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Where in-depth analysis and logical debate butts heads with blind team loyalty and good old-fashioned name-calling.

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From the Bleachers

The Grapevine: MLB 2K9 and MLB 09: The Show

With the release of both MLB 2K9 and MLB 09: The Show, this week marks the start of the virtual baseball season. Look for GameSpot's full review of both games in the coming days but, for now, here's a select sampling of what people are saying in the forums about both games:

Provokt tells us about his first online game in MLB 09:

The game was insane. I guess you could say I had a little fun. I was down 5-2. Came back and tied it 5-5. Went up 8-5 and lost the lead in the bottom of the ninth when he tied it up with yet ANOTHER HR 8-8. Went up 10-8 in the top of the tenth with a Schumaker HR (sigh) then lost the lead again in the bottom of the 11th when...you guessed it...another HR. This one by Swisher (his 2nd). Top of the 12th I went up with a 3 run shot (ugh) 13-10 then he forfeited. Kinda lame as I was getting into it. We each had 17-19 hits for the game.

MLB 2K9 is growing on kaneNsharp:

At first I was disappointed in this years MLB for the fact that I was hitting 10 HRs a game and absolutely destroying the opponent. Sure the Glitches like the first baseman taking his foot off the bag for an easy out at first or the rare occasion the game play slows down so that my outfielder cant make the running catch but I get over that. But with the sliders called Guru 2.0 my game play has been a lot better with a more realistic experience which is what I was looking for in MLB 2k9. So if your are interested in purchasing this game I would say go for it, if your having any doubts you could always rent it.

Like many others, JHahN812 has seen the "first baseman bug" in MLB 2K9:

I get this a lot when I play, and it would appear as if I am making a good throw but a lot of times when I field a grounder and throw to first my first baseman will leave the bag and the runner will be safe. Anyone else having issues with this? Any ways to prevent it?

maddcow11 might have a solution for JHahN812's problems:

I've read that if you release the left stick while throwing it helps. I just played a game trying to do this and it didn't happen at all.

MLB 09's stadiums have impressed LeapPipeCinche:

some of these ballparks are just beautiful to look at.
im really having a hard time trying to pick 1 NL team i want to spend all that time doing a chise mode with for the long run. i dont want to get part way into a season and then start thinking about doing a chise as someone else. i dont want to start over again.

Kronikon16 is already adjusting sliders in MLB 2K9:

Now for the game play. I'll [say] this till I'm blue in face. Adjust your sliders people. I played around with it from inning to inning for the first half of 3 games, and once I found the right setting, I played a full game and was very happy. Some gamers will complain that it's too much work to figure out where to set them, but once you do, it's well worth it. My first full game was a classic 3-2 victory for my Braves over the Phillies. No homeruns aloud by either side, and pitching that would make any baseball sim fan happy.

trenken isn't happy with the batting in MLB 09:

I traded 08 in a month ago and I regret it. The batting in 09 is awful. It was much better in 08. I've played 10 games, no home runs, not more than 4 hits in a game, and only 5 hits over the last 3 games, and just 1 hit in the game I just played. That is not a realistic game of baseball at all.

Npo86 has some tips for MLB 2K9 pitching online:

First of all you must change speed...I cannot stress this enough!!!...you have to dictate the at bat with changes of speed...it may take an inning or so but you must figure out what your opponent is gearing up for...to do this throw a variety of pitches out of the strike zone. For instance, throw a curve low a fastball high and a changeup outsside close enough that he can make contact but too far to do anything...trust me these hitters can make contact as if everyone is freakin vlad....this will show you if he tends to think fast ball first or off speed first.

So, you've heard what other folks think. Let me know which baseball game you're playing and what you think of it in the comments below.

89 Comments

  • ivancitoxX

    Posted Mar 15, 2009 3:01 pm PT

    quiero ese juego

  • nyranasaurus

    Posted Mar 15, 2009 2:57 am PT

    2K games are the Production publishers behind NBA 2K9, The Only basketball game ever made that almost feels like a real game of basketball. They are also the production company behind some pretty amazing games. Bioshock fro 1 and heaps of others. Its not the fact 2K Games are backers of sht games, THEY ARENT. BUT obviously they arent too good at teh Baseball thing yet. It took tehm awhile to grasp Basketball too but once they got it ill never ever turn back to NBA live until it matches NBA 2K9 realistic look and feel of the sport. However it still has alot to learn about the making of Baseball games.

  • lhsjazzman

    Posted Mar 13, 2009 2:23 pm PT

    Worst article I've seen on PCGamespot ever. So disjointed and difficult to read.

