MLB The Show 18
MLB The Show 18 Launch Day Is Here, Your Impressions!
MLB The Show 18 is now in stores!
To celebrate we’re creating a space on the front page for the afternoon where you can see other OS’er impressions of the game and share your own in the comments.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out Robert Kollar’s first impressions of the game here.
And stay tuned as we’ll have our full review as well as full team coverage of the game over the next couple of weeks!
Share your impressions of your first games with MLB The Show 18 below!
Only had a chance to play 3 games last night.
Servers don't seem to be up (I don't play online, but wasn't able to download the latest roster).
To be honest, the game felt almost the same as 17. Don't get me wrong, I love the game, but if you're looking for dramatically improved/different gameplay, you'll be disappointed.
So far it seems like a roster update, and some of the franchise screens/menus look nicer.
I really like the batting timing feedback thingy
I traditionally use meter pitching but I really like the analog meter with home plate on it and think I might try and use that this year. Trying to paint corners with that meter could be fun.
4k mode or "sharper" is still choppy IMO
I hit a slicing ball down the line and it showed my batter running towards first while he slowly bent over to set the bat down as he was running but all the while watching the ball to see if the ball sliced foul. It was truly jaw dropping.
I really like the batting timing feedback thingy
I traditionally use meter pitching but I really like the analog meter with home plate on it and think I might try and use that this year. Trying to paint corners with that meter could be fun.
4k mode or "sharper" is still choppy IMO
Thanks for the 4K impression. Was hoping it would be smoothed out this year.
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I think in the end we may not see it improve soon. Might be a hardware limitation?
I hit a slicing ball down the line and it showed my batter running towards first while he slowly bent over to set the bat down as he was running but all the while watching the ball to see if the ball sliced foul. It was truly jaw dropping.
Thanks for the impressions. Looking forward to 11pm cst
I hit a slicing ball down the line and it showed my batter running towards first while he slowly bent over to set the bat down as he was running but all the while watching the ball to see if the ball sliced foul. It was truly jaw dropping.
That's great to hear, the presentation improvements was the only thing that had me exited and was what pushed me over the edge to purchase 18.
I really like the batting timing feedback thingy
I traditionally use meter pitching but I really like the analog meter with home plate on it and think I might try and use that this year. Trying to paint corners with that meter could be fun.
4k mode or "sharper" is still choppy IMO
Yes does feel very similar.. almost glad i havent played 17 in months to feel “fresh”.. but in sure after 10 or so games ill start noticing all the new changes. I think with hdr and 4k on it looks the best to me and the chop isnt like a lag its been very subtle to me and im going to keep these settings now cuz it isnt affecting my timing on swings. I think if i keep going back and forth between the settings its just gonna mess with me and ill find little nuances between each so im just going to stick with it and enjoy the beauty..
default is fish eye bat view.. is this a new view? Cant remember but it is a bit to far back from me sticking with fish eye 2 and considering catcher high but i like being able to see most of the stadium when batting so i dont know.
Now just need the servers and roster update so i can get my franchise with my sorry mets going.
Pretty disappointed they haven't updated a lot of the pictures when you go through their stats. A lot of outdated and missing pictures for players, a lot of them rookies.
Hopefully there's an update patch for these. Same deal happened with NBA 2K18, wonder why they've become lazy to update these things. Even if it's small. It's always the little things.
No face scan for Clint Frazier? That's disappointing.
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I played my first game on default HOF and came out with a 2 to 1 win. Pitching and hitting both felt crisp and fluid.
Really enjoying the presentation and commentary. The audio sounds alot better coming off my speakers than in the stream. I think Dero is a welcomed addition so far. I really enjoy his work on mlb central and think he translates well witj matt.
So far so good!
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Agreed.
I thought the intro for '17 was great, but I believe '18 tops it.
Trying to load my save file from '17 and I keep getting an error that reads:
"This save file was not advanced at least one calendar year in the previous year's release"
I played primarily on '16, then at the end of the offseason uploaded to '17 and waited to upload to '18.
Why am I not allowed to upload???? :confused:
If I lost my franchise due to this, I'm not going to be a very happy camper. I had to start over in '16 due to a mistake I made. I don't want to start over again. :brickwall
Anyone have any advice?
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Trying to load my save file from '17 and I keep getting an error that reads:
"This save file was not advanced at least one calendar year in the previous year's release"
I played primarily on '16, then at the end of the offseason uploaded to '17 and waited to upload to '18.
Why am I not allowed to upload???? :confused:
If I lost my franchise due to this, I'm not going to be a very happy camper. I had to start over in '16 due to a mistake I made. I don't want to start over again. :brickwall
Anyone have any advice?
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Trying to load my save file from '17 and I keep getting an error that reads:
"This save file was not advanced at least one calendar year in the previous year's release"
I played primarily on '16, then at the end of the offseason uploaded to '17 and waited to upload to '18.
