MVP Baseball 2004

[Lightning Flik 0]

Dude, wtf are you doing to your systems? I've had one PS2 for about 4 years. No problems, just had to clean it once.

Here's What Happened:

 

#1 - Brand new but was one of the very first ones that were supposed to crash immediately. Worked fine till I rented four wrecked copies of FF9 on it from Blockbusters (fuckers never fix'em). Pissed me off because I worked there.

 

#2 - I paid $120 to Sony to "replace" my PS2. I gave #2 (after it crapped out) to the Microplay guys, but apparently I didn't pay too much attention nor had they (Microplay), as afterwards we both realized they probably just sent the damn thing back, as they were screwing everyone out of money back then.

 

#3 - I was still leary of buying a used PS2, so I went and bought one off of Blockbusters. It was from Blockbusters, so if I had problems, I should be able to send it to Sony for free, right? Stupid fucking seal was off the machine. So low and behold, I was screwed because if there is no seal, I cant send it back. We thought it was just dust, but no, the lens was officially broken.

 

#4 - I bought it used. Returned it in the 6th month period that is given for used machines (at least at Microplay), due to a faulty laser.

 

#5 - Not sure if it is dead, but with my luck, it probably will be. And most likely I missed the 6th month period window. Although this is my fault, as I kinda have let my room get to an absolute disaster area. Plus, I moved and frankly, it may've gotten broken in the move (doubtful since my Cube is alright).

 

 

To keep this related though: Didn't have DNR till MVP though. I think it crapped out now, just to piss me off, since I just bought a brand new game and hadn't used the system in a good long while.

Edited March 30, 2004 by Lightning Flik

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Holy shit you got some awful luck.

[Lightning Flik 0]

Holy shit you got some awful luck.

Meh... I could list my bad luck, but then I might have people fear me, and frankly, I don't feel like that.

 

And probably what was worst, was on such a good roll too.

 

I'd probably start it up now (MVP), and I'd lose 10 straight. That's the type of tough luck I get.

[Mole 0]

I just went to Blockbuster and they didn't have the game. Then again, they barely had any GameCube games.

 

I might have to go to the other Blockbuster in the other direction, but I owe them tons of money in late fees.

 

Bah, I just want to play this game. I haven't played a baseball game in a good while.

[lomasmoney 0]

speaking of seals

 

the seal on the back of my ps2 just kinda was peeled of a bit by my little cousin, and I just simply resealed it or whatever. Will Sony not fix my ps2 now.

[Lightning Flik 0]

speaking of seals

 

the seal on the back of my ps2 just kinda was peeled of a bit by my little cousin, and I just simply resealed it or whatever. Will Sony not fix my ps2 now.

Seriously, your fucked. It was the same thing with my PS2 from Blockbuster. It was "broken" so I couldn't send it too them.

 

And yes, frankly, it is legally binding apparently. Sorry buddy.

 

 

And for those people who wish to rent MVP on Gamecube, you are out of luck. Blockbuster is NOT bringing it in for Gamecube. Heh, I still got my sources. If some yours did, you are either living in a huge ass city or just damn lucky.

 

Also, for those in the lovely country of Canada, your local Microplay is apparently enforcing the same response.

 

Renting on Gamecube isn't going to be happening.

[Mole 0]

Well, that sucks. I can't get it at Hollywood Video because my account is suspended.

 

Damn it, I think I'm going to sell my GameCube and get a PS2.

[Lightning Flik 0]

Well, that sucks. I can't get it at Hollywood Video because my account is suspended.

 

Damn it, I think I'm going to sell my GameCube and get a PS2.

Let's put it nicely:

 

PS2 - So many games, I can't think of them all.

 

GC - Wind Waker, FF:CC ...

 

Shit, my GBA:SP has more games. I'm really considering getting rid of the GC... If it wasn't that I'm hoping some really fabulous games come out here soon for it.

 

 

And yes, I admit it. I'm an FF Fanboy.

 

 

Oh and I think it is a bunch of crock that people basically get screwed out of MVP for GC.

[Mole 0]

Well, that sucks. I can't get it at Hollywood Video because my account is suspended.

 

Damn it, I think I'm going to sell my GameCube and get a PS2.

Let's put it nicely:

 

PS2 - So many games, I can't think of them all.

 

GC - Wind Waker, FF:CC ...