  • empath22

    Posted Mar 12, 2009 2:23 pm PT

    IT'S NO MVP BASEBALL FROM EA SPORTS.

  • Janzybaby

    Posted Mar 12, 2009 1:13 am PT

    The Show is sick. I bought 2k8 last year and traded it in for The Show and it was amazing the difference. I do like the analog stick controls of the 2K games but there were so many glitches I couldn't stand it. 2K9 has taken the ball and ran, a long long ways. The graphics are amazing, the game play is smooth, just all around great. The franchise mode is so indepth. A couple things for next year might be maybe EXPANSION mode??? ala All-Star baseball, I used to love that mode, building a team from the ground. Also the build a stadium like MVP 05, which I still think is probably the #2 baseball game after The Show 09. Also a pitching practice mode in RTTS. Over all amaing game

  • royalrockies

    Posted Mar 11, 2009 11:03 am PT

    I have a PC so am limited to buying MLB 2K9 if I get a baseball game. I heard that you have to have a 360 gamepad to play the game even on PC. I do have a dual analog Logitech gamepad. will that work with the PC version of this game? Also where can I find this downloadable demo of the game I hear of. And, no I will not buy a expensive game system as this isthe only game I would even consider playing.

    Thanks lots

  • bite215me

    Posted Mar 11, 2009 8:26 am PT

    i think this says it all- gamespot gives the show 09 a 9.0 and an editors choice, they gave 2k9 a 4.5

  • MFDOOMED

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 5:13 pm PT

    I am playing MLB 09 and loving it!!!!!!!! I have not played MLB 2K9 yet and doubt I will.

  • rulo13

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 1:11 pm PT

    All these people talking about hitting issues, there are no issues!! Hitting in MLB 09 it is like in real life; patience is very important (getting deep in the counts) so you can time every pitch, hitting a pitch you are looking for, a hitters pitch not a pitchers pitch. If you step up at the plate and try to hit the first pitch coming at you (Slider 88 mph) pfft......., it will be hard believe me!!! Patience People.... By the way MLB 09 is outstanding!!! peace

  • halls1030

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 9:07 am PT

    I can't post reviews here on the gamespot site as I don't have a paid membership. But, I have to give my 2 cents for what I believe, really IS the best baseball game of all-time: MLB09. I am a 35 year old, married father of two boys and I can freely admit I love video games. I have played them my entire life. From Atari, Nintendo, Sega, PS, PS2, XBOX360, and now PS3.

    I initially bought the PS3 for the Blu-Ray player. I have a home theatre in my basement and at the time the PS3 was rated as the best Blu-Ray player - if it just happens it comes with a game console as well...then that's just icing on the cake! As for some gaming background, I spend most of my time playing FPS's on the XBOX360 - and can admit to being frequently frustrated with glitches, small gameplay errors, and plenty of unrealistic events during the gameplay that even the most popular games contain: (COD4 & COD5). This is on top of the fact the XBOX360 platform itself has been unreliable and quirky (I had to send my unit in twice for repair!) For starters, I downloaded the demo of MLB2K9 for the XBOX360 to see if it would be worth buying, unfortunately it's your typical baseball game with some fun factor loaded in but so-so graphics and more like an arcade baseball game as most of them tend to be. Fast forward to seeing the memorable commercials of Dustin Pedroia and the MLB09 game ads - which their tag of "The most realistic baseball game ever". I decide this might be worth a try for the first game to purchase for the PS3...man, what a decision that has been.

    I am roughly 15 hours in on this game, and let me tell you - this game really is realistic. This is coming from a guy that got drafted out of college and spent 4 years in the Rookie, A and AA systems for Toronto & Philadelphia. First off, the graphics are simply amazing. There are no frame rate problems or lags that I have noticed to date, the visuals match up perfectly to the commentary, and the game is hard for a reason - baseball at the higher levels really isn't easy to be quite honest!

    I am reading some of these reviews complaining about "only a couple hits and impossible to hit a HR". The truth is that is fairly realistic. Most major leaue players only hit 15-25 HR's in 575-600 at bats. People seem to forget most players are NOT as talented, strong and blessed with hand-eye coordination of the likes of Matt Holliday, Justin Morneau, Ryan Howard or Josh Hamilton. I saw and learned things first hand in the minors that simply were never talked about or taught in high school or college - things that casual observers at a big league game don't realize. That being said, MLB09 simply gets EVERYTHING RIGHT!

