MLB 2K7 First Look

[PUNK em 733]

Almost time to play ball! (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/757/757057p1.html)

I LOVE Baseball, I'm addicted to MVP 2005 on PS2, hopefully this one is good. If it plays the way it looks, it should be the best ever.

January 19, 2007 - "Wait till next year." Easily one of the worst phrases any sports fan can utter, those four words are the last attempt to absolve teams of mistakes or lackluster play over a season. The same can be said for some games. While some of the concepts behind Major League Baseball 2K6 were good ideas, their implementation was less than stellar. Whether it was the baserunning issues, fielding problems or visually tame player models, MLB 2K6 seemed more like it was in the minor leagues at times.

What a difference a year makes. Instead of trying to brush off the issues that plagued the previous game with a load of new features, 2K Sports decided to completely overhaul the pre-existing title. Don't think that this is a step backwards at all though, as the core features of the game that worked well have been retained while other aspects are being re-tuned and fixed. 2K Sports stopped by a few days ago, and showed off a number of the improvements to the next gen versions of the franchise, and the attention to detail is definitely noticeable. For instance, the design team wanted to bring little nuances to each player's game, so they decided to implement what they're calling Signature Style for each player.
Everything from a player's batting rituals at the plate to facial expressions have been captured in this year's game, making them seem like their real-life counterparts. Player accessories have also been personalized as well, so if an athlete wears things like baggy pants, wrist bands or a certain type of glove, they'll be properly represented. Player models have also been improved to with accurate physiques for each athlete. No longer are there simply tall or stocky character models; larger players like Bartolo Colon or C.C. Sabathia will actually have guts in the game (maybe now they'll actually hit a treadmill -- although I'm not holding my breath).

There've also been some subtle changes to some of last year's features. The Inside Edge scouting system does make a return to MLB 2K7, although there's now a bit more of a bonus system provided to batters. If a particular pitcher has been scouted before the game, and a batter uses this information to guess where a ball may be going in a particular hot or cold zone, they'll receive additional power on their swing. The controversial sprinting mechanic, which could give some players a superhuman burst of speed as long as you had quick fingers, does make a return in 2K7, although it has been redesigned. Now, the burst has been downgraded to a more realistic and manageable level. As for fielding, players will notice a couple of changes to last year's Pure Motion Physics system. Not only will guys back up positions on some plays, accurately responding with relay and cutoff men, but fielders will smoothly get in position to make the catch, planting and adjusting to make the play. This addresses the stuttering animation issues that hampered throws or dives last year.

Now, while this is the first time that 2K Sports has brought baseball to the PS3, they're still planning on taking advantage of the SIXAXIS controller when you're at the plate. To use the feature, players keep the controller level in front of them, and simply push the controller forward to make contact with the ball. Now, you can push or pull the ball to the left or the right by twisting the controller in those directions. Similarly, you can influence whether you're going to try to pop the ball up or aim for a ground ball by pushing the controller up or down in a 30 degree angle. It seems to take a little getting used to, but once you've got the hang of it, it's a creative use of the motion sensitivity mechanic.

Fans of the 2K series will also pick up on some of the other touches that have been included to make the game seem much more natural or vibrant. For one thing, players will notice pitchers sent out to bullpens to warm up during a game. Umpires will have their own personality, which can affect their tolerance towards a call that a player may want to argue. Some may be willing to take a little jawing, while others will be quick to start tossing players out of the game. You'll notice different camera angles that frame the action from the mound to the plate. In particular, we were impressed by the Dirt Cam and Grass Cam, which presented sharp details of on-field action. This is especially cool when you're watching a replay of baserunning, which has received a facelift. No longer will you see large numbers in the corners of the screen to represent a base. Now, you'll find a runner moving on the screen via a transparent overlay, with bases appearing as he nears them. These technical improvements will be supported with a stronger presence from the commentary crew. Jeanne Zelasko and Steve Physioc will have a much more in-depth presentation before the start of games, and Jon Miller and Joe Morgan will once again anchor the solid play-by-play for each game.

Other features from the previous game, like Franchise mode and GM Career mode, have gotten minor tweaks as well. For instance, Franchise mode has received a visual makeover (which kind of looks like "Franchise for Windows"), with pulldown menus and information broken out in a more visually segmented way. GM Career mode, on the other hand, now has a low level economic system, where players will set ticket prices and handle other promotional aspects of a club. Plus, for those GMs that want to take on competition, online league play will be available for players to test their skills.

