other times its a jarring mess. Plus there is definitely slow down in places which thankfully doesnt really affect the gameplay, its mainly in close ups.

The UI in the pause menu is nice and again, intuitive to use. There is also a 'quick menu' (dpad up) when you are on the mound to make fielding switches, mound visits, bullpen options etc.

I've tried a few gameplay control methods. Analog pitching felt ok, down on the right stick to wind up, up and in a direction to pitch. Bit hard with the little sticks at times. I've tried the standard meter method and the new pulse method (which I've stuck with). Not tried analog hitting yet though.

The pitching/batting duel is good. I'm not a MASSIVE expert on baseball, so maybe some of the intricate details are not quite what the should be, but from what I know, it seems to be fine and its as fun as the other Show games on PS3.

Hit the ball in the field and you notice the beachball sized ball. Not sure whats going on with that - whether its a bug or not, not sure. When handled, the ball defaults to its normal size.

Players are responsive in the field and diving, throwing etc is all good. Seen lots of fumbles, overthrows etc - and my 2nd baseman got totally taken out by a runner when going for a double play. Left him splattered on the ground

As I've said, worst thing for me really is the lack of presentation. Devs say they have this running in quick mode only (to save battery life I heard?) but I'd want that to be my choice. There are NO auto replays or cut scenes etc which is pretty horrible.

Make a nice double play? Nothing, just the next pitch... hit one out of the park bases loaded? Nothing, barely a cheer and certainly no fanfare from the broadcast - just back to the next batter up. Its really horrible and takes a lot away from the experience.

One of the things I like is the ability to save mid match - thats good for having a quick go and picking it up later.

Overall, I do like it (but then I wanted to so much) - its probably a 7.5/10 for me right now.

[thx1113]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

(Hope this is ok - posted proof of ownership in the "Anyone from Europe thread")

First impressions - graphics are ok; certainly fine when concentrating on playing the game rather than studying them intently. Pulse pitching is not easy! I've not got the timing down yet - the pulse is quick, even on rookie!

Only done some practice sessions so far; just about to start an exhibition game. and will post again once I've played that - Boston vs Giants at AT&T park, I think.

And, like everyone else in Europe, I'm not convinced that the cross-platform save is going to work for us

[thx1113]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

OK, first exhibition match out of the way. Boston (me) at San Francisco.

I lost. No surprise there, but only by one run. The game was great, and I'm getting in to pulse pitching now - it rocks. Managed to pitch pretty well other than one stray ball to a pinch hitter that left the park for the go ahead runs...

However, I suck at analog batting on the Vita. I probably need to just get used to it, and the new feedback on your stride timing is really helpful, but I ended up reverting to timing only batting, which I also suck at

The Vita quick-play mode is a little, um, quick, and I'd have liked to see at least a few replays (home run for example), but it moves the game along nicely and I understand why they've done it.

As I said before, the graphics, to me, are fine. The lighting is good, and it really does give that PS3 'feel' as you're playing. Obviously it's not as detailed (and I've not yet played the new version on my PS3), but I have no complaints.

One thing I've not seen how to do, so maybe it's not there on the Vita, is to choose your swing type - power, contact, normal - there just doesn't seem to be the option for it.

Thumbs up from me. If only I could hit...

[pboreham]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

OK, first exhibition match out of the way. Boston (me) at San Francisco.

I lost. No surprise there, but only by one run. The game was great, and I'm getting in to pulse pitching now - it rocks. Managed to pitch pretty well other than one stray ball to a pinch hitter that left the park for the go ahead runs...

However, I suck at analog batting on the Vita. I probably need to just get used to it, and the new feedback on your stride timing is really helpful, but I ended up reverting to timing only batting, which I also suck at

The Vita quick-play mode is a little, um, quick, and I'd have liked to see at least a few replays (home run for example), but it moves the game along nicely and I understand why they've done it.

As I said before, the graphics, to me, are fine. The lighting is good, and it really does give that PS3 'feel' as you're playing. Obviously it's not as detailed (and I've not yet played the new version on my PS3), but I have no complaints.

One thing I've not seen how to do, so maybe it's not there on the Vita, is to choose your swing type - power, contact, normal - there just doesn't seem to be the option for it.

Thumbs up from me. If only I could hit...

Power, SQUARE, Normal, X and Contact is O.

[thx1113]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Power, SQUARE, Normal, X and Contact is O.

I think my problem was I'm used to the rumble feedback of the PS3! The Vita is sadly lacking in that department... Glad to hear it's in there though.

[sbmnky]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Just picked it up (picture in 'Who's getting this for the Via' thread). It's The Show we all know and love on a hand-held - that pretty awesome!