Why am I not allowed to upload???? :confused:
If I lost my franchise due to this, I'm not going to be a very happy camper. I had to start over in '16 due to a mistake I made. I don't want to start over again. :brickwall
Anyone have any advice?
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Perhaps Carlos Martinez is not a good bunter lol
edit...sounds are overlapping each other alot. I did a hit and run and got a succesfull hit and the steal base music played...
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Not an issue. SDS designed it that way, they’ve said so in the past. If he gets hit anywhere other than torso or head, then I think he can come out. And even then, I think it’s only in franchise.
-Graphics/HDR seem sharper, tighter.
-Gameplay overall is much smoother.
Pitching still seems way too easy on Pure Analog, will move back to Meter.
-Trade Logic: I simmed a few seasons and there was nothing too insane, not as bad as on the Franchise stream, this was both with the default rosters and with a 2017 carryover franchise. They still need to do something about teams putting their star (Nolan Arrenado) on the trading block while in contention only because it's the last year of his contract.
That's about it so far, I'll say the biggest improvement is gameplay (mostly fielding feels alive and not quite so scripted), and hitting feels much improved. Also, I think they tweaked player speed ratings which is a welcomed change, Nick Markakis should not be a 55 speed and grabbing every ball hit to RF. Pitching - jury is still out.
Its an issue in the rate that it happens along with many times it ends up being an out after the pitcher was just blasted and the ball bounces off him with VELOCITY. No doubt it's been designed that way, but it simply does not replicate real life.
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That said, up to 4 innings now on the installation game and I really enjoy it.
The updated uniforms look great as well as the amazing new hair textures on the face/head.
Also the new animations, and keep in mind this is after 4 innings, are so much smoother and fluid. They look natural and I keep waiting for some canned animation but nope.
Can't wait to play more and check out the new uniforms and stadiums.
Definitely a good buy for me at least. I'm already sold.
What do you honestly expect to change? Just curious. The stream showed no new features were added besides phases, and a UI overhaul.
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Trying to load my save file from '17 and I keep getting an error that reads:
"This save file was not advanced at least one calendar year in the previous year's release"
I played primarily on '16, then at the end of the offseason uploaded to '17 and waited to upload to '18.
Why am I not allowed to upload???? :confused:
If I lost my franchise due to this, I'm not going to be a very happy camper. I had to start over in '16 due to a mistake I made. I don't want to start over again. :brickwall
Anyone have any advice?
Well it appears my carryover franchise save is dead. I have a save file from the end of the season prior to the start of the offseason in '16 that I could upload into '17 and then do the offseason in '17 and see once I go into January if it will allow me to upload into '18. But doing that means I lose the offseason that I had, all the tuning and adjustments I did to add in missing players and such, and getting rosters set for Spring Training in '18.
I didn't expect this to be an issue. I thought that I would pick up '18, upload the save file from '17 to '18 and then dive right into Spring Training. I am beyond frustrated and on a night that I planned to be up basically all night playing '18, I'm shutting the game down and taking a break for a few hours. I really don't want to start over again and having to go back and add all the minor leaguers and prospects that I had in the game. I also don't want to wait for an updated roster file, because the rosters available now are missing several free agent signings.
I am completely bummed out right now. So excited that I got the game this evening as I wasn't expecting it until the mail came tomorrow, but now I'm sitting here not playing due to this happening. :(
Yeah that's garbage. I was a big fan as well.
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Not exactly. One difference is they removed season mode, so you're screwed if you want to continue your save file from previous years.
There's that. Had to make room for retro mode in franchise, I guess.
Same shot of the managers face in the dugout after every homerun...was hoping they'd switch that up this year.
Damn, they really removed it? I spent upwards of 75% of my time in that mode. Really annoying to have to switch to franchise. I liked it simple.
For now though:
Great Camera Angles.
Hitting is smooth and pitch speeds seem a bit faster on default hof
Ball Physics are much improved and even better.
Fielding seems very responsive.
Did I mention camera angles?
The menu's are really nice too.
No season mode :(
I can’t tell you how many classic rosters are now lost to being carried over with this decision.
Not a single word about this. This is a huge huge huge letdown.
I will still play 17 for all those amazing rosters we have. But wow.
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I've played season mode exclusively going years and years back, and have been playing my season file since '16.
No way in heck I would've bought this year's version had I known.
It's a crap move...not to say anything about it. If they want to remove it, fine, but tell us, please. It doesn't take much effort, does it?
High Frame Rate mode (or "Faster" as they call it now) feels a bit different now. Last year it was like butter, and for the most part it still is, but there's a slight hitching after some plays. Will have to give it more time.
DeRo sounds pretty good so far.
One of the better looking ps4 games now- just shows there was more power in the ps4 pro they could take advantage of.
Graphics look good. Everything just feels more polished to me.
Pitch speed seems to be slower (I've got it the slider at 0). I'm thankful for that since my reflexes stink in my advancing age.
The tiny bit of gameplay in BP felt fine to me.
SunTrust looks better than last year.