We'll have more on MLB 2K7 soon, but for now, check out the latest screens and this exclusive trailer of the game in action.

[EvilTaru]

I heard the batting mechanics isn't very good, I will most likely choose MLB the Show PS3 over this, recently both MLB the Show and MVP were better series.

[PUNK em 733]

Yeah MVP was the best, and I tried the show, I HATED it. I hope, HOPE that they can make a decent game.

[Sephiroth_VII]

Baseball games? Never heard of them, so it's a US exclusive, right?

[frosty]

Some really clean graphics. The physics seems good too. The players actually look like they have weight to them when they run and collide with each other.

[CrumCon]

now this is what i call animation.. this is what i call the beginning of next-gen.

[Grovestreet]

Baseball?:laugh: No thanks, Does look good though.

[Nameless]

Looks ok...
It's been awhile since I played a baseball game.
Once all the baseball titles are released I may consider a purchase...

[MaceSin]

If this is anywhere close to as good as The Show then I'll be a happy camper.

[jaxmkii]

yea im going to hold out for mvp

[GD|eNSo]

I love baseball games, but I want simulation. I already got burned on 2K Sports NHL, so i'm not going to drop my money on this game. Better to wait for the other ones.

I have a feeling 2K Sports don't really follow or know much about sports.

[PUNK em 733]

yea im going to hold out for mvp


I would too, LOVED the MVP series, but they lost the MLB license. The MVP games are all now college baseball. No Thanks.

[Stelio]

I love baseball games, but I want simulation. I already got burned on 2K Sports NHL, so i'm not going to drop my money on this game. Better to wait for the other ones.

I have a feeling 2K Sports don't really follow or know much about sports.

WOW, I can't believe you just said that. Ever heard of NFL 2K5? It's only the best football game ever made. The NBA version is also the best in its class. NHL has more room for improvement, judging on the direction EA has now taken their NHL game, 2K7 is now on par and will only get better...

-STELIO

[jaxmkii]

I would too, LOVED the MVP series, but they lost the MLB license. The MVP games are all now college baseball. No Thanks.
;(:ohno:

[venomv]

WOW, I can't believe you just said that. Ever heard of NFL 2K5? It's only the best football game ever made. The NBA version is also the best in its class. NHL has more room for improvement, judging on the direction EA has now taken their NHL game, 2K7 is now on par and will only get better...

-STELIO

He said he wants simulation, Madden does a far better job of that.

[PUNK em 733]

This is starting to piss me off. (http://sports.ign.com/articles/757/757962p1.html)


January 23, 2007 - In developing new sports games, so many companies are obsessed with the features that appear on the back of the box that often times, the game inside the box is insanely ignored. Too many titles continue to pile on features while their core gameplay, their core AI continue to underwhelm to the point of fan abandonment.

I seriously think sports gaming is in trouble and it's not because producers can't come up with the big idea. Coming up with a headline-grabbing catch phrase is a lot easier than addressing the real problems of the engine. So many developers fail to see the truth in the missed tackles, missed jumpers, and missing intelligence, that it's almost mind-blowing to see a company slam on the brakes and not try to overwhelm gamers with 28 "innovative liquid-freestyle-thunderclap-snap" features and actually concentrate on the core of the sport they're attempting to mimic.

A few years back, EA did just that by cancelling the terribly inept Triple Play series and starting from scratch with MVP Baseball (NBA Live, you better be next!). They had a three-year plan, working first on fundamentals, then year by year adding features to deepen the experience. As their plan played out, EA had the best playing baseball game on the market.

While MVP thrived, 2K Sports was suffering from overfeatureitis (TM). They tried to stuff their baseball games with so many new concepts every year that the overall experience felt neglected. Many of the ideas were fresh and if done right would add sufficient juice to the gameplay, but with everything rushed to meet deadlines, nothing ever felt completely fleshed out.

So now 2K is taking a page from EA's baseball book of success. And they even hired one of the leads from the MVP team to help with the turnaround process.

I told you a few months back that MVP's gameplay designer, Ben Brinkman had jumped to 2K, and his first mission wasn't to add players crying in front of congress or 196 variations of "overrated" chants at A-Rod (although you could imagine the possibilities).

What did Brinkman want to fix? "It's all about authenticity," he emphasized (that, and the elimination of the Fred McGriff hats).

And now that we've gotten a chance to play both the PS3 and Xbox 360 builds, we have to admit, the direction of the game is as authentic as Zito's jelly-leggin' 12-6 curve.

While the game doesn't hit until March, here are five things you should know about the game that will get you in the mood for some diamond dandies.