Couple of things I noticed:

• The ball is bigger in exhibition than it is in practice modes (I'm assuming this is because lack of fielding in BP)
• I haven't figured out how to customize my batting cam (Is this available)
• When setting batting/pitching analysis to 'BUTTON' the analysis is not populating when I push the R/L buttons. I have to have this set to 'ON' in order to view analysis - which in the case is on every pitch. I'd prefer to have the option to view it only when prompted. (this works in BP mode, but not exhibition)
• The analog controls are pretty tiny and while I play analog on PS3, I might play button only on the Vita.

I'm at work and didn't log on to WiFi, so I'm not sure if the update addresses either of the observations in bold from above.

So far I'm enjoying the game and it's a bit premature to give my overall impressions, but I certainly see this being a daily device just for this game. I now get my Show fix when I'm away from my PS3 and cross-platform saves is now a must for all sports games. This is really well done.

[drsonoma]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Scored a copy in Long Beach. Yay! Then went to a nearby Starbucks and got a game in lost. Giants vs. Marlins in the new park. I picked this matchup because that is what I played a couple of days ago at BB (wanted to see the new park). This way, I could compare the PS Vita 12 to the PS3 version.

I am very, very pleased! Understand that I bought the Vita almost exclusively for the Show. Also, I played every version of the PSP so I have a lot of history here. The bottom line is that the PS3 game (not version) but GAME is now on a handheld device. Some thoughts/observations:

1. It is very jarring how quick it plays. I think we will get used to but, but Wow is this thing on speed. Not the gameplay, but everything in between. For example, you hit a homerun and the announcers are still announcing the play-by-play and you are looking at the next hitter already standing in the batter's box. Yes, it is that quick.

2. At the same time, other presentation values are still there. The in between inning "buffers" are pretty much there and there is lots of good commentary (between old PSP and PS3 IMO). Also, lots of nice sound effects (play a game in Yankee Stadium for best example). All of this helps with the immersion factor and helps mitigate, to some degree, the quick presentation.

3. You better get good at hitting pause, start, etc. if you need to do anything in between batters, pitches, etc. The game hardly takes a breath during innings. It isn't "fast play" but more like "quick play." I wish we had the option to play differently, but oh well.

4. Graphics are fine IMO. In fact, I think they look really good and represent a MAJOR upgrade over the PSP. Now, if you have ONLY ever played the PS3 version then you will notice a bit of a step down. But it is a HUGE leap from the PSP. In addition, the framerates during gameplay are also fine. There is a bit of a slow down when they zoom in on a player stepping into the box, etc. But trust me, all of that happens so fast that you really don't notice. Again, gameplay is good. If you played the 2007 PSP version you remember the awful framerate disaster that was never fixed. That is NOT the case here!

5. Size of the ball is fine IMO. In fact, I played several innings before I even thought to look for it. Yes, it is a bit bigger than it should be but not so big that it takes away from the game. At least that is my opinion and my 48 year old eyes agree

6. The coolest part of the game, IMO, is how pretty much everything you have come to expect in the PS3 version is now in a handheld. For example, you now have your full cache of pitches and not limited to only 4. This was an old PSP restriction and it always drove me nuts. For a handhelf, everything feels very robust which, given the number of games I logged on the PSP over the years, is really something to cheer about.

I lost 4-1. I already know that getting the hang of pitching on those short analog sticks is going to be a challenge. I am also used to having the vibration of the strike zone on the PS3 and that isn't here. Might be a good thing, however, as I actually walked 4 and I almost never give up walks.

In addition, I personally didn't have a single batter strikeout. I have NEVER had a game where I didn't strikeout at least once (anything less than double digits is a real victory for me). I even got a trophy for it (contact king or something like that). This could be really encouraging. Time will tell...

Also, the overlays, physics, etc. that are new to the PS3 version of 12 are here, too. This includes the new glove/bat sounds.

Again, I am really happy with it and can't wait to play again (have some grading to do ). I was really worried when I started reading this thread this morning but am now excited again. Right now, it scores an 8.5 from me!!!

[vagrantwade]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Personally I disagree with anyone complaining about the speed. I just spent a couple hours with it. With the console version I will leave all presentations on and have game play speed at normal for the first couple of weeks. Then after that I disable almost all replays and cutscenes and speed it up anyways. So for me, it's playing at the speed me likey.

[Aggies7]

Same rules apply from PS3 Impression Thread.

No comments unless you have the game and are sharing your impressions.

Thank you.

[pboreham]

Re: MLB 12 The Show - Vita Impressions Thread

Good news, after yesterday's disappointment, I'm really enjoying the game!

Ignoring the sometimes dirty textures and little oddities, and just enjoying some great baseball.

So please don't worry you guys who haven't got it yet, you are going to love it I reckon! As I said yesterday, i kinda hope I lowered expectations and you will like it more than you expected come Tuesday!?