MLB 14: The Show (PS3/PS4)

[JBHuskers]

Amen. One thing that has always limited my purchases of MLB games (only bought MLB 2K9 and MLB 2K13) was due to how long the seasons are and how long it takes to get through them. By the time I get through one in either player career or full franchise mode, it's already time for the next edition and I either have to skip the next edition (and any additions or changes they made) or start all over from the beginning again.

With year to year saves in MLB The Show, I'll have no problem purchasing a new edition (assuming it has enough quality features or additions) when the new edition comes out since I'll be able to just keep plugging away in my career or franchise.

EA, you're on the clock goddamnit! I would do so much more in Madden, in NBA Live/2K, in FIFA, etc if my damn saves would carry over from year to year so I could keep my franchises or careers going. It gets old having to start over every new edition. That's kept me from purchasing games some years, because I didn't feel like starting over from scratch with a franchise or career.

Basically when I get MLB 15, I'll probably dick around with some play now games with the Cubs current roster, or maybe even start a 2nd one if the roster is drastically different (which it may be next year). There's so many possibilities, plus RTTS never disappoints in my book.

[SCClassof93]

Notes specific to the PS4:

◦Hair (including facial) is now fully rendered instead of using flat texture/normal map (they can draw bout 40,000 individual hairs per player).

◦Lighting is now fully dynamic, and uses some new technology like sub-surface scattering. So now instead of seeing definitive borders between light and shadow
on a player (for example), you can now see that light actually bleeds across the player, even showing a slight reflection/halo effect on sharper angles like the nose. They’re also using sub-dermal light diffusion, so the light that hits the skin actually shows a slight transparency (we’ve seen this recently in Tomb Raider Definitive Edition).

◦Grass on the field is now rendered down to individual blades of grass, and the blades are actually dynamically lit as well. When you zoom-in to where the grass borders the sand in the infield, you can actually see specific shadows for the blades of grass. It’s something many probably wouldn’t notice, but that’s the level of detail that we’ve come to expect in The Show.

◦Objects like scoreboards and signs are now fully built-out instead of being flat textures. So you’ll see actual backings on signs and other objects.

◦All 30 stadiums have been rebuilt from the ground-up, nothing has been ported from the previous versions.

◦Another tidbit about the grass, it actually displaces when a foot hits a spot, or when the ball rolls or lays on the grass. From a physics standpoint, a lot of those behaviors would happen, but you wouldn’t see it visually. The ball will actually act as it should as it rolls across the grass, as it’s spinning, and displacing the grass, the ball can sometimes get ahead of itself and actually hop-up because it’s hitting the blades of grass instead of rolling through. You’ll also see grass clippings flying up when a player runs through with his cleats.

◦Leather actually looks like real leather now, with the fielding gloves and the batting gloves, which now show that fuzziness when the batting glove is new.

◦An example shown is the old score wall at Fenway in left field. Historically it’s been a pretty flat texture, but in the PS4 version, all of the old, metal plates are present, beaten over the years by a myriad of impacts from baseballs. They’re true 3D objects now, and yes, all scoreboards and walls are fully functional.

◦The crowds in the PS3 version were comprised of about 42 different models, so you will still see some copies out there. Now, since the PS4 has much more power, the crowd is made up of over 1,000 unique models. Each crowd model is made up of the same polygon count of a baseball player in the PS3 version of the game (and they’ve even included kids into the crowd now).

◦Crowd members will now catch foul balls and be able to reach over and grab fouls that roll by. They’ll also hold signs up, and those signs will be contextual. So if a player starts heating-up, you’ll probably see some fans rooting him on in this manner. Furthermore (this is for the Operation Sports crew) the Pitcher can now pick up the rosin bag and throw it back down.

◦Finally, they’ve added Bat & Ball boys and girls.

◦All of the crowd audio and chants have been re-recorded in High Quality.

◦All reflection maps on things like the helmets and sunglasses are all rendered in realtime now.

I simply can't fathom the lack of jokes............

[JBHuskers]

I simply can't fathom the lack of jokes............

If it was Madden, there would be outrage that time was spent on this.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

[CLW]

If it was Madden, there would be outrage that time was spent on this.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

Yeah b/c Madden has GAPING gameplay holes MLB The Show not quite as many. EA's problem isn't "windsocks" its the fact they focus on "windsocks" when core gameplay elements remained broken for years.