Going back to MLB 07, I've always just played Season mode. Wish they had kept it. I liked the simplicity. I'll adjust to going full Franchise, but I'm still bummed it's gone. And yeah, it would have been nice to have gotten a heads up about it being removed. I feel for the guys who were planning on carrying over their seasons from MLB 17.
OCD thing, I wish BP didn't count in the Profile stats. It'd be cool if my stats were only my franchise games. As it is now, I'm averaging one hit a game, since that's all I got in my limited BP session.
Overall, I like the look including the new dynamic swing feedback. I noticed, however, that the information doesn’t carry over the next inning after your 3rd out. I always liked having that information. Frustrating not getting to know the feedback on your last out in the inning.
Opposing pitcher came into the game with his pitch count at zero. A small sample size but yay! Relief pitchers inheriting pitch counts has been my biggest gripe the last couple of years.
Stanton hit a 444ft. BOMB. The presentation was impressive!
It’s early but I miss Harold Reynolds.
– Showtime Display does not turn off even when main menu options are set to off as well as in game option modes (Franchise For Example)
– When playing defense for example Short Stop the slow mo effect cannot be turned off! After playing it reminds me of the hiccup seen when playing a online match as seen in the Developer Tournament live stream today. Even though the reason was giving for online play.
The stated this feature could be turned off during the stream!
Truly hope this gets solved in a patch. Otherwise personally I just can't play!
Crowd Atmosphere
Playing all innings Player with the Milwaukee Brewers coming back from a 10-2 deficit in the bottom of the 9th inning! CPU scored several runs! Score is now 10-7 bases are loaded (I am on 3rd) And the entire stadium is sitting down. While the cheers sound slightly improved I hoped they would address the crowd immersion in a much bigger way!
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@JayhawkerStL
Playing on PS4 PRO 1080P TV, No HDR Support! No 4k Graphically too me it looks like the game got a smoother overpass more noticeable on the uniforms which look a lot smoother and some colors look more accurate.
Dirt on white home uniforms while still grey appear to have a little bit more detail most likely due to the PBR on uniforms. But nothing eye popping jaw dropping from my perspective to say it's completely different from MLB 17.
Also noticed they did not do a graphic stream this year!
Playing on the Pro, Samsung 4k.....wow! Red is RED! Playing in a minor league stadium, clear day.....just beaytiful.
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are you kidding? there are dozens of changes that hardcore franchise players on here have been asking for for many years. it's barely been touched in a long time. nobody asked for phases.
Tried out analog pitching and its not bad with home plate on the meter. Is there anyway to control how hard/break on the ball?
CPU runners seem more aggressive off first look. Brett Gardner took off for third on a wild pitch ball that bounced right in front of my catcher. I threw him out, but iirc, the cpu wouldn't take much chances unless they knew I had no chance to threw them out.
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He was asking.. after all the videos etc.. we've seen, why did he think he would see anything new that wasn't in those streams/vid...
NOT that there weren't things they could have added....
To name a few...
That sounds great. In 17 while pitching and during cutscenes the lighting was great and you could tell that the stadium lighting around hp was on but when batting it was like the lights were turned off.
I made a few bug reports with heaps of pictures and videos comparing 16 to 17 and between when pitching and batting. May not have been a bug but i thought the lighting took a step back in 17.
To name a few...
And coaching staffs that affect the team/game..
So yep plenty of things..
But back on topic--->> Impressions
Gameplay is as good as ever. I love all the new animations. I love the casual catches the outfielders make on routine fly balls. I was hoping for more of those.
IMO so far, it's worth getting this year. There is enough to justify the price.
I have negative opinions on the game as well, but I'll give those in a different post.
Last year it just felt like hitting the opposite effectively was too easy. The timing and rate of getting balls in play seem toned way down this year, thankfully.
Additionally, I feel like the swing timing to go after that middle-in stuff in hitters counts has a lot more granularity. I'm liking how putting balls in play by getting the bat head out front feels so much better. Also, as I said, the failure, weak contact, and foul rates of trying to stay back on a pitch on the outer half, and send it the other way feels like a big improvement. Not ever hitter is a capable high-contact/master slap artist with two strikes.
I agree, gorgeous!
What I don't like is having my 99 RTTS player dropped to a 54. It was forced to which basically erases the countless hours I put into it the last few years.
I'm a new player and I don't understand CAP. I want to CAP for DD.
From Options, I created a player (went through all the customizations) and it said he was added to the free agent pool. I can't find him anywhere including in Player Movement.
In DD, there are two options "Edit Created Player" and "Equip Created Player". If I click equip, it says I need to create a player. Which is what I thought I just did above. When I click edit, I can't change the primary position. If I go through with the player creation it says he is a SP. The second position is grayed out.
There's something I'm missing surely, it's just not clear to a new player.
Thank you in advance.
You can't change it?
What I don't like is having my 99 RTTS player dropped to a 54. It was forced to which basically erases the countless hours I put into it the last few years.
