Who's Still Playing 2005/08

[Ground Chuck]

I just recently remembered this game (mvp 05) and how much fun it was. I used to play all the time. I stumbled across this website and was amazed at the activity and downloads created. I will definately be downloading a few and trying them out. One problem though.... it has been so long that I can not find my joystick. Guess I have to buy a new one. Thanks for this.........

[JoeRudi26]

MVP is classic proof that a solid gameplay engine can have tremendous staying power, even when the graphics become outdated.  The other side of that proof is 2K9, and we all know where that ended up.

Holding my breath for a decent PC baseball title is probably not the smartest thing to do, and the fact that I think Sony finally addresses gameplay in The Show next year will probably lead me back to console baseball.  I mean, what else do they have to work on this winter?  Everything else about the game seems to be top notch.

Unless 2K9 pulls a miracle out of their azz (which I honestly doubt), I'll more than likely be giving my 60 bucks to Sony.

[elfdutch]

MVP is classic proof that a solid gameplay engine can have tremendous staying power, even when the graphics become outdated.  The other side of that proof is 2K9, and we all know where that ended up.

Holding my breath for a decent PC baseball title is probably not the smartest thing to do, and the fact that I think Sony finally addresses gameplay in The Show next year will probably lead me back to console baseball.  I mean, what else do they have to work on this winter?  Everything else about the game seems to be top notch.

Unless 2K9 pulls a miracle out of their azz (which I honestly doubt), I'll more than likely be giving my 60 bucks to Sony.

I hear what you are saying. 2k9 was a big disappointment to me and i have no expectations that 2k10 will be a good game. (hey, maybe thats just me being negative, who knows).

I have played mlb the show on the ps2, that was before i discovered mvp. When i compare the 2 games i do not like the gameplay in the show. I find mvp to be more realistic.

For example, its much easier to pull off double plays with the show, even if the ball goes way to the left of the shortstop (in the direction of 3rd base).

The shortstop will simple grab the ball, do a turnaround jump throw kinda thing and bam, the double play is in motion.

After doing this on the show for a full season (i played every game) I discovered mvp. Well, i tried to do the same thing but boy what a difference. In mvp you have to think more.

If a ball is hit in the same direction as mentioned it is only sometimes a double play. More often you just have to think smart and go for one out.

Thats what i really like about mvp. Realism, no guess pitch, no power button. It took some adjusting but there's no turning back.

Mind you, i havent played the show on ps3. I did watch a lot of vids on youtube. It looks the same as on ps2 (gameplaywise) just much MUCH better looking.

[DJEagles]

I haven't really been playing either games. Mostly been playing a modded NHL 04 on my PC, and NHL 10 on my 360.

[Athletics44]

MVP 05 with the 08 modes and 09 uniforms. Before that I loved High Heat.. I could mod that game like crazy. Would love to mod in MVP but don't have Photoshop.

[elfdutch]

MVP is classic proof that a solid gameplay engine can have tremendous staying power, even when the graphics become outdated.  The other side of that proof is 2K9, and we all know where that ended up.

Holding my breath for a decent PC baseball title is probably not the smartest thing to do, and the fact that I think Sony finally addresses gameplay in The Show next year will probably lead me back to console baseball.  I mean, what else do they have to work on this winter?  Everything else about the game seems to be top notch.

Unless 2K9 pulls a miracle out of their azz (which I honestly doubt), I'll more than likely be giving my 60 bucks to Sony.

Well, still going strong in my Mets Dynasty on mvp08.

God i love this game. I finally have some more time to play it, so my batting is getting better. I'm working the count more, getting some walks.

Played the Diamondbacks yesterday and their starter was taking out in the 4th inning, after i hit my first grand slam...woohooooooo!!!!.

This game really captures the essence of baseball. I love the diving plays, the spray hitting and the graphics as well. I play on 1440x900 after using the resolution changer.

It really makes a big difference compared to the standard resolutions offered in the game. The stadiums are fantastic, its great watching them between innings.

Its amazing that after so many years this game is really going strong. A big thanks to the modding community for making this possible!

I love how detailed and colourfull the uniforms looks. I watched a lot of vids of mlb 09 the show on youtube in HD quality, but somehow the uniforms in that game look more washed out.

Anyone else notice that?

In spite of all the above, i'm still considering buying a ps3. The slim is fairly affordable now, and i really need to play uncharted 2. Once i have a ps3 it makes sense to buy mlb 09 the show.