1. Authenticity through Signature Style

C.C. Sabathia stole my fries. Alright, maybe it never happened, but the man hasn't missed a meal in some time and his body is now the poster for everything that is right about MLB 2K7. Last year, C.C.'s model in the game was tall, but when we're talking about how big the Cleveland pitcher is in real life, we're talking Sid Fernandez big, not Randy Johnson. Finally, somebody was paying attention. C.C.'s got a gut, he's got his tilted cap, and he's ready to roll. There are over 150 signature animations in the game, but C.C. takes the cake (hey, better to eat cake than steal it and throw it at the birthday boy, right Kwame?).

Adds Brinkman: "He (C.C.) is like a freight train: he starts out pretty slowly than just as he's about the throw the ball he explodes with power and force culminating in his signature follow through. Making it more of an impact is that his body type is spot on to his real life body type. Between how big he is and his delivery I imagine facing him in real life is a pretty intimidating…When you see guys like Nomar go through his extensive batting ritual, or when you see details like C.C. Sabathia's cap just slightly off-center, it's these details that bring gamers closer to the experience. When you have gamers recognize baseball players in a video game by the way they move instead of by their name or number on the player, you've done your job really well."

And the authenticity continues down to the player faces and cloth physics. "We had some pretty average looking faces last year and nearly all of our player faces have been redone from the ground-up using scanned data," says Brinkman. "It's actually their faces on our facial model! Cloth physics was an element we definitely wanted to focus on for this year, so players who wear their pants a little baggy, you'll definitely see that in the game and they will have the associated movement physics. One of the cooler things you'll see is that on a breezy day the jerseys of the players will actually rustle in the wind."

2. The Inside Edge Inside Scoop

Not only does Inside Edge return, the mode has been fine-tuned to give batters a bonus for guessing the right spot of the oncoming pitch. Pick the spot and watch as you get good wood on the ball. We're not talking slow-motion, homerun every time madness, we're talking play smart and succeed. You'll hit the ball a bit harder (if you time your swing right on top of guessing the location, of course), maybe shoot one in the gap that otherwise would've been cutoff, but it's a great gameplay bonus for using your brains and correctly guessing the pitch location.

One thing about location and gameplay that's missing on the PS3, though, is the ability to feel the location of your pitches through the rumble. Obviously, there is no rumble on the PS3 controller, so how are you supposed to hide your location from the batter by using the rumble to know when you're out of the strike zone? IGN's own Hilary Goldstein brought this up during the demo and it was something I never even thought about before, but he's right. PS3 owners are going to have a hell of a time hiding their pitch location in 2-player contests unless 2K comes up with a new way for pitchers to know when they're moving out of the zone.

3. Other Differences Between the PS3 and 360

The 360 version simply looks better. The colors pop. The animations, at this point, run smoother. So much for spending $600.

To top it off, while full 30-man online leagues will be available on the 360, right now the PS3 plan is for up to 12-man leagues (although the team is pushing hard to get 30-man teams in the PS3 version as well, but it might be too much to ask).

What do you get if you're a PS3 owner? You get the ability to swing your bat by pushing the controller forward in a motion like you're sliding the soup back to the waiter because you just found a fly in your minestrone. First swing I took with the PS3 controller, I hit a homerun. Does that mean it's too easy? We'll wait and see, but something like this, in my opinion, would be better off left to the homerun derby. If you're preaching authenticity, it seems contradictory to then all of a sudden tell people that they have hold the controller flat out in front of their body then push it forward to swing. At least when you're playing Wii Sports, you're swinging the controller like a bat. Here, something about the experience just seems awkward. You can keep the soup.

4. Big Blue Gold, Black and Blue Still MIA

Not only do we finally get umpire introductions complete with fake names to protect the not-so-innocent, but if you track the umpires and their calls (not to mention their patience for arguing calls), you'll find that each ump features his own unique AI logic.

What's still missing? How about bench clearing brawls? How can the MLB license a game like Slugfest and then not let their trademark games like 2K7 and MLB 2007 feature players charging the mound? The NHL at least limits the amounts of fights that can take place during videogames, why can't MLB do the same? Is Jose Canseco going to need to write a book about the subject before MLB will even acknowledge my pleas?

5. Authenticity Begins at Home

All of the stadiums in the game have been completely redone, from the bullpens to the ball boys to the fans making one-handed grabs of foul balls (only thing missing is the guy in the front row on his cell phone). Jon Miller and Joe Morgan return as the announce team and already sound near-perfect in the preview builds. It's incredible how smooth and on-point they were on their calls, and it really adds to the feeling that what you're seeing truly is big league.