Didn't they say the regression is going to be gradual? And the one developer on here said only from the age of 34 (didn't make sense when I read it and thought he might've had it wrong...but still thought it would be gradual)...mmm
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thinking the same thing. this game already seems to have a lot of gameplay improvement, even the high heater got toned down a little bit so 67 pitchers that throw hard wont dominate as much.
the online is smooth, and when i say smooth i mean u cant even tell u are playing online instead of vs ur friend on ur couch.
the new programs look like they arent gonna give me as many players i like is my only disappointment haha
My first thought, when jumping into a game, is that it feels so much more like baseball than last year's game. This is because of a mix of things, but for me, the main reason is atmosphere. The fans can be heard reacting, at least semi-dynamically, to what is happening on the field.
When the ball is hit, and has impact, the stadium reacts accordingly. If the ball is rolled over, you will hear a small amount of noise.
On the note of hitting and impact, I feel like they've made hitting and pitching more realistic. Read - not easier or harder. It legitimately feels like there's a bit more balance out of the box than there was last year (or even late into 17's life).
I had to mess around a bit, but I found a medium I'm already happy with.
I like how they've handled ratings, and diamond dynasty. I am definitely a franchise first, RTTS second guy, but I can see DD actually being worth playing a bit more this year. We'll see what happens, but I was optimistic after my first DD game.
I know not everyone is going to be happy to hear this (especially not the people who were complaining because the biggest change to Franchise was basically cleaner menus and a brighter tone), but I'm a huge fan of what they've done to Franchise.
It's a winning formula as it is, to be honest, it's not missing much in the way of features. The ones it is missing are either entirely inconsequential to me (like setting the price of hot dogs) or are ridiculously huge features that might take up an entire dev-cycle, and take away from other focuses (like relocation, expansion, or a stadium creator).
The main thing Franchise needed, in my opinion, was a touch-up this year. It was already a B+ product, and I think the fresh screens make it an A-, honestly, it makes that big a difference to me.
I played a few games with my carryover save (which is now in 2021, and in week 7 or so of the regular season), and the dynamic storylines are in play, and it felt new.
Mark DeRosa is a great addition to the booth, and he doesn't speak a lot, so I don't think we're going to get tired of him all that quickly. When he does speak, he offers commentary that Harold Reynolds wouldn't, and it's definitely a new take.
I feel like this year's game, at first glance, is just about putting the fun back in baseball. From the intro (if you haven't seen it yet, it's really neat, though I personally preferred last year's) the tone is set, and once you start playing games, it just feels like the focus has been amplified.
I had my first rain delay (it was in the only game I played in the rain, hopefully it's not too common), and the logic made sense. My SP with 90 stamina was at roughly 60 pitches, and starting to get into the yellow zone (early season, still getting stretched out), but not quite there yet. Rain delay hits in the 6th inning, with one out, and I leave my pitcher in, out of curiosity.
Game comes back, and he's basically exhausted. I manage to get two more outs, but in games where there is rain, you will be rewarded for having the bullpen ready to go from the 5th inning onwards.
My biggest worry with the game at present is going to be how the logic works long-term. 6 hours is just not enough to see retirement logic, lineup logic, dynamic bullpens, CPU logic (to determine if we can finally turn off 30 team control, without worrying about the CPU shooting itself in the foot), and trade logic pan out. I'll be playing with it a bit in tests to see how that all works out, since I'm not playing RTTS or Franchise hardcore until OSFM is out for 2018.
In all, it's just a first impression, but I see 18 as an improvement over 17. Is it a 60 dollar improvement? I'm not so sure, that's a lot of money to some people, and this is the first year I've been forced to pay 60 (years of Amazon Prime allowed me to get it for 48 bucks, but not this year, or probably ever again) in years.
But I'm happy. I'm having fun, and for the first time since basically August, when I boot up the Show, I'm feeling optimistic, looking at screens (all of which are pretty snappy, colorful, and generally fun to look at).
A small touch that I wanted to point out before I go. In 2017, David Ortiz's number was retired, and was put up on the wall with all the other retired numbers, and I signed Bryce Harper in FA (who uses the same number).
In 2017, Harper kept wearing 34, despite the fact it was retired. In 2018, maybe by coincidence, in my carryover save, Harper got changed to 35. And I didn't see any other players wearing retired numbers.
Small change, but one that helps a lot with my immersion factor.
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I was wondering about this too. I know for sure we could change it in conquest last year, but the options aren't there in-game this year. Only hitting/pitching/fielding. You can't even change your audio/video settings.
The hitting feels amazing, and the physics are outstanding...they feel like they do before they toned them down last year, but even better now.
Pitching feels even better too, at least offline. Online, the slow-mo effect kinda ruins the feel of it.
The huge elephant in the room though is the removed modes...season and online franchise. I was worried they might even remove posteason mode, which I actually enjoy playing when buddies come over. Great mode to get a few quick series in, so thankfully that is still in.
Totally unnecessary........
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The colors are so vibrant, they really pop. The color red is gorgeous now, and the pirates black jersey really looks black. All that washed out stuff is gone.