You mention that you think the show will adress the gameplay next year. Can you tell me more about that? What needs improvement in your opinion?

In the vids on youtube batting looks very very difficult. Would appreciate any input before i run off and get the show. Perhaps i should wait for the show 2010?

[JoeRudi26]

You mention that you think the show will adress the gameplay next year. Can you tell me more about that? What needs improvement in your opinion?

I think the reason MVP has had so much staying power with the hardcore baseball gamers is because of the actual gameplay, it's obvious it hasn't stood on graphics alone. At least IMO, by gameplay I mean each and every game that you play should be determined by these 4 things:

Sliders (fit to your style of play to get realistic numbers)

Accurate Rosters (attributes)

Team vs Team matchup (i.e., if you're the Pirates playing the Yankees, you should probably lose 7 of 10 games)

Player Skill

MVP's versatility with the difficulty levels and good working sliders has allowed players to fit the gameplay to their liking. If done right, the AI should be in balance with the entire game, not that invisible force that completely takes the game out of your hands. MVP just doesn't do that. If you play an entire season manually (like I do), you're as good as the team you're controlling, with blowouts and pitching duals scattered throughout the 162 games.

I'm not picking on The Show necessarily (I've seen it in other games too), but how many double plays are you going to lose because the AI wants the 2nd baseman to double pump before he turns the throw to first base? Obvious AI comebacks in late innings, 20 pitch at bats, etc? It's the little things like these that ruin it for hardcore gamers. MVP's fielding aspect may look choppy and last gen compared to the newer titles, but it still allows you to be in control of the play.

To answer your question, I have a feeling Sony will address these issues in the next title, like I said before, what else could they possible do to make this game look better? I'm as ready for a next gen baseball game as everyone else, but if doesn't play like baseball, I'll be back to MVP.

[kado456]

I still play MVP, it gets about 3 to 4 reps a week after work. I also play the Show about 2 or 3 times a week, and it will probably pick up more after Knight's End of the Season Set is completed. Like most people have alluded to what keeps MVP fresh is the gameplay, it can be perfectly adjusted to your style of play.

The Show is right there they just have to tighten up the fielding controls, I recently got a slider set that has the game playing very nice to me so I'm content. As far as next year is concerned if they would just tighten up the fielding, add manager argued calls, and place the pitching meter back in the location from '08 for the behind the pitcher view I would be content.

With all that said, I would still play MVP every week. :D

[elfdutch]

I think the reason MVP has had so much staying power with the hardcore baseball gamers is because of the actual gameplay, it's obvious it hasn't stood on graphics alone.  At least IMO, by gameplay I mean each and every game that you play should be determined by these 4 things:

Sliders (fit to your style of play to get realistic numbers)

Accurate Rosters (attributes)

Team vs Team matchup (i.e., if you're the Pirates playing the Yankees, you should probably lose 7 of 10 games)

Player Skill 

MVP's versatility with the difficulty levels and good working sliders has allowed players to fit the gameplay to their liking.  If done right, the AI should be in balance with the entire game, not that invisible force that completely takes the game out of your hands.  MVP just doesn't do that.  If you play an entire season manually (like I do), you're as good as the team you're controlling, with blowouts and pitching duals scattered throughout the 162 games.  

I'm not picking on The Show necessarily (I've seen it in other games too), but how many double plays are you going to lose because the AI wants the 2nd baseman to double pump before he turns the throw to first base?  Obvious AI comebacks in late innings, 20 pitch at bats, etc?  It's the little things like these that ruin it for hardcore gamers.  MVP's fielding aspect may look choppy and last gen compared to the newer titles, but it still allows you to be in control of the play. 

To answer your question, I have a feeling Sony will address these issues in the next title, like I said before, what else could they possible do to make this game look better?  I'm as ready for a next gen baseball game as everyone else, but if doesn't play like baseball, I'll be back to MVP.

Well i guess the same goes for me. I dont like that double pumping before throwing, even if the batter is out. I also heard that when fielding you can either push the right analog stick up for a jump, or down for a dive. If that's the case i prefer the mvp system, which lets you jump diagonally, making for some great showboat catches.

But i will be buying a ps3, i'm just not sure whether to buy the show 09, or wait for next year's version. On the other hand, my best buddy lives in the usa and will be coming to my country on december 21. With the current euro vs dollar conversion rate i can get the show 09 real cheap and give it a go.