    The fielding is fairly straight forward and easy to grasp, the pitching is very neat with your catcher helping call pitches and location. Even the pitching meters are great. Depending on how well your man on the bump is doing has an effect on your pitching meter - making it easier or tougher to hit your spots. The batting again is simple, but the variety of pitches and the AI ability to change things up and not throw every ball straight down the pipe like some games do actually makes for a challenge...if you're not disciplined at the dish, chances are you're going to be grabbing some bench after chasing a third strike curveball in the dirt.

    Again the graphics are simply something to behold. The stadium renderings are amazingly accurate. Even the shadowing which it took some time for me to notice the subtle changes over the course of a game...amazing. The ability to slide differently into bases depending on where a throw is coming from, the ability to put one in a guys ear if frustrated and also be ejected if you abuse it...all nice touches. The truth is, if you want a great game for quick sit and go gameplay, this game can give you that too. The overall learning curve on the game is not hard to grasp - but being able to play the game well - is a different story.

    The additional features really add to this games package, as well. I have spent a good amount of time playing the "Road To The Show" (RTTS) mode. I have gone through 5 players (all modeled after myself - a bit narcissitic I admit) in a variety of positions: Pitcher, SS/2b, CF, and C, and not once have I made it up to the "bigs"...initially after spending 4 years in the minors and playing through the seasons, doing the training to increase my skills, and feeling like I am so close only to get traded and then be back at the bottom of the barrel...after being frustrated initially, I sat back and realized...this really is realistic - it's so much like what goes on everyday in the game itself people have no idea! It is so hard to ever get a shot at the major league level...there are so many kids toiling away in the farm systems that will never see a major league field/game other than in the stands...again, MLB09 got this right.

    I'll keep playing to MLB09, trying to get that call up, something I never got and still wish I did years ago as a twentysomething kid chasing a dream...those of you that think this game is too hard you have NO idea. On the other hand, if you want a great game that is visually stunning, has amazingly intuitive commentary, requires some time and patience but has overall amazing replay value...look no further: MLB09 is all that...and a bag of chips!

    Hope my review helps some of you that may be on the fence as it relates to picking this game up...seeing that as of today there's still no real editor's reviews on the site for this game.

  • ztron370

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 6:09 am PT

    I plan to buy MLB09 before the end of this week.

  • Mikelikescy05

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 6:28 pm PT

    mlb the show is pretty sweet but i do miss EA sports MVP though that game was awesome.

  • dmbdissr27

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 6:07 pm PT

    it really pisses me off that 2k buys the rights from ea and then makes peace of crap games that no one likes, i wish they'd just sell it back, one of the funnest games ive ever played is ncaa baseball (07) i believe, with the lsbu dirtbag on the front, ea has and always will be better at making games then 2k

  • maverick_76

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 4:15 pm PT

    When will the review for The Show be posted? Aggghhhh I have been waiting in agony.....ok not really agony, lol.

  • markeverett

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 3:10 pm PT

    I dowloaded the demo for both '09 the show and 2k9. I took one look at the baseball mitts in 2k9 and thought the game was a joke. Not to mention when the camera is panning through the stadium, the lines look HORRID. The Show has the bad lines as well, but not to the extreme that 2k9 did. I will probably trade in The Show '08 for '09, but I still miss EA's MVP 2005.

  • bacinbiz

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 2:43 pm PT

    Well all I have to say is that I'm an old school gamer and I will always prefer fun factor over graphics any day. MLB the show looks beautiful as far as graphics but I find myself having more fun on 2k9, using the swing stick for batting and pitching, I find it much more rewarding than pressing x button for contact and square for power contact, been there, done that for far too long already. I own a ps3 and played both demos and I choose 2k9. eat me !!!1

  • Luck

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 1:56 pm PT

    Unfortunately, it is a disgrace to the Show 09 for even mentioning 2k9 in the same category. To compare the two titles is apple and oranges, its not even close. The Show blows 2k out of the water.

  • systemfan1188

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 1:40 pm PT

    How the **** is batting in The Show 09 harder than before? Most my games I get around 6-8 hits a game..sometimes less and sometimes more. Theres usually at least one HR per game for my side. SO - your obviously having difficulties with the game period. Don't blame "new batting mechanics" for the fact you can't hit.

  • metalgear-solid

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 12:46 pm PT

    MLB 2K9... 4.5/10
    MLB 09: The Show... 9.0/10

    That pretty much sums it up. The PS3 has a fantastic baseball game in The Show, whereas the X360 has an average (at best) baseball game in 2K9.

  • Zaibach

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 9:00 am PT

    I just think its funny that the best baseball game is exclusive to a Japanese machine compared to its American counter-part, such is life.