The full speed replays are great, there is much more atmosphere and immersion now. Great stadium views.
New animations are great as well.
It is now just a real smooth experience. Hitting is more realistic now due to this smoothness.
Only thing i'm really sad about is the absense of Season mode. Way to go SDS.:y9:
Yes those rocket bunts are still there unfortunately. Seen in the developer stream and when I loaded up the game to play.
It does seem easier so far, and sliders will definitely perfect it, but the hit variety in general is just breathtaking.
I didn't expect this to be an issue. I thought that I would pick up '18, upload the save file from '17 to '18 and then dive right into Spring Training. I am beyond frustrated and on a night that I planned to be up basically all night playing '18, I'm shutting the game down and taking a break for a few hours. I really don't want to start over again and having to go back and add all the minor leaguers and prospects that I had in the game. I also don't want to wait for an updated roster file, because the rosters available now are missing several free agent signings.
I am completely bummed out right now. So excited that I got the game this evening as I wasn't expecting it until the mail came tomorrow, but now I'm sitting here not playing due to this happening. :(
Sorry to keep quoting myself.
I figured out how to get my franchise to carryover. Apparently I had to advance to the regular season and then the carryover worked. Problem is that I miss out on Spring Training but if that is one sacrifice I have to make to keep my franchise going then I can deal with that.
Also having to deal with the schedule being messed up in terms of days. Series are starting on incorrect days. Again, its annoying but I can deal with it for the first year to keep my franchise going.
---
As for an impression the CAPS are amazing in this game, even the carryovers. Last year when carrying over to '17 , the CAPS were at times funky. Nice to see that they don't get too far out of whack during a carryover to '18.
Still waiting to throw my first pitch as I've been dealing with this and getting my rosters back in order (adding in guys that go missing)
Looking forward to actually playing on the field today.
Removing season mode was totally unnecessary. Incompetence.
I wish you could have more control over Hats and Helmets on Veteran players. Flat brim, Curved. Helmets removing the face guard, etc. Little things.
:love:
I am completely stunned that they removed season mode and even moreso that they didn't announce its removal prior to release.
I really had no desire to continue in RTTS last night and without actual franchise mode improvements, I regret my purchase..once again. I honestly should have just waited this year. Atleast waited for a sale or maybe skipped alltogether.
And I love baseball. I love OOTP and feel fully immersed in that so I'm not sure what the issue is I have with The Show.
Just being honest with my opinion and impressions.
Rocket bunts only in franchise mode? That is a game wide thing is it not?
From TOS:
Constructive Criticism
We allow all opinions on Operation Sports. But if you want to be negative, it needs to be constructive. Bashing a game developer is not constructive at all, for any reason. Bashing a game period is not constructive. Whining/complaining/acting like a middle schooler is not constructive. If you want to be constructive, say what is wrong with the game specifically. Any negativity that is not constructive will not be tolerated.
Don't forget the the addition of the Holy Toledo sign in right center. Too bad it doesn't light up. Now remove the tarps!
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I really had no desire to continue in RTTS last night and without actual franchise mode improvements, I regret my purchase..once again. I honestly should have just waited this year. Atleast waited for a sale or maybe skipped alltogether.
And I love baseball. I love OOTP and feel fully immersed in that so I'm not sure what the issue is I have with The Show.
Just being honest with my opinion and impressions.
It's been stale since the Ps4 came out. I never pre-order games. So your saying it's not worth upgrading is that correct?
Just my $.02. Haven’t played this year yet. I play franchise and RTTS mainly, but really shocked, as others, about season mode being removed, especially with no mention by SDS.
I’ve always wondered why development teams/studios do not patch in something like a mode mid-cycle if demand is there for it. I personally like the yearly release cycle, but in the same vain, I think more can done within same year to please your consumer.
With that being said, SDS has always done a phenomenal job, and put out a great product. The focus shift towards DD does worry me though. Balance is the key.
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I mean I guess it depends on what you're looking for.
- If you just enjoy the presentation, MLB authenticity, and the gameplay then the game is great.
- But if you want a deep franchise / team manager experience and be fully immersed in team re-building, then you might want to skip this one.
I don't want to deter someone else from buying or enjoying the game.
It does seem easier so far, and sliders will definitely perfect it, but the hit variety in general is just breathtaking.
Agreed! Hopefully they change nothing about it in upcoming patches.
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The colors pop. Pro and Samsung k4. Red is brilliant. Game is absolutely beautiful.
- If you just enjoy the presentation, MLB authenticity, and the gameplay then the game is great.
- But if you want a deep franchise / team manager experience and be fully immersed in team re-building, then you might want to skip this one.
I don't want to deter someone else from buying or enjoying the game.
I think this assessment is really fair. Well said.
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But the '82 road jerseys look great, so much that it feels weird hearing Matt Vasgersian instead of a soused Harry Caray.
- If you just enjoy the presentation, MLB authenticity, and the gameplay then the game is great.