How many times are we gonna see games look better on the 360? Also they can implement 30 man leagues on it, but the PS3 has only 12 man leagues? Haven't they had the same amount of development time?

[frosty]

All that proves is one editor's opinion over a game that is incomplete. Everyone knows PS3 is harder to develop for than 360, so why do you expect them to be as far along with the PS3 version as they are on the 360 version?

[Fats]

Man, don't worry about it. I'm contradicting myself because I can bitch a lot as well, but things like this will be ironed out in time. Trust me, as other people would tell me, the PS2 went though the exact same phase (But I wasn't as aware of it because I had little to no access to the Internet).

[PUNK em 733]

Well they have a month and a half at best, doesn't sound like alot of time to iron things out, but here's to hope.

[LiquidEagle]

http://ps3media.ign.com/ps3/image/article/757/757091/major-league-baseball-2k7-20070119042919695.jpg

Alls I know is that guy's glove looks reeeeally good. While the bodies themselves need some toning down IMO, I think Visual Concepts really nailed the look of their uniforms and some of the environments. The grass gives off too much of a flat look at times but the dirt textures really are something. Just my opinion, but I'm not a sports gamer, and definitely not a baseball one :-p

[PUNK em 733]

That's C.C. Sabastia (sp), they actually nailed his body, he's a chunky guy, even his hat is crooked to the side like that in all his games.

[Epix]

New HD vid: http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=16557&type=mov

LOVE the new cloth dynamics.

[curryking1]

Those ARE wicked cloth physics. Most impressive in a sports title for sure.

[GD|eNSo]

New HD vid: http://www.gametrailers.com/player.php?id=16557&type=mov

LOVE the new cloth dynamics.

Okay, that looks amazing, but since when have they incorperated wind tunnels at baseball stadiums? That wind is insane.

[PUNK em 733]

Okay, that looks amazing, but since when have they incorperated wind tunnels at baseball stadiums? That wind is insane.


I've seen it windier than that, doesn't look unusual, esp in Fenway.

[GTAce]

Maybe they just make the wind so strong to show the (AWESOME!) animations.
The animations from the pitcher are great too, but the ground textures imo not.
But i like it, i never played a Baseball game but i really want to change that with the PS3.^^

EDIT: The blur effect in the Background looks pretty cool (depth of field?) .

[PUNK em 733]

How would wind speed show off animation?

[Epix]

^ I think he means physics animations/simulations.

[GD|eNSo]

I've seen it windier than that, doesn't look unusual, esp in Fenway.

I don't know, i've been watching baseball for quite a while and I have yet to see it that bad. It would make sense if it would be a slight breeze here and there.

Where and when did you see it windier then that? I've watched quite a few BoSox games and fail to remember the players looking like they are skying diving.

Again, looks real nice, but they need to tone it down if they are aiming for a simulation.

[PUNK em 733]

I don't know, i've been watching baseball for quite a while and I have yet to see it that bad. It would make sense if it would be a slight breeze here and there.

Where and when did you see it windier then that? I've watched quite a few BoSox games and fail to remember the players looking like they are skying diving.

Again, looks real nice, but they need to tone it down if they are aiming for a simulation.


First off I'm a diehard Yankee fan, even though I'm from Cali, I'm a native New Yorker. I know Fenway gets swirling, gusty wind conditions. Nothing like some conditions in Yankee stadium, or even At&T park park, but I HAVe seen it that windy in many a game, the jerseys blowing that ferociously, garbage blowing across the field at what looks like 30 or so MPH. So yes in my many thousands of viewing of Ball games, I have seen it that windy, if not worse.

[GTAce]

How would wind speed show off animation?

Lol sorry my bad, i mean the physics/animations from the clothes.^^
I can imagine that you can change the wind speed in the game and in this video it was just very strong, so they can show off the new physics/animations from the clothes etc.

[venomv]

And Chicago can get some nasty winds coming off of Lake Michigan, but I'm not sure how bad the baseball stadiums get it, I don't pay much attention to baseball.....

[SevenDesigns]

This is starting to piss me off. (http://sports.ign.com/articles/757/757962p1.html)





How many times are we gonna see games look better on the 360? Also they can implement 30 man leagues on it, but the PS3 has only 12 man leagues? Haven't they had the same amount of development time?