[SCClassof93]

If it was Madden, there would be outrage that time was spent on this.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk

I was referring to poking fun at someone here

[I OU a Beatn]

Yeah b/c Madden has GAPING gameplay holes MLB The Show not quite as many. EA's problem isn't "windsocks" its the fact they focus on "windsocks" when core gameplay elements remained broken for years.

Nah, just a completely broken online infrastructure that makes playing online virtually impossible.

(...and it's been that way for about 5 years now for those keeping track)

Everyone gives EA a bunch of shit, but I can at least play their sports games online without a ton of lag. That's something I can not say about The Show or NBA 2K's efforts.

[CLW]

Nah, just a completely broken online infrastructure that makes playing online virtually impossible.

(...and it's been that way for about 5 years now for those keeping track)

Everyone gives EA a bunch of shit, but I can at least play their sports games online without a ton of lag. That's something I can not say about The Show or NBA 2K's efforts.

I agree The Show's online has ALWAYS been bad. However, I don't (and I suspect the vast majority of The Show's customers don't) buy/play The Show for online.

The Show's core gameplay is light years ahead of every EA Sports title.

However, now they are touting Online Franchise so they better step up the servers or there will be people angry.

[I OU a Beatn]

Even if it was a very rarely used feature (it's not), if it's presented as a feature/game mode, it should work properly. When you're given feedback year after year about how garbage that particular part of your game is and you continually release the next version without correcting it, something is wrong there. The Show doesn't sell millions of copies like shooters, so you're not going to have hundreds of thousands of people trying to access online at the same time. Fork over the money, get some dedicated servers, and make your customers happy.

Unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath. This is a problem with Sony, not the developers. I can't think of a single one of their first party games that hasn't had massive problems with lag except for MAG, which had dedicated servers.

[JBHuskers]

yeah b/c madden has gaping gameplay holes mlb the show not quite as many. Ea's problem isn't "windsocks" its the fact they focus on "windsocks" when core gameplay elements remained broken for years.

nah, just a completely broken online infrastructure that makes playing online virtually impossible.

(...and it's been that way for about 5 years now for those keeping track)

everyone gives ea a bunch of shit, but i can at least play their sports games online without a ton of lag. That's something i can not say about the show or nba 2k's efforts.

iou - 1, clw - 0

[cdj]

Full Features List, expanding upon what was released last week:

KEY FEATURES

Next Generation Baseball Has Arrived - MLB 14 The Show makes its next-gen debut on the PS4 system, utilizing the system’s vast resources to deliver exceptionally detailed and fluid gameplay. With improvements to presentation, a wealth of added animations, and a dramatic increase in environment and player detail, we are setting out to create the best-looking and best-playing baseball sim ever created.

The Evolution of Road to The Show continues (All platforms) - First among the major improvements is a completely revamped advancement system, complete with improved logic and the removal of advancement goals. Also being introduced is a new beginning to a player’s RTTS career with the Topps Amateur Showcase, a series of games against other draft prospects. Additionally, the training system, logic, screens and modes have all been revamped to provide users with a more engaging experience.

- Other changes include a new player-creation process, the reintroduction of the “broadcast” presentation perspective as an option, and a re-envisioned Catcher Mode, to name a few (PS3 & PS4 Only).

Year-to-Year Saves (All platforms) - For the first time in franchise history, saves can be carried over from MLB 14 to future releases of The Show, meaning that gamers won't have to worry about starting their Franchise or Road to the Show seasons over in years to come.

Player Lock (All platforms) - The new Player Lock feature (a.k.a RTTS anywhere) gives users the ability to lock-on to any single player and enter games using the Road to the Show gameplay mechanic, allowing for faster games and more focused on-field action.

Quick Counts (All platforms) - Users will now be able to play a full nine-inning game in less than 30 minutes, half the time it takes in previous iterations of The Show. Despite the shortened game durations, realistic stats will not be compromised.