[JoeRudi26]

Well i guess the same goes for me. I dont like that double pumping before throwing, even if the batter is out. I also heard that when fielding you can either push the right analog stick up for a jump, or down for a dive. If that's the case i prefer the mvp system, which lets you jump diagonally, making for some great showboat catches.

But i will be buying a ps3, i'm just not sure whether to buy the show 09, or wait for next year's version. On the other hand, my best buddy lives in the usa and will be coming to my country on december 21. With the current euro vs dollar conversion rate i can get the show 09 real cheap and give it a go.

Sounds great, I actually bought the PS3 for The Show '08 last year in March. I waited to see the reviews for the '09 version, and although they were good, I still saw too many hardcore baseball gamers (that I know) come back to MVP for the game play.

That said, you can't go wrong with the PS3, it's a kick a@@ piece of hardware. As soon as I get settled in for the winter and start playing Unchartered 2, I'll regret spending the money even less. :D

[Mike Z]

I play MVP 2005 with 2009 rosters, slight changes in the datafile to make pitching more difficult and realistic, adjusted sliders to make the game more realistic, and my personal mod, which adds collision detection in the crowd. I don't know how anyone can't get a realistic game with all the changes able to be made via the datafile and sliders. I watched a few games CPU vs CPU and the pitch counts were very realistic and it's not rare to see a pitcher throw 80 pitches 6 innings into the game.

I also have MLB 09 The Show for PS3. I like this game too. It's extremely well done. My baseball video gaming is split between the two.

MLB 2K9 is an insult to major league baseball. My last comment may provoke a few of you to project anger my way. Save your energy and time. I know trash when I see it.

[BigPaPa]

MVP has the best balance between gameplay and simiability, that combine with the unprecidented ability to customize it to your liking gives it staying power. However IDK if this is a fair poll being that the traffic on this site has gone down significantly since 2k9 was released i believe the farther removed from the 2008 season the more MVP will fall into the class of a classics only game.

[JoeRudi26]

I also have MLB 09 The Show for PS3. I like this game too. It's extremely well done. My baseball video gaming is split between the two.

I've seen a lot of people saying the exact same thing, and this is mainly the reason I didn't go ahead and purchase this year's Show. If people are splitting their playing time between a game that came out almost 5 years ago compared to a brand new baseball game, then something still must not be quite right with The Show. If it looks great and sounds great, that really only leaves one element, and that element is what shines in MVP and what is really most important to me.

MLB 2K9 is an insult to major league baseball. My last comment may provoke a few of you to project anger my way.

Normally I would say: "No one should get angry at another individual's opinion, everyone has a right to his/her own". Unfortunately it's not an opinion, but a fact. Personally, instead of labeling 2K9 an insult to MLB, I'm more apt to call it an insult to video games in general. I can honestly say I've never ever seen a video game that was more broken off the shelves than this one. 2K9 should be ashamed of themselves for putting this on the market.

[elfdutch]

I've seen a lot of people saying the exact same thing, and this is mainly the reason I didn't go ahead and purchase this year's Show.  If people are splitting their playing time between a game that came out almost 5 years ago compared to a brand new baseball game, then something still must not be quite right with The Show.  If it looks great and sounds great, that really only leaves one element, and that element is what shines in MVP and what is really most important to me.

Normally I would say: "No one should get angry at another individual's opinion, everyone has a right to his/her own".  Unfortunately it's not an opinion, but a fact.  Personally, instead of labeling 2K9 an insult to MLB, I'm more apt to call it an insult to video games in general.  I can honestly say I've never ever seen a video game that was more broken off the shelves than this one.  2K9 should be ashamed of themselves for putting this on the market.

 

Fully agree there. I actually spent money on that game. The one thing that is good about it (IMO) is the pitching system. I really like it, some of the pitches are pretty hard to pull off.

Thats said the game lacks about everything else. The grahpics are good but the game just has no soul. Dont even get me started on the gameplay, or lack thereof.

Nope, sofar its mvp all the way for me. Played my 3rd game against the D-backs yesterday, was trailing 1-0 in the top of the 9th, homered to get it into extra innings, got an rbi in the 11th and my closer did his job (even though he allowed 2 men to get on base)

In this game some amazing things happened. An outfielder making a spectacular running catch for the 3rd out, i would have scored a minimum of 2 runs. Some excellent infield defense, attacking the ball and barehanding it to 1st to get the out, instead of a bunt single. Balls bouncing off the pitcher and the shortstop reacting quickly to get the out, again barehanding.