- But if you want a deep franchise / team manager experience and be fully immersed in team re-building, then you might want to skip this one.
I don't want to deter someone else from buying or enjoying the game.
Well I am a season mode guy and since they took that out this year I probably won't buy. I am not a franchise guy. Is the presentation better this year them last year? Are you playing on pro? I have a slim and HDTV. How does it look if you don't have pro?
I don't have a Pro. I'm just wondering about how they look on a standard PS4.
I thought I'd have to go in and do a bunch of editing of CAPS in my carry over franchise, but not so. Last year many of the faces looked red, not so this year. I was pleasantly shocked at how great they look. Now I've got to find the missing players and edit them (already found one, Preston Tucker for the Braves).
The Washington Nats red uniforms almost looked pink last year, or if they'd been washed for the 1,000 time. Not this year. BAM, the color really hits you (playing on the Pro/4k tv).
Great job on this SDS.
I played franchise for a few hours last night. Meh. Game is pretty much the same. New menus are slightly better ... but only slightly.
I still love the game but this "update" isn't worth $60.
Yes the colors are alot brighter imo compared to 17. I cant say if they look correct but it looks a lot better to me.
Still disappointed that they cant get better dirt stains on the light colored uni's, still looks like grey dirt.
Edit: dirt on uniforms seems mixed. beltre was on base at first and the dirt was grey then when it showed him in a cutscene it looked correct, reddish brown instead of grey.
Also disappointed with the stadium sounds and chants, they still sound to soft and muted like there coming from a few blocks outside the stadium. Sure i heard on one of the streams that stadium audio would be improved.
I played franchise for a few hours last night. Meh. Game is pretty much the same. New menus are slightly better ... but only slightly.
I still love the game but this "update" isn't worth $60.
Man I am disappointed what you are saying about the Phillies. I am from Philly and I always play as them. This stinks.
Still disappointed that they cant get better dirt stains on the light colored uni's, still looks like grey dirt.
Also disappointed with the stadium sounds and chants, they still sound to soft and muted like there coming from a few blocks outside the stadium. Sure i heard on one of the streams that stadium audio would be improved.
So your saying crowds aren't pumped up on big plays?
- the new rain/fog weather effects are beautiful. I played @ Wrigley, 1:00 start, in April w/weather set to rain. Looked just like a real April game there in real life.
- Now that I'm playing on a 4k monitor, I tried the 3 visual options (speed, balanced, and detailed I think?). Settled on Balanced which is 1440p. Beautiful with decent performance.
- The revamped zone hitting felt great. I was concerned my stick skills weren't accurate enough to handle the more precise input needed now for the PCI, but so far so good.
- Trim and fit Kyle Schwarber is indeed in the game!
Looking forward to finishing my work and family obligations today and diving in for many hours. RttS will probably be my first task, then start a tester franchise (will be waiting for roster updates before starting any real franchise).
so far not so good!!
Twins v Red Sox at Fenway, 1pm game with partly cloudy skies.
Pomeranz v Odorizzi
I loaded up my slider set from last year, which I will update for the 18' season after I get through ten games.
Colors and presentation look very nice.
Game ran smoothly, and I noticed no rear hiccups.
Pomeranz threw a sinker in the dirt which Vasquez had to go and get, but didn't immediately animate into the "slide on my chin guards" animation. I saw one ball get by resulting in a base advance. So far, so good.
I chose Pomeranz because my pitching sliders are set at "One" for control and consistency, and he definitely had to really work to throw pitches effectively with Classic pitching. You can tweak sliders with high-control guys on the mound each game, because they will tilt the scales. I like to see where the mid-level guys will fare, so you see some real struggles when spotting pitches. I was happy with the results in game one.
Replays got an overhaul. Nice full-speed replays like watching a game on the network. Good.
The Twins tried to bunt with men at 1st and 2nd, and it was way to fast, and Devers, even playing back, threw the runner out at first easily. I sure hope the rocket-bunt plague will get an inoculation.
Preloading throws looks awesome, very smooth and silky with the throwing animations. My fielder Speed, Arm Strength, and Reaction Time are all tweaked according to my realistic style tendencies, and balls that should be just out of reach reacted accordingly. Really, really happy with game one test.
JD Martinez hit a home run, I liked the understated rounding of the bases and a high-five at the plate. Was not a big enough jack for a bat flip or no-doubter cam, but I have power adjusted to not see 500 footers every game.
I lost the game 5-3 but it was a well played game, and I did see some groundballs that bounced off of gloves, but were corralled and thrown to first in time to get the runner. I saw it too many times, I think, for one game, so I may have to adjust fielding errors down from last year if I am going to cause that animation too many times per game.
Ball spin both off the bat, and heading towards to outfield had an overhaul. The zone where the outfielder animation takes over is smaller on fly balls.. i like that. I see a greater chance for misplays and errors if you take the wrong path to the ball.
I did not have any chances for diving stops or catches, will report in on that later.