Community Challenges (PS3 & PS4) - Players will be able to freely toy and tinker with game situations and scenarios on the fly, whether that’s the inning, score, who’s on base, or where the ball is hit. These custom situations can be bundled with a creative set of goals and put forth as a challenge to the community, whether it’s to relive the past, change history, or dream of new possibilities.

Universal Profile (PS3 & PS4) - A new tendency-tracking system monitors and records gamers’ unique playing styles. Those patterns are stored in the Universal Profile, which can be viewed by anyone looking to get a quick scouting report on the player. The Universal Profile can also be subbed in in place of a CPU opponent in Diamond Dynasty and Online Franchise, making for more realistic head-to-head matchups when schedules prevent synchronous play.

Online Franchise (PS3 & PS4) - Finally, Franchise mode can be shared with friends online, with most of the features from the offline version making the transition, including Scouting, the Amateur Draft, Free Agency and CPU Trades. The mode will remain highly customizable as scheduling, divisions, postseason spots and more are all commissioner options.

Stubs (All platforms) - Playing games in MLB 14 The Show rewards players with Stubs. Stubs can be used to purchase additional in-game content – like Road to the Show training points – or used in our new mode, Community Challenges. Stubs can be earned in any mode, and they are not required to progress through a mode. You can still purchase additional in-game content through the PlayStation Store.

Diamond Dynasty Extra Innings (PS3 & PS4) - In this mode, a player’s team is always looking for opportunities to challenge other users in an offline setting, which allows the user to earn bonus rewards the next time they log in. When online, the player has the opportunity to challenge other user-created teams in an offline game where the CPU controls their team. Players can only benefit positively in this mode even if their team does not perform up to their normal standards.

Dynamic Difficulty (All platforms) - Baseball is a sport the dedicated love to master, but also one that can intimidate newcomers. In this year’s version of The Show, players who don’t feel like veterans yet can opt to start on a lower difficulty level and jump right in. An advanced logic system will then grade the user’s skill and adjust the challenge level up or down based on their overall performance. Batting and pitching are evaluated separately, so it’s possible for one to increase in difficulty while the other doesn’t, or even reduces. On-screen notifications will advise when the difficulty setting has been adjusted.

Franchise Improvements (PS3 & PS4 Only) - Efforts continue to improve the accessibility of Franchise mode. A new notification system, which keeps the user more connected to their organization and the league, serves as an “Assistant GM” and will make sure critical information is more immediately provided and more readily accessible. Also refined is the logic that helps the multi-season cycle of Franchise mode and all of the stats and developments therein resemble real life as closely as possible. Other additions include a player search and the ability to hire and fire coaches during the regular season.

True Broadcast Presentations (PS3 & PS4 Only) - The Show’s presentation crew has taken on a tall task for MLB 14: streamlining the game while enhancing the reality and increasing the variety of the experience. Pace of play is a focal point for the team as we strive to immerse the user in an even more engaging simulation. Heavy emphasis has also been placed on the stadium environment to feature the upgraded crowd actors, jumbotrons, LED boards, dugouts, specific stadium audio and a more engaged, responsive and unique crowd.

-On the commentary side, the three-man booth of Matt Vasgersian, Eric Karros and Steve Lyons return for their second season together. This year's title will emphasize the three announcers in a more interactive, conversational style, yet will also continue to mine the world of baseball to find intelligent, timely and compelling commentary concerning today's teams and players. The overall goal is for the game to get deeper, and for the announcers to better adapt to changing game conditions -- including rising the enthusiasm level when the situation dictates.