To me, the problem isn't that the PS3 version at the moment isn't on par with the Xbox360. But I hate how certain editors make sarcastic comments about certain products to make it look bad, or the fans of the product.

Comments like ''so much for spending $600'' and ''but it might be too much to ask'' are just ridiculously stupid at this point.

I mean, the PS3 version is obviously behind in development due to them having a better understanding of how the Xbox360 works compared to the PS3, they just got final dev kits for... like how long ago?

And since this is an early title for the PS3, it's not going to automatically look as good or better than a second gen Xbox360 title.

This will change, and i'll make sure to be there to say ''I told you so'' to all the goons I argue with online who hate on the PS3 whenever possible.

[gibmonster]

To me, the problem isn't that the PS3 version at the moment isn't on par with the Xbox360. But I hate how certain editors make sarcastic comments about certain products to make it look bad, or the fans of the product.

Comments like ''so much for spending $600'' and ''but it might be too much to ask'' are just ridiculously stupid at this point.

I mean, the PS3 version is obviously behind in development due to them having a better understanding of how the Xbox360 works compared to the PS3, they just got final dev kits for... like how long ago?

And since this is an early title for the PS3, it's not going to automatically look as good or better than a second gen Xbox360 title.

This will change, and i'll make sure to be there to say ''I told you so'' to all the goons I argue with online who hate on the PS3 whenever possible.

I agree with you. They can't report something without sensationalising it with their own opinion. I guess it's because these sites get pretty much all their money from advertising or freebies, so all they really care about is getting the clicks. It's really annoying. I can form my own opinions...I guess professional journalism just might be too much to ask for lol

[GD|eNSo]

First off I'm a diehard Yankee fan, even though I'm from Cali, I'm a native New Yorker. I know Fenway gets swirling, gusty wind conditions. Nothing like some conditions in Yankee stadium, or even At&T park park, but I HAVe seen it that windy in many a game, the jerseys blowing that ferociously, garbage blowing across the field at what looks like 30 or so MPH. So yes in my many thousands of viewing of Ball games, I have seen it that windy, if not worse.

I'm a Jay's fan, and been watching for about 10 years now. Being in the same division, I get to see many BoSox, Yanks games, and I have yet to see it that bad.

I can see a gust of wind coming in for a few seconds, but they way they show it in that video is just too much.

This will obviously go no where, because you'll just say "I've seen it, I've seen it!" so I'm going to stop now. Just want to say if they really want to make this a simulation, like they are saying so, then they should cut down on the wind. Unless they plan on making it look like they are simulating flags on top of high poles, it does not seem right.

If they are going with high wind, then it better affect the pitches, contact and the hits, cause it did not look like it in that video.

I guess this is the challange we are going to face with this gen. It looks so good that the littlest flaws stand out just way too much.

Other then that, looks decent, and I like the "team buzz" factor. Although, "team buzz" would be pretty mute idea when it comes to BoSox/Yanks.

[PUNK em 733]

I'm a Jay's fan, and been watching for about 10 years now. Being in the same division, I get to see many BoSox, Yanks games, and I have yet to see it that bad.

I can see a gust of wind coming in for a few seconds, but they way they show it in that video is just too much.

This will obviously go no where, because you'll just say "I've seen it, I've seen it!" so I'm going to stop now. Just want to say if they really want to make this a simulation, like they are saying so, then they should cut down on the wind. Unless they plan on making it look like they are simulating flags on top of high poles, it does not seem right.

If they are going with high wind, then it better affect the pitches, contact and the hits, cause it did not look like it in that video.

I guess this is the challange we are going to face with this gen. It looks so good that the littlest flaws stand out just way too much.

Other then that, looks decent, and I like the "team buzz" factor. Although, "team buzz" would be pretty mute idea when it comes to BoSox/Yanks.


You're right this will go nowhere. Like the other poster said you will be able to control wind speed, all my PS2 baseball games let you, can't see why PS3 ones wouldn't.

[Stelio]

He said he wants simulation, Madden does a far better job of that.

NOPE...

I'll meet you half way and say that our opinions differ.

We'll leave it at that

;)

[PUNK em 733]

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/766/766744p1.html


February 22, 2007 - Originally scheduled for release on March 6, 2K Sports announced today that Major League Baseball 2K7 is now coming a week earlier. MLB 2K7 has gone gold and will be in stores on February 27 for PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox and Xbox 360.

MLB 2K7 features revamped A.I., Signature Style animations and the voices of broadcasters Jon Miller and Joe Morgan. Unfortunately, no rift between Alex Rodriguez and MLB 2K7 coverboy Derek Jeter exists in the game.