But also, my pitcher easily fielding a groundball, and throwing to 1st base....all the way over the 1st baseman. My fault for keeping the throwing button pushed for too long (another thing i hear implemented in the show, but not working)

Things like that put a smile on my face while playing. I'm sometimes throwing my hands up in the air when these things happen. My wife thinks i'm crazy

[JoeRudi26]

Fully agree there. I actually spent money on that game. The one thing that is good about it (IMO) is the pitching system. I really like it, some of the pitches are pretty hard to pull off.

Thats said the game lacks about everything else. The grahpics are good but the game just has no soul. Dont even get me started on the gameplay, or lack thereof.

Nope, sofar its mvp all the way for me. Played my 3rd game against the D-backs yesterday, was trailing 1-0 in the top of the 9th, homered to get it into extra innings, got an rbi in the 11th and my closer did his job (even though he allowed 2 men to get on base)

In this game some amazing things happened. An outfielder making a spectacular running catch for the 3rd out, i would have scored a minimum of 2 runs. Some excellent infield defense, attacking the ball and barehanding it to 1st to get the out, instead of a bunt single. Balls bouncing off the pitcher and the shortstop reacting quickly to get the out, again barehanding.

But also, my pitcher easily fielding a groundball, and throwing to 1st base....all the way over the 1st baseman. My fault for keeping the throwing button pushed for too long (another thing i hear implemented in the show, but not working)

Things like that put a smile on my face while playing. I'm sometimes throwing my hands up in the air when these things happen. My wife thinks i'm crazy

This is exactly my point when comparing MVP to anything else that's been out there so far.  After choosing your difficulty level, sliders, etc., the game responds to how you play it.  If you have a guy on second base and you want to move him to third, I can guarentee if you wait on the right pitch and time your swing, you have a good chance of poking that ball to the right side of the infield, depending on real life situations: Batting right handed you look for outside pitch and swing late, and so on..

I've tried the exact same thing in The Show and 2k9, and it wasn't uncommon, for example, to fly out to left field.  I think these are the reasons people just keep coming back.

BTW, my wife thinks I'm crazy too, and the cat won't even come around me anymore.  

[elfdutch]

This is exactly my point when comparing MVP to anything else that's been out there so far.  After choosing your difficulty level, sliders, etc., the game responds to how you play it.  If you have a guy on second base and you want to move him to third, I can guarentee if you wait on the right pitch and time your swing, you have a good chance of poking that ball to the right side of the infield, depending on real life situations: Batting right handed you look for outside pitch and swing late, and so on..

I've tried the exact same thing in The Show and 2k9, and it wasn't uncommon, for example, to fly out to left field.  I think these are the reasons people just keep coming back.

BTW, my wife thinks I'm crazy too, and the cat won't even come around me anymore.  

One of the things i'm not very good at right now is spray hitting. Too many hits going through the middle. I find it hard to swing late, but getting a little bit better.

I think i need to up the difficulty level too. I currently play on pro, with no strikezone or hot/cold zones, evertyhing on manual with only the ball trail indicator on (if thats the right words for it). Also all my sliders are default (so set to zero i guess)

I'm currently 22-6 in my franchise, with a few of the losses coming from simming the remainder of the game cause i had to do some other stuff. How is the cpu hitting on the level above pro?

Will i have a hard time moving up? Perhaps it has to be a combination up upping the level and moving around some sliders. Currently i do not feel im being punished enough when the cpu is at bat.

I sometimes throw too much over the plate, yet the cpu misses the ball. On the other hand, i win my games with small differences mostly, so if the batting is much tougher i might get killed.

Guess i just have to give it a go and see what happens. Any tips are welcome

[elfdutch]

I play MVP 2005 with 2009 rosters, slight changes in the datafile to make pitching more difficult and realistic, adjusted sliders to make the game more realistic, and my personal mod, which adds collision detection in the crowd. I don't know how anyone can't get a realistic game with all the changes able to be made via the datafile and sliders. I watched a few games CPU vs CPU and the pitch counts were very realistic and it's not rare to see a pitcher throw 80 pitches 6 innings into the game.

I also have MLB 09 The Show for PS3. I like this game too. It's extremely well done. My baseball video gaming is split between the two.

MLB 2K9 is an insult to major league baseball. My last comment may provoke a few of you to project anger my way. Save your energy and time. I know trash when I see it.

I dont understand what you mean by collision detection in the crowd.

Can you tell me some more about that?