Pitches looked good as far as physics and movement. Pitch edits and correct repertoires are something I look forward to every year, and someday SDS will just ask one of us to do it prior to release, and the game will ship with guys that don't throw splitters, not having them in their arsenal. Someday.
The removal of Season Mode is beyond the scope of reasonable omissions. I'd like to get someone to break down that decision.
I have not messed with RTTS yet, but for baseball purists, and guys that know the game, it is ridiculous to think that buying a guy a pair of Nike Cleats in the game will progress his speed from an 88 to a 99
Speed is speed and I would rather see money spent on strength and speed coaches give a small boost to speed, versus an arm band and an unlockable sports drink. We are not all 15 years old, and boosting ratings of a created player to a 99 based on un-lockables probably has more merit in MLB Slugfest than in a simulation...
So far, I have only played on game, but I certainly saw some interesting tweaks and upgrades, and I look forward to releasing Stealyerface's Realism Sliders V1.0 after my ten-game test set.
~syf
in recent additions, the camera jumped up to the sky and I had a hard time seeing things
looks more like The Show '10 camera which is awesome
also like the new defensive cameras that are panned back a bit - feel like I can see more
I loved the in between pitches scenes where the camera cuts back to show the field. I like the updates to the presentation and hearing "D-Ro" in the booth. I also noticed they updated their defalut walk up music. I havent messed with SOTS and don't plan on since I don't have as much time to put into it. The default music sounds great to me this year and continue to roll with that again.
Wish I could have had a chance to play more but had to get some sleep for work. Ill put in a bunch of time this weekend. Bummer that they took out season mode as I was planning on rolling with that this year as opposed to franchise but I will live. So far so good and a thumbs up to SDS!
I am completely stunned that they removed season mode and even moreso that they didn't announce its removal prior to release.
My fault for pre-ordering without all the facts but I felt that mode was safe. I would not have bought it if I knew it was taken out. I had just accepted one mode being taken out but 2 is a little much. I have not even opened the app yet and will probably delete it. The lose of $60 will not kill me but its the last $60 i am spending on this game.
I know how you feel, I love using the Cubs 1982 jerseys, especially on the road, but a few years they've been wrong. In 15, they also had no name on the back when there should have been, and 16, the pants were grey when they should have been white. Also, for many years, the home numbers were red when they should have been blue. It's a bummer if that's the team you use.
Being the baseball historian that I am, I love the new jerseys they added for Washington, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh.
I think the presentation is slightly better in terms of colors and stat displays / menus, but the commentary (still part of presentation) needs to be re-worked.
I'm playing on a PS4 Pro and it looks great. I don't use an HDTV though, I use my Acer Predator 28" monitor and looks great.
one question though in my OOTP game which now has MLB presentation they signed with last year i had a situation where my pitcher beaned the batter he charged the mound you could see it in the new 3d then later in the news my pitcher was suspended for 7 games and the hitter was suspended for 3 games for coming after my pitcher???
so far not so good!!
You should've had a choice to start in Spring Training or opening day.
My digital download code from BB will not work yet either.
I was really close to taking off work today to play this game, glad I didn't.
They are telling me my code will be activated in the next 24-48 hours.
I really like the improvement to the Vaults. You can search for players by name and for files by username. You also can see a player before downloading. SO much better.
The menus look great and the game just seems to move faster when scrolling through menus and options.
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Not sure, haven't really had a big play yet. But no not the crowd noise exactly, like when they all cheer for a hit ect. , just when they do the team chants,yells and some of the other stadium sounds. I just think they could be a bit louder, even using headphones i can only just hear them.
I have seen some streams where the Pitch Count is in the score bug, and ive seen a stream where it is not there
It feels a lot more natural when getting ready for the next pitch! I hope they don't patch it out! I am going to download a copy on my regular PS4 incase they do LOL!
I know, was shocked and no option but to take the massive cut. Never thought they were doing it like that.
It feels a lot more natural when getting ready for the next pitch! I hope they don't patch it out! I am going to download a copy on my regular PS4 incase they do LOL!
Well that's good to hear I always complained about this.
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I read there was a work-around. Disclaimer I have not done this:
As soon as you load the file into 2018, play your first appearance without making any edits or choosing an archetype. After you’ve played your first appearance, THEN choose your archetype. The game will then recognise that you’re player was pre-existing and will not immediately axe the ratings.
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As soon as you load the file into 2018, play your first appearance without making any edits or choosing an archetype. After you’ve played your first appearance, THEN choose your archetype. The game will then recognise that you’re player was pre-existing and will not immediately axe the ratings.
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Don't know if this is possible. When i go to play next appearance it immediately goes to cut scene where i have to choose archetypes etc
Post that in the bugs thread with a screenshot of your My Attributes screen, please. That is not how it should work for Year to Year saves.
The workaround someone else mentioned would not work. You would have to make your archetype selection first.
First game of 18 is a success!
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Yes balanced is the way to go. I can barely tell the difference graphically between it and the sharper setting which is 4k other than the constant choppiness
First game of 18 is a success!