Keep an eye on IGN early next week for our full review of MLB 2K7.


WOOOOO-HOOOOO!!!

I'll be seeing you cats online.

[jaxmkii]

6 F$%^ yea! F1 and MLB on the same day!

[Acason79]

6 F$%^ yea! F1 and MLB on the same day!

Hell yes, Tuesday is gonna be a great day!!

[PUNK em 733]

IGN review (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/768/768221p1.html)


February 27, 2007 - After particularly lackluster performances, athletes will sometimes wish they had a do-over in their back pocket. That way, they have a chance to fix the mistakes that were made during a game, a series, or even an entire season. Game companies want the same thing, especially when a title doesn't perform as well as initially believed. When 2K Sports released MLB 2K6 last year, they were hoping to usher in the next generation of baseball. Unfortunately, they released a game that barely fluttered across the strike zone. But instead of forging ahead with new features slapped on top of problem filled play, 2K Sports decided to make MLB 2K7 its "do-over" title, focusing on fixing the previous year's flaws.

What does that mean? Well, you're not getting the Cactus and Grapefruit Hanley Ramirez will be safe nine times out of ten for this year's game. Speaking of rounding the bases, the queuing up of bases works much better in MLB 2K7. For instance, if you hit a ball into deep left that goes to the wall and you're trying to extend the run, you can immediately pull the R-Trigger as soon as the fielder tosses the ball to the cutoff man and safely get a standing double without fear that your athlete will charge off for third.

Since MLB 2K7's advance and retreat commands are much tighter, you can even slide into a base and not be afraid that your player will pop up and make a move unless you're specifically giving him that command. However, even with these old advancement issues fixed, you'll notice some odd hesitation steps whenever a player is rounding the bag and going for another base, even if you've queued up multiple bases. For instance, if you're on second base with a lead off and there's a solid hit into the outfield that isn't caught, you're not going to slowdown as you round third for home plate. For some reason, every athlete has this hitch as they run, and this slowdown in speed can sometimes result in an unexpected out.

Fielding has also received a lot of attention, especially because some of the funkier issues that would crop up with players thanks to the Pure Motion Physics system. Last year, it was extremely tricky to make cuts towards the ball or accurately get a jump on a pop fly because the game made turning and sprinting to an area on the field an extremely slow process. In fact, if you managed to play a defensive adjustment just right and drop the ball away from a fielder, you could easily snag a single or double. What's more, some fielders would get caught in fielding animations before they tried to grab and throw the ball.

For the most part, both of these issues have been addressed in MLB 2K7. The physics system behind turning and sprinting in the game is much sharper, and will give you the flexibility to adjust to a ball a lot faster than before. This means that it will be much easier to track down those screaming balls that make it into the gap, or make diving catches for pop ups that are just out of reach. You'll also notice that athletes aren't as locked into animations as they were in last year's game. It's much easier, for example, to have a third baseman grab a grounder down the line and fire it to first base for the out than watch him struggle to get it out of his glove.

There are still some odd issues with fielding. For one, there are some strange hesitations with grabbing the ball every now and then, even though a player is in position to make the play. I stopped counting the number of times that a shortstop was literally on top of a ball and somehow managed to miss the ball entirely, as if he's trying to barehand it and missed. The game doesn't count it as an error; instead, it registered it as if he wasn't in position to make the play at all. Other times, with a runner on second during a pop fly, the computer will throw the ball to the catcher instead of the cutoff man, which lets the runner take third without being contested. What's more, using the right analog stick to dive or climb walls is still a bit unintuitive. While the hesitation isn't as bad as it was last year with diving, climbing walls will easily result more often than not in your players going face first into a wall than denying a homer. It feels like the tracking on the wall is a bit off, and even if your athlete has a foot on the wall and is timing the ball perfectly, they can (and often will) slide off and fall down.

Perhaps this has to do with the readjusted AI within the game to make the play seem much more realistic and honest to the game itself. In previous baseball games, the computer had an unnatural way of playing a perfect, error free game. In MLB 2K7, the AI will actually make mistakes that a human player would, which significantly adds to the gameplay. For instance, outfielders will sometimes not communicate and go crashing into each other, causing the fly ball to go bouncing. Similarly, players caught in a pickle may be able to actually escape the rundown because an infielder will make a bad throw or hesitate long enough for a runner to slide into a base. However, the computer still has a tendency to pull out error free play every now and then when it needs to, easily smashing balls that are outside of the strike zone for home runs or turning double plays to get back up to bat.