[Jim825]

I dont understand what you mean by collision detection in the crowd.

Can you tell me some more about that?

He created a mod so that when a homerun is hit into the stands, it bounces around a bit instead of just disappearing into the crowd.

Here's a link: http://www.mvpmods.com/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=5405

[JoeRudi26]

One of the things i'm not very good at right now is spray hitting. Too many hits going through the middle. I find it hard to swing late, but getting a little bit better.

I think i need to up the difficulty level too. I currently play on pro, with no strikezone or hot/cold zones, evertyhing on manual with only the ball trail indicator on (if thats the right words for it). Also all my sliders are default (so set to zero i guess)

I'm currently 22-6 in my franchise, with a few of the losses coming from simming the remainder of the game cause i had to do some other stuff. How is the cpu hitting on the level above pro?

Will i have a hard time moving up? Perhaps it has to be a combination up upping the level and moving around some sliders. Currently i do not feel im being punished enough when the cpu is at bat.

I sometimes throw too much over the plate, yet the cpu misses the ball. On the other hand, i win my games with small differences mostly, so if the batting is much tougher i might get killed.

Guess i just have to give it a go and see what happens. Any tips are welcome

efldutch -

Here are my datafile and slider set that I've tweaked over the past few years, and at least for my playing style, they are very challenging and I get solid, realistic results across the board. I recently played a season with the A's, and finished at 81-81 (2nd) in a poor American League West. If you want to take a look, here's the link to my entire Season which can be found here in the Dynasty Thread.

As I've told other people that have wanted to use these sliders, don't be fooled by the Pro difficulty setting, these are in fact very challenging sliders, and this is the best balance I've found to get good results.

If you do decide to try them out, let me know how they're working for you.

JR MVP Pro Sliders Datafile.ZIP

[elfdutch]

efldutch -

Here are my datafile and slider set that I've tweaked over the past few years, and at least for my playing style, they are very challenging and I get solid, realistic results across the board.  I recently played a season with the A's, and finished at 81-81 (2nd) in a poor American League West.  If you want to take a look, here's the link to my entire Season which can be found here in the Dynasty Thread.

As I've told other people that have wanted to use these sliders, don't be fooled by the Pro difficulty setting, these are in fact very challenging sliders, and this is the best balance I've found to get good results.

If you do decide to try them out, let me know how they're working for you.

 

Thanks for the sliders. One question : does this change the fielding view that i currently have? I'm not playing with the standard mvp 08 mod view, but instead am using a tweaked datafile that was used in a european online league that i participated in a few years ago. I like those camera's a lot. I do like the 08 cam as well, giving you a bigger view of the diamond, but infield popups were difficult to get under so i switched.

If there's no change to the cams, or if there is some way i can keep my current cams ill gladly try out your sliders.

[elfdutch]

He created a mod so that when a homerun is hit into the stands, it bounces around a bit instead of just disappearing into the crowd.

Here's a link: http://www.mvpmods.com/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=5405

Thanks a lot for the link....and thanks even more for all the great classic mods you make!!! I like to play exhibition games with all those great teams from the past.

You know....the time when i was young myself :p

[JoeRudi26]

Thanks for the sliders. One question : does this change the fielding view that i currently have? I'm not playing with the standard mvp 08 mod view, but instead am using a tweaked datafile that was used in a european online league that i participated in a few years ago. I like those camera's a lot. I do like the 08 cam as well, giving you a bigger view of the diamond, but infield popups were difficult to get under so i switched.

If there's no change to the cams, or if there is some way i can keep my current cams ill gladly try out your sliders.

The sliders themselves won't change the camera view, but the datafile will.  You can try the sliders out separately if you want.

[elfdutch]

The sliders themselves won't change the camera view, but the datafile will.  You can try the sliders out separately if you want.

I might as well try all the files. I'll backup my own datafile just in case.

One question though.....where do i put the pro slider set.txt file. I assume in the data folder but just want to make sure.

[JoeRudi26]

I might as well try all the files. I'll backup my own datafile just in case.

One question though.....where do i put the pro slider set.txt file. I assume in the data folder but just want to make sure.

Yep, it goes in the data folder.  Good luck, and like I said, let me know how they work out for you.

[Jim825]

Actually that isn't quite right. The datafile.txt file would be copied to your data folder, but the slider settings listed in the pro slider set.txt file will have to be manually entered into the game by editing your gameplay settings. I don't believe that the game can read slider settings in from a file.