  • vInU07

    Posted Mar 9, 2009 12:11 am PT

    whatever

  • lnknprk8912

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 9:20 pm PT

    (I currently own mlb 2k8 for the 360)

    I have tried to play these 2K baseball games and they are just not cutting it. For having exclusive 3-party rights they should be at least improving every year, and they're not. The commentary is atrocious, the games frame rate is god awful, everything is out of sync. The only thing i like is the pitching mechanics, but with the frame issues it can be annoying. I find myself sometimes going back to my gamecube (yes my gamecube) to play EA's MVP Baseball 2005, and its sad to say but it is more fun and smooth than any 2k baseball game that i have ever played. (graphics compared to the 2k titles of that year) I dont know what their excuse is. It almost as if its painful for these people to make this game, and the "oh we rush it cause one comes out every year" thing shouldnt apply. EA can put out an AMAZING NHL, and other numerous titles out every year and i never find frame rate issues. And personally i shouldn't have to buy a PS3 just so i can play a good baseball video game.

    So the bottom line, 2K should hang it up and sell the rights back to EA or start making a fun, well made baseball game.

  • ThisIsntLeonard

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 6:16 pm PT

    The Show 09 is for baseball what NHL 09 was for hockey last year. Innovation through pure simulation in every way. Who knew that a sports game could be such a crucial PS3 exclusive? (And I used to play the 2K series up through 2K7.)

  • Units420

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 5:31 pm PT

    Well, all I have is an 360 and a Wii. I bought 2k9 and I like it. I haven't had any of the problems with the glitches many are mentioning. Not saying they aren't there, but I just haven't encountered them. I also think the game looks alright.

  • pspgamer54

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 5:26 pm PT

    how do u download this stuf????

  • punkologist

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 4:05 pm PT

    I bought the PS3 just for MLB 08 last year and haven't regretted it for a second. I should have 09 any day now, can't wait!

  • decaff907

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 10:35 pm PT

    As usual 2K9 will be terrible, and the show will be great. I bought on mlb 2k game (I believe it was 2K6) and it was attrocious. The Show kills it in every category

  • MrPuerta

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 10:22 pm PT

    I'll admit that I was always a fan of the 2k series up to last year. I went out and bought a PS3 just for the show. Then my condo was broken into and my 360 and ps3 (among other things) were stolen. That same night I went back out and bought me another PS3 and a copy of the show 08. Thanks to the show I no longer have a desire to replace my 360. As for the tards who stole my stuff....I hope you got the red rings of death....

  • jamescrenshaw

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 7:16 pm PT

    Is this really a debate. The Show is a perfect example of what a sports sim should be like. It is a rare game that is worth th $60 and worth buying a system for.

    2K is a text book for how not to make a game

  • k04sm02

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 2:10 pm PT

    My old roommate is buying MLB the show soon and I'm seriously considering getting a PS3 for this game. The demo for MLB2k9 is atrocious.

  • fatmike2127

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 2:03 pm PT

    I think MLB 2k9 takes it too far. If they didn't have a meter for everything like for throwing the ball to a base it would be better. Most people don't want to play a game where you have to work really hard for simple things. As for 09 the Show, I think if they changed the batting to the swing stick in the 2k games, it would be more realistic.

  • PBN-Dawg

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 8:40 am PT

    MLB 2k9 has major issues. Why when my left fielder is right under the ball for 5 seconds then it drops behind him, and an easy grounder is hit to second base and he just drops it. Major league players dont make this many errors. Just ruins the experience

  • ratherfeelpain posted Mar 7, 2009 7:17 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    ratherfeelpain

    Posted Mar 7, 2009 7:17 am PT (hide)

    Is 2K9 worth getting for the Wii?

  • Paul_TheGreat

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 11:51 pm PT

    MLB 09 The Show is the best sports game period.

  • spudsofpoo

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 10:04 pm PT

    MLB 09 the hitting feels a little harder to me, so I personally like the new challenge. What they did was basically nerf Guess Pitch spammers (read: me) so you're forced to try and think baseball at the plate. I personally love the new system and my guy is hitting about .300, 10 or so games into the season I think the guy complaining about hitting was talking about the TEAM managing 5 hits in 3 games...I should hope so otherwise there should be no complaints xD

  • jazilla

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 8:11 pm PT

    @trenken's comment in the article: 5 hits in 3 games is awesome, not bad! lets say you have 5 bats in each game which doesn't happen all that often. You just went 5 for 15 son, which is a .333 avg. That guy has no idea what he's talking about.