 

Shit, my GBA:SP has more games. I'm really considering getting rid of the GC... If it wasn't that I'm hoping some really fabulous games come out here soon for it.

 

 

And yes, I admit it. I'm an FF Fanboy.

 

 

Oh and I think it is a bunch of crock that people basically get screwed out of MVP for GC.

I just like to support Nintendo, basically.

[KingPK 0]

Proving that the GameFAQs boards are good for something, I found some good sliders for the Pro and All-Star difficulty levels. You can tweak them a little if you want, but they are a pretty good starting point.

 

All-Star Difficulty Sliders

 

Pitch Speed: -7

User Pitcher Fatigue: 4

CPU Pitcher Fatigue: 9

 

User Batting Contact: 9

CPU Batting Contact: -25 (bump it to -17 if the CPU isn't hitting anything)

User Batting Power: 4

CPU Batting Power: 9

User Bunting Ability: 30

CPU Bunting Ability: 30

 

User Outfielder Speed: 16

CPU Outfielder Speed: 4

User Infielder Speed: -7

CPU Infielder Speed: -10

 

User Baserunning Speed: -2

CPU Baserunning Speed: -4

 

User Throw Speed: -1

CPU Throw Speed: -7

User Throw Accuracy: 5

CPU Throw Accuracy: 0

 

User Runner Aggression: 0

CPU Runner Aggression: 10

 

Runner Injury Frequency: 18

Pitcher Injury Frequency: 18

Batter Injury Frequency: 18

Fielder Injury Frequency: 18

 

CPU Steal Rate: 50

User Dive Difficulty: 18

User Catch Errors: 27

CPU Catch Errors: 27

 

User Runner Steal Speed: -9

CPU Runner Steal Speed: -9

User Runner Steal Delay: -5

CPU Runner Steal Delay: -5

 

Bullpen Fatigue Rate: 6

Bullpen Fatigue Grace: 12

 

Pro Difficulty Sliders

 

Pitch Speed: 0

User Pitcher Fatigue: -2

CPU Pitcher Fatigue: 2

 

User Batting Contact: -3

CPU Batting Contact: 0

User Batting Power: -14

CPU Batting Power: 10

User Bunting Ability: 30

CPU Bunting Ability: 30

 

User Outfielder Speed: 10

CPU Outfielder Speed: -2

User Infielder Speed: -2

CPU Infielder Speed: -5

 

User Baserunning Speed: -2

CPU Baserunning Speed: -4

 

User Throw Speed: -2

CPU Throw Speed: -4

User Throw Accuracy: 0

CPU Throw Accuracy: -2

 

User Runner Aggression: 0

CPU Runner Aggression: 5

 

Runner Injury Frequency: 15

Pitcher Injury Frequency: 15

Batter Injury Frequency: 15

Fielder Injury Frequency: 15

 

CPU Steal Rate: 0-50

User Dive Difficulty: 10

User Catch Errors: 25

CPU Catch Errors: 25

 

User Runner Steal Speed: 0

CPU Runner Steal Speed: 0

User Runner Steal Delay: 0

CPU Runner Steal Delay: 0

 

Bullpen Fatigue Rate: 5

Bullpen Fatigue Grace: 10

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

Any truth to the rumours about this lefty glitch? I do have trouble hitting homers with Eric Hinske (2 HRs as of May 12th), Frank Cattalanato (2 HRs), and Orlando Hudson (0 HRs, from either side), but their power stats really suck in the game. But Delgado knocks them out of the park all of the time (19 HRs, leading MLB) and Greg Myers is doing okay too (6 HRs in a platoon role). I haven't exactly lit up the fences with rightys like Chris Woodward or Dave Berg either. Are these rumours true?

 

I have the Gamecube version.

[KingPK 0]

I don't think so. I've seen roughly the same ratio of HRs by lefties and righties in my game.

 

I can't believe the Devil Rays are in second in my Dynasty. They took 2 out of 3 in our last series at Fenway. They slapped around Schilling but good.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

There is no glitch as far as I know. I played a whole season and hit many HRs by Griffey, Dunn and Vander Wal. I have no trouble on All Star.

[Kahran Ramsus 0]

I don't think so. I've seen roughly the same ratio of HRs by lefties and righties in my game.

 

I can't believe the Devil Rays are in second in my Dynasty. They took 2 out of 3 in our last series at Fenway. They slapped around Schilling but good.

They are in third in mine. Ahead of the Yankees and last place Orioles.