Unfortunately, The World Baseball Classic has been cut, meaning that international teams have been eliminated from this year's game. Apart from that, the only changes that have occurred to the game modes are the visual facelift to the Franchise and GM Career modes. The clean "Franchise for Windows" look with pulldown menus and segmented information puts the submenu data at your fingertips whenever you want it, and controlling the fate of your club much easier. For instance, the trade finder, which simplified offering or acquiring players, was hidden in last year's game. It's now extremely easy to jump into and change the makeup of your dugout (assuming other teams want the players you put up on the block).
Not only can you track stats like league leaders and budgetary concerns of your franchise, but you can constantly get news on the other clubs thanks to the upper right "Buzz Box." Everything from trades to incredible performances scrolls through this informational area, which gives players a better sense of how the league is progressing as the season moves along. At the very least, 2K Sports should consider implementing this presentational style for its other sports titles and abandoning its cluttered menu system. If there was any criticism for the new Franchise/GM system, it would have to revolve around the "low-level" economy system that feels arbitrarily tagged onto the game. The only control that you have over the money coming into the organization is by ticket prices. As a result, worrying about whether or not you've set the ticket prices too high and are collecting enough dough from your team feels extremely shallow. Where are the radio spots, promotional nights, stadium maintenance fees or other vital organizational tasks are presented to you when you're worrying about your budget?

The improved visuals in MLB 2K7 aren't solely limited to the franchise and GM mode. A ton of attention was paid to the various athletes within the game thanks to the so called "Signature Style" implemented for each player. At the very basic level, it simply extends to whether or not a character wears baggy or tight uniforms or what their body shape looks like (including varying levels of guts for some players). It's very cool to see the wind ripple the uniforms as you go from light to strong breeze during an inning, and the self shadowing on the character models looks great. Now, at its most detailed, Signature Style extends to everything from shin guards and gloves to rituals that each player breaks out at the plate. We're talking about Nomar Garciaparra's wrist and elbow flap whenever he misses the ball to Derek Jeter's glove check.

Like last year, many of the faces for the athletes are good. The detail in faces of athletes like Damon and Pujols definitely comes to mind. However, just like last year, there are still some athletes, like David Wright, who have a generic appearance. Some of the faces look like they've melted in the sun or have been fused into an amorphous blob. For example, Paul Lo Duca looks like the Phantom of the Opera. The same can be said for the crowd, which just looks hideous. At least other presentational elements, like the television style camera angles, are simply beautiful. Apart from K Cam, you've got the Grass Cam and Dirt Cam, which gives you a sense of being in the middle of the action.

There are also a number of visual issues that crop up during play. For one thing, players can sometimes phase through each other during slides or foul pop-ups. There are also a lot of camera issues that slows down the overall gameplay at random times. For instance, you'll pick this up during a zoom on a player stepping into the batter's box, and a strange amount of rendering passes filters over the stadiums and crowds in the stands every now and then. At first, it seems like it's a consequence of the overused blur filters on the camera lens that suddenly swing into focus, but the more you play the game, the more you notice that this happens regardless of the camera angle. As an aside, what's up with the blimp and moon shots? These are bland and generic camera angles that often showcase the slowdown of the game, and don't particularly match up with the rest of the gameplay.

Once again, Jeanne Zelasko and Steve Physioc provide pre-game dialogue, and are exceptional with their commentary. It's apparent that these two have been spending a ton of time in the booth, with lots of new comments. Unfortunately for Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, much of their dialogue is recycled from last year. If you've played last year's title, you know practically everything they'll say from the viewer mail to the incredulous, "You're killing me, Ump!" Unfortunately, it also seems like there's a loop of this dialogue, so you may wind up hearing a lot of these lines in a particular game.

Closing Comments
While its debut on the PS3 isn't a bad one, this isn't what you'd expect when the title is supposed to erase the bad taste from the previous year's game. MLB 2K6 was hamstrung by fielding and baserunning issues that hampered play. This year, some of those problems were addressed in MLB 2K7, but others have cropped up to replace them: Odd fielding choices, hesitation steps around bases and tons of slowdown that randomly assaults the game. That's also excluding the un-updated rosters, repetitive dialogue and other issues that crop up. Finally, the SIXAXIS control scheme, while creative, just doesn't get the job done as much as you'd hope it would. 2K7 is still fun, but a number of its issues hamper the enjoyment of this title.