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Nice, lol.
On a side note, I pray for the day the seat covers come off in CF for night games at Fenway. Been waiting a decade now. :splat:
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Positives:
Graphics: The graphics are markedly better, I'm not sure why they didn't focus on them a bit more, but the colors (I have a 4k HDR TV with PS4 Pro) are much improved.
Gameplay: I got pretty sick of playing full games fairly quickly with 16/17, I'm having a blast hitting and pitching on this game (although Analog pitching is still too easy, switched to Meter).
Fielding: Much smoother, I feel like the elite defenders are separated more from average ones.
Stadiums/sound: Overall graphics boost it appears, and the environmental effects are well done.
Negatives:
Franchise: It's all I play and while it's nice they fixed lineup/retirement logic, free agency/trades/budget management still needs work.
I'll say this - in 17 I spent most of my time simulating games, scouting, and playing with 30 team control over several seasons. This year, I think I'm just going to sit back and actually play games. I came into this with pretty low expectations based on the franchise let down, but I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it plays.
I've definitely had the pitch count in every game I've played, using all 3 broadcast themes.
This game is gorgeous.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I made a slider adjustment. I had to increase the pitch speed for both fastballs and offspeed pitches. On default they seem way too floaty.
This game is gorgeous.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I made a slider adjustment. I had to increase the pitch speed for both fastballs and offspeed pitches. On default they seem way too floaty.
So do I but just on fastballs
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May not be what everyone wants but there is at least some type of indication.
2 balks in one inning now. And I somehow escaped with only 1 run allowed. Wow.
Pitcher: Bob Gibson
Batter: Nolan Ryan???? :google:
:lol:
Completely agree. I have to play a bit more, but so far it feels very similar to 17. Uniforms and colors do look improved, but idk if most would notice any differences outside of that.
It also feels a tad smoother. But im on a pro and last year felt good on a pro too.
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I'm not really sure how to describe it. Almost like they are swinging underwater. They will appear to be a day early or a day late and the ball reacts differently than what you would expect.
Hope that makes sense.
I'm not hitting too many homeruns, but I did lower my human hitting timing to zero because I think hitting is a bit too easy to not get beat on a pitch. Even with Nolan Ryan throwing 97 mph fastball and 80 something change up, I was extremely rarely too early on an offspeed pitch and was always able to catch up to a fastball no matter what I was looking for.
Batting is spot-on. Hits feel more varied and it’s more fun to hit. I’m switching from Pulse Pitching to Analog Pitching this year, since Pulse doesn’t seem to give much variety (I hardly walk guys), and it’s super fun. It really makes you earn those strikes.
The PBR is nothing short of awesome. The reflections off the uniform lettering/numbering, the leather appearance of belts, and even some PBR at Minute Maid looks great too.
I’m satisfied with the new Game Resolution option now. No more wondering “what does this do?” Now, if you want a buttery smooth (for most of the time) framerate, rendering the game at 1080p (I’m on a 1080p display) looks and feels great. If you want better resolution, and not too much taken away from framerate, the 1440p option is there too. The 4K mode, while not entirely beneficial to me, personally, looks good but sacrifices a lot in terms of framerate. But those are the compromises you make with different graphic rendering modes. Excellent work SDS.
So stoked overall, and can’t wait for OSFM to start my franchise.
I have a standard PS4 , with a brand new 55”Tcl p605 4K tv.
The games runs smoothly, I haven’t seen any stuttering in the limited time I’ve played. Colors look good -everything is brighter, although I think the grass still looks too blue green at night.
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A ton of pop ups. Too much focus on looks and still the”little things” aren’t right.
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Daytime games, with the sunlight beaming down, are bright, colourful, and look spectacular.
My one game was a 1pm game with partly cloudy skies, and it looked remarkably better than 17' of which I had played just prior to making the decision to delete 17 and never look back.
Go get it, play it, and marvel at the new coat of shiny, fantastic paint!
~syf
I didn't play much of '17 but I think the game looks amazing playing on standard PS4 with 1080p TV.
How about Bunt Base Hits- especially with a speed guy
Myself nor the cpu have attempted one.
I'll try a few out and see what happens.
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I'll try a few out and see what happens.
Thanks, cant wait to pop in this game on the weekend.
Really hope bunting is fixed been an issue pas couple years, it was fine in 16'
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The games runs smoothly, I haven’t seen any stuttering in the limited time I’ve played. Colors look good -everything is brighter, although I think the grass still looks too blue green at night.
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I assume going by this, it is smoother on the base console than 16 and 17 were?
If so, that is definitely great to hear!
I used all themes and had no pitch count in any of them.
Did switch of some stuff to get a cleaner screen but also did that in 17 but had a pitch count.
Strange, i will have to check some things.
Nolan Ryan is a 99 pitches thru 6 2/3 innings. He has been dominant allowing 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 10. He just gave up the 5th hit to Giambi and just now the bullpen is getting loose for the Expansion Era team.
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Chipper Jones
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