 

I didn't think there was, but I've seen a lot of people complaining about it. Must just be an excuse for their lousy hitting skills.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I took the plunge and bought the game yesterday. I'm loving the AAA/AA teams. There's something great about playing as the hometown Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. And for you Simpsons fans, the Albaquerqe (sp?) Isotopes live!

[Styles 0]

May I throw my reccomendation for MLB 2005 for PS2?

 

Now, before you say I'm crazy hear me out because this game is so much better than it's past versions and I feel just as good as MVP.

 

I rented both MVP and MLB 2005. They are both very good games. In the end I decided to buy MLB.

 

It was 10 dollars cheaper, had more updated rosters and more deep franchise mode. Plus the gameplay is less of a hassle. It's very similar to the High Heat engine if those of you are familiar with that. Pitching still takes skill since pitches won't always break where you aim them, and hitting is timing and zone based (plus hot and cold zones change over the course of a season which is really cool I think).

 

Plus for sim freaks, all the stat tracking and career tracking that's largely absent in MVP is avaliable in MLB. The franchise mode as I mentioned is incredibily detailed, you literally control everything. Take out loans, and update facilities, down to setting the pricing of the hotdogs and beer.

 

There's also a cool career mode where you create a player, start off in Spring Training, try to meet some goals and make the team. There is also a standard season mode for those of you that just want to play through a season without the hassle of running a franchise (which is not avaliable in MVP).

 

For those of you skeptical, since it's no secret that MLB series has been really bad in recent years, it's been totally revamped this year. The graphics I think are nicer than MVP too which are a little cartoony (MLB's faces I think look much more realistic).

 

Anyway, this is not to say MVP is a bad game, because obviously it's very good too. But it's game controls are a little too convoluted at times, the slowness of the outfielders and amount of triples and inside the parkers attained by the computer is frustrating and the roster's are the most out of date (granted you can update them) and stat tracking is basically non existant.

 

I think it's cool though that MVP has the real minor league teams in them though, and its fun to sim through your franchise and control your minor league rosters too (although most are made up players). If you really like control, MVP has gameplay sliders and you control the players right down to how they slide and how effective a pitch will be (although I find these options a little tedious).

 

Anyway, both are really good games I think. It just depends on what you like. I will say if you were a fan of the High Heat series, give MLB a shot. Plus, it's 10 bucks cheaper than MVP (as are ESPN and All Star which both have yet to be released and haven't gotten as glowing reviews as the other 2).

 

Here's a really excellent review for MLB 2005 for those on the fence (hint: he's an O's fan too!): http://www.nlgaming.com/nl/asp/id_871/nl/reviewDisp.htm

 

and just for parity, here's one from the same guy for MVP 2004: http://www.nlgaming.com/nl/asp/id_871/nl/reviewDisp.htm

 

I will also include my own quick comparisons:

 

Pitching: MVP. The 2 bar system is actually really cool and makes you feel very in control, but MLB's pitching system is good too and as I mentioned you need to know how the pitches break to be effective.

 

Hitting: MLB. Maybe it's just me but I had a hell of a tough time figuring out the hitting in MVP, it just felt so random. MLB is great because there are 3 disctict levels to hitting. Rookie is just timing based, simple. You also use the right stick to influence grounders or fly balls. Veteran adds zone guessing where you have to guess inside, out, up, down, etc. And on All Star you need to actually guess the pitch being thrown too. Easy to pick up from the start and high learning curve.

 

Fielding: MLB. This is a big edge for me. The outfielders in MVP are SO SLOW. I couldn't reach anything which led to tons of triples and inside the parkers for the computer. Relaly frustrating. I know there are slider adjustments but that didn't make much of a difference to me. Plus, double plays and infielding in general are so much smoother in MLB since you don't need to hold down to fill up a bar to throw. This led to a brief delay in MVP which led to many runners beating out infield hits or double plays nearly impossible.

 

Game Mode: MLB. This is a close one though. I really love MVP's dynasty mode and playing with the minor league teams is really fun, but MLB simply offers more. There's a regular season mode in case you just want to play and not worry about front office moves which MVP doesn't have. There's a regular homerun derby too which is still fun, while MVP has the much less fun version where there's a split screen and you have to "races" with another batter. Yuck. Also, the Franchise mode is just incredibily, deep to the point of being anal. You control every little detail. I've heard reviewes say its deeper than Madden (not a football fan so I don't know what that means, but for those of you who that means something to, there you go.) Also Career mode is really fun. I don't have an eye toy, but if you do, you can put your face on your created player which sounds like fun. Its a really unique mode and you've got to produce every day so you don't get benched, or worse released, and of course gain some leverage come contract time.