  • marki61422

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 7:51 pm PT

    My money's on Gamespot giving MLB 09 a 9.0 in their review,Gamespots scoring sucks.Just look at their PS3 highest rated games,two with 10.0,eight others with 9.0.Try giving a 9.5 once in a while you deadbeats.

  • 10Iron

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 7:51 pm PT

    I consider myself to be a pretty good judge of games. I have read every review I can find on both "The Show" and "2K9". I even downloaded both demos off of the Playstation store. I am convinced more than ever that "The Show" is the superior title in gameplay, graphics, realism, and of course, reputation (no one wants to play a game that doesn't come up in conversations, or has an empty online player pool). I've shelled out the $60 with no hesitation and I love the game. Like one user said, this is the reason we bought these PS3's, for the exclusive titles...

  • ohjtbehaaave

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 7:10 pm PT

    'Preachman' obviously got a MONEY HAT from 2K to troll here and post. If you believe MLB 2K9 is a better game than the Show 09 than you either haven't played both... or you wouldn't know what a Louisville slugger was if it was shoved up your A.... ah never mind. If you want a fun 2K baseball game... get Power Pro's or the BIGS. For some reason MLB 2K keeps missing the mark. For casual fans only.

  • xXZak-ataKXx

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 7:05 pm PT

    All i can say is that the show is a much BETTER game than the 2k series. Why? bcuz the graphics are better,so is the gameplay and the online is much more organized. So I'll be spending the 59.99 on Mlb 09 the show, instead of wasting it on a game that is'nt even good.

  • rob046

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 6:57 pm PT

    It is games like MLB 09 (& others i.e. Killzone 2, MGS5) that are the reason for my owning a PS3. The PS3 was the 1st next gen console I bought, for its exclusives and it just being an amazing media center. I then bought a 360 for its exclusives and general gaming. I know the 360 seems to have more exclusives, but still nice to know that when sony does have an exclusive, it's usually top notch. PS3 exclusives really let the see the potential unleashed in them, as opposed to "all games being equal" for multi-plats.

    That said, I do love "The Show", despite trying to like the 2k series. For the 3rd straight year (and 5th overall) I bought The Show for the PS3 the day it hits stores. I usually wait a couple weeks with games, get them on ebay for a few bucks less than the normal $60 and also not have to pay sales tax. But I get too anxious with this game that I don't wait!

    Not sure what it is about the game. It's just addictive. It's had real good graphics the last couple years and every year there are even more imporvements visually, with animations, with sorting out bugs, and gameplay. They add enough new "spice" to make me want to buy the game every year (well, that and the updated rosters, but if all '09 was was updated rosters, i wouldn't buy it just for that reason).

    Some people complain that it is too hard to hit this year, or with this game in general. Let me just say, that if you are having problems, go to rookie mode, that's what it's there for. If you aren't averaging at least 4 runs per game in rookie mode, then you are just a sucky gamer!
    By default your difficulty is a notch higher than rookie, and it can be quite a bit more difficult than rookie, especially with batting. But this is what makes the game great. If you are having tough times, do rookie mode. If things are too easy, go to the hardest mode and you'll feel like a beginner all over again!

    Once you get the hang of hitting, knowing your players strong points, what part of the strike zone they like, as well as getting to know some of the opposing pitching...all that stuff factors into being a good hitter, so its not all just swinging the bat at the right time. This is why I like The Show. Even with good timing that isn't enough, cuz you also need to control your bat, whether to swing up, down, in or out.

    I've always loved the pitching and defense/fielding. It's simple but not boring or brainless, the defensive gameplay can be easy enough but you can screw up at any time and some things are hard to master (such as the timing when diving and jumping, for example). With the pitching you can go pretty fast with it, really get into a flow if you want to. But if you start to get too careless or comfortable when pitching, rest assured the batters will take advantage. Takes one bad pitch to change a game, just like in real life.

    In summary, just the entire game overall, from the audio, visuals, depth, & gameplay, its a real solid game all around. P.S. Another note for those with some hitting woes...your team DOES matter! For example, I'm in veteran mode with the Pirates. Their team batting ability is next to nothing right now! So if you are playing with a bad team, maybe consider dropping the difficulty to compensate, or try to get real good real fast! Winning with a bad rated team can be rewarding though. And if I'm not mistaken, for teams the pick it up (or start to suck) during the season, updates should adjust the overall skill level to reflect real life, I think.

  • cableguy21

    Posted Mar 6, 2009 6:55 pm PT

    MLB The Show 09 is such a Better game than MLB 2K9.....there is no comparison

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