7.5 Presentation
The television styled presentation is hampered by slowdown, constant rendering passes and overused blur filters.
8.0 Graphics
Some faces look very close to their real life counterparts. Others are simply horrendous, and the visual tricks aren't doing them any favors.
7.5 Sound
Fresh pre-game dialogue from Zelasko and Physioc can't overwhelm stale lines from Miller and Morgan.
7.0 Gameplay
Some of the issues from last year have been fixed, only to be replaced by new ones. Bugs, ineffective Sixaxis control and other issues help hamper an enjoyable experience.
7.5 Lasting Appeal
The redesigned Franchise/GM Career will give you lots to do, but the slowdown and glitches will decrease your enjoyment of the game.
7.4
Decent OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

Just for a reference the 360 got a 7.9.

[jaxmkii]

i like using the SixaxiS for batting... its like having a Wii with 360 grafix

[totobeni]

i like using the SixaxiS for batting... its like having a Wii with 360 grafix

...the baseball in Wii sport was not all that ...at all..., i hope Sixaxis will do better ..anyway ...no one can beat the show


this is still the best baseball game ...
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000MIQBGC.01-A23NLORBGXOLEO._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg


i will wait for The Show PS3 ...

[BruceWayneIII]

7.5 Presentation
The television styled presentation is hampered by slowdown, constant rendering passes and overused blur filters.
8.0 Graphics
Some faces look very close to their real life counterparts. Others are simply horrendous, and the visual tricks aren't doing them any favors.
7.5 Sound
Fresh pre-game dialogue from Zelasko and Physioc can't overwhelm stale lines from Miller and Morgan.
7.0 Gameplay
Some of the issues from last year have been fixed, only to be replaced by new ones. Bugs, ineffective Sixaxis control and other issues help hamper an enjoyable experience.
7.5 Lasting Appeal
The redesigned Franchise/GM Career will give you lots to do, but the slowdown and glitches will decrease your enjoyment of the game.
7.4
Decent OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

As pointed out, the XBox 360 version got a 7.9.
I checked the breakdown, take a look:

8.0 Presentation
The television styled presentation is hampered by odd slowdown issues, constant rendering passes and overused blur filters.
8.0 Graphics
Some faces look very close to their real life counterparts. Others are simply horrendous, and the visual tricks aren't doing them any favors.
7.5 Sound
Fresh pre-game dialogue from Zelasko and Physioc can't overwhelm stale lines from Miller and Morgan.
7.5 Gameplay
Some of the issues from last year have been fixed, only to be replaced by new ones. Bugs, glitches and other issues help hamper an enjoyable experience.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
The redesigned Franchise/GM Career will give you lots to do, but the numerous slowdown and glitches will decrease your enjoyment of the game.
7.9
Good OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)


http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/768/768722p3.html

I honestly don't know what to believe. The complaints are exactly the same. The PS3 is simply being downgraded in points - a difference between 'good' and 'decent'. It can't be due to any idea, that the PS3 holds more potential - given that the graphics score is the exact same.

I haven't read and checked the entire two articles with a magnifier - and I won't - but a quick scan showed me identical paragraphs. They did however mention the Sixaxis in the PS3 review.

I'd really like to understand how to read reviews like that. IGN?

[PUNK em 733]

So totobeni have you played the show?

[PUNK em 733]

Just got MLB 2K7 just now! I'm so excited like a littl' girlie. I gottas take a shower and go to work, I'll be on all night tonight.

[Kabbage]

.... Fool, it is PS3. That means -.5 Points from each score automatically. :thumbr:

[totobeni]

Fool, it is PS3. That means -.5 Points from each score automatically. :thumbr:

indeed...

same feature + Free Online + good motion batting = -5 points :laugh:

stupid reviewer

[PUNK em 733]

I can't say for sure, but ppl are saying the 360 looks slightly smoother, and has a slightly better framerate.

[PUNK em 733]

I have had it for almost a week, and I think I'm gonna bring it back. I think it's okay, but online is a bit laggy, and you don't even have an option to switch feilding views. I hope The Show is better.

[Z]

regardless of the comparisons, I am impressed by the title's animation and graphics. another score for the 2k series.
baseball is not an easy sport to simulate, that is why we don't see many baseball games out there. I don't think the mighty EA is makes regular baseball games- and that's saying something.

[PUNK em 733]

regardless of the comparisons, I am impressed by the title's animation and graphics. another score for the 2k series.
baseball is not an easy sport to simulate, that is why we don't see many baseball games out there. I don't think the mighty EA is makes regular baseball games- and that's saying something.


That's cause EA lost the MLB license.