 

Customability: MVP. Got to give the big edge to MVP here. Since it has adjustable gameplay sliders, while MLB does not. Also in MVP you can edit players which you can't in MLB. MLB, does thought have the most updated rosters with Arod, Maddux, etc. all on the right teams and everyone has updated player pics with their correct team hats, so there.

 

Stat Tracking: MLB. No contest here, there's career tracking and every little sim freak stat is viewable. MVP doesn't have much in that regard.

 

Graphics: MLB. I'm serious, this game has some of the most realistic player models I've ever seen. The faces for a lot of the players look spot on. MVP's graphics are good too, but they're a little cartoony and less realistic in my opinion.

 

Sound: MVP. I'll give this to them, MVP creates an awesome stadium experience with unique fan interactions, etc. My favorite part was playing a minor league game which had totally different crowd accoustics (more quiet, with a small smatterings of applauses, and you can more clearly hear fan conversations, really cool atmosphere.

 

Price: MLB. Hey it's 39.99 instead of 49.99 go to give it that (in fact both All Star and ESPN will have the 39.99 price tag too.)

 

So overall those are my long winded opinions. I just wanted to spread the word about MLB which is a very good game that I think more people shoudl try. Next year I with more improvements I would bet it becomes the undisputed top baseball game.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

I hate myself for buying MVP before renting. I did get all my money back though, so thats good. But, I'm turning to PC gaming now once my new video card gets here. Too bad MLB isn't on the PC, then I'd give it a shot, but it looks like I'll downlo...buy MVP soon, since the PC verision is so much better.

 

Good review.

 

Oh, and Go Reds and O's! (2nd team )

[Mole 0]

Of course I have to own GameCube, so only MVP and Slugfest are available to me.

[Mole 0]

I just bought MVP and started a Dynasty with the BoSox.

 

EDIT: This game rules.

[tpww7 0]

Eh, I'm getting ESPN Baseball on Tuesday.

[Mole 0]

I started out in Rookie and I was kicking way too much ass.

 

So now I am Pro and it's a nice challenge.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Greatest thing about this game: Duane Kuiper. It sounds exactly the same as my last name.

[Mole 0]

I have no idea what the shound is like because I have my GameCube hooked up to my 13 inch TV, while my cable is on my other TV. That way I can watch TV and play at the same time.

[The Man in Blak 0]

You know, if MVP would just buy a clue from Acclaim and throw an Expansion Mode in with their franchise goodies, I would have bought this game weeks ago. The gameplay's amazing, the graphics are wonderful, but the Franchise Mode just doesn't do it for me, with the inane challenges like "Lead the League in Stolen Bases for Three Out Of Ten Years."

 

For in-game action, MVP's untouchable. But, like some chronic disease, I can't turn away from the Expansion Mode in the infinitely inferior All Star Baseball series.

[A Happy Medium 0]

I started a Dynasty with the Cubs right off the bat...I won too many damned World Series and had too good of a team. My lineup looked like this...

 

Corey Patterson CF

Carl Crawford LF

Carlos Delgado 1B

Hank Blalock 2B

Morgan Ensberg 3B

Michael Barret C

Manuel Lopez RF (damned good prospect I had replace Sosa)

Charles Jones SS (another prospect I got in the beginning with Free Agency)

 

 

Then throw in Prior, Wood, Eric Milton (traded a declining Sosa), Zambrano, and another youngster.

 

I won the World Series like three or four years in a row.

 

THEN I picked the Texas Rangers....traded Soriano for Roy Holladay...then got Pujols for Brad Wilkerson and Livan Hernandez this past season...have won the Series two of the first three seasons.

[Mole 0]

What do MVP points do?

[Guest OctoberBlood]

You can unlock legends, classic stadiums and jerseys.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

then got Pujols for Brad Wilkerson and Livan Hernandez

gee, I wonder how you keep winning all the time.

[Mole 0]

You can unlock legends, classic stadiums and jerseys.

I have 32,000 or so of them.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

That's another thing I like about this game. The Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Shibe Park and other stadiums are unlockable. No Ebbets Field, unfortunately.