MLB 14 The Show includes over 40 more enhancements, new features, and improvements!
New dynamic gameplay cameras for batting and fielding
New dynamic catch position indicator for fielding
New baserunning paradigm (New animation core and logic)
Completely re-done catcher animations suite (over 150 all-new catcher animations)
More than 90 new batting stances
More than 160 batting stance re-captures for players who changed their stances
More than 50 new fielding animations
More than 30 new pitching motions
20 new signature HR swings
Intro Fly-Ins (PS4 Only)
New bat boy and ball boy presentations (PS4 Only)
All-new high-resolution crowd reactions, ambient noise, cheers, etc…. (PS4 Only)
Japan League-style and slap-hitter swing types (PS4 Only)
Over 350 new fielding and batting animations (PS4 Only)
Team specific, player specific, team generic crowd signs (PS4 Only)
New RTTS Player Creation options, including the ability to model your skills, appearance, and signature animations after a real MLB player
New and improved training modes, along with the addition of a new bronze/gold medal system.
Easier trade requests (RTTS)
Easier position changes (RTTS)
Dynamic Potential for RTTS Player
New injury presentations
New Player Search feature
Ability to hire/fire coaches in mid-season
Notification system that keeps you connected to your team and league.
New player contract logic that mimics real life
New overall and potential formula
Editable potential
Refined player generation, with more position-specific attribute ranges (Online Franchise)
New contract decision logic, which factors in contract renewable and arbitration status more heavily (Online Franchise)
New lineup logic that takes into account secondary positions (Online Franchise)
Refined trade logic (Online Franchise)
Retired players stored for every season (Online Franchise)
More player stats stored for every season (Online Franchise)
New user management functionality at TheShowNation.com (Online Franchise)
Make, accept, and vote on trades through TheShowNation.com (Online Franchise)
Resolve and simulate games on TheShowNation.com (Online Franchise)
League members can now manage games on TheShowNation.com (Online Franchise)
New pitcher/batter status screen
New pitcher/batter breakdown pop-up graphics
Cycling help text
Left-handed infielders
CPU plate discipline logic has been re-written
Pitcher can now bring up pitch history using L3 (same effect as R2 for the batter)
New pickoff cameras
New assortment of organ recordings
Completely re-worked Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI)

[ram29jackson]

Stubs (All platforms) - Playing games in MLB 14 The Show rewards players with Stubs. Stubs can be used to purchase additional in-game content – like Road to the Show training points – or used in our new mode, Community Challenges. Stubs can be earned in any mode, and they are not required to progress through a mode. You can still purchase additional in-game content through the PlayStation Store.

stubs

[ram29jackson]

Diamond Dynasty Extra Innings (PS3 & PS4) - In this mode, a player’s team is always looking for opportunities to challenge other users in an offline setting, which allows the user to earn bonus rewards the next time they log in. When online, the player has the opportunity to challenge other user-created teams in an offline game where the CPU controls their team. Players can only benefit positively in this mode even if their team does not perform up to their normal standards.

Diamond dynasty

[steelerfan]

stubs

Diamond dynasty

All that shit is in the post right above yours.

[SmoothPancakes]

stubs

Diamond dynasty

Ok? And the purpose of these two posts were? What?

[ram29jackson]

All that shit is in the post right above yours.

yes honey I know and I chose to separate them.

[SmoothPancakes]

yes honey I know and I chose to separate them.

I weep for the education system in this country if ram received a diploma of any sort in life.

[CLW]

[Rudy]

Universal profile and STUBS. User stats are nice but it still pales in comparison to the depth of 2K's VIP profile which also had spray charts.

http://stickskills.com/2014/03/03/de...e-mlb-14-show/

[Papa LoneStar]

Year-to-year saves definitely caught my eye. I got 7 seasons into RTTS in 12....was bummed out having to start over....only got through 2 in 13 (mostly because GTA 5 was released during the time I got my real life playoff baseball boost during 12). Now I'll be able to take my time....knowing my player won't be going anywhere.

[cdj]

Courtesy Operation Sports, here is a blog about Online Franchise.

Franchise Mode has been an MLB The Show staple for quite some time now, and this year, we’re excited to introduce its long-awaited online version. We took the team-building aspects of Franchise, such as scouting and offseason contract negotiations, and merged them with the customizable schedules and divisional alignments of Online Leagues. We also continued to refine the game logic that governs trade values, lineups, player generation, and more. Let’s go over some of the main features in more detail.

When you create an Online Franchise, you automatically become the league’s Commissioner. You’ll get to choose the divisional alignment, schedule type, Designated Hitter preference and whether or not to upload a custom roster, among other things. Once you’re happy with your settings, you’ll need to invite other players to the league, and also determine what teams will be controlled by the CPU (if any at all).


Here is a Bleacher Report interview with more information:

You’ll be able to move players up and down from Class-A all the way to the majors, set training assignments, and also pull-off trades with other teams. Our trade logic has been greatly improved as well, so forget about lopsided trades involving three top prospects for an average major league middle reliever.