MLB 2K9

[Kermit, B.]

Whenever I'm stuck in my game and can't slide or jump up and hit the brick to get the mushroom to come out, I do what most of us gamers do.  Read the directions.  Since, afterall, it was made by little asian dudes, there is a way to do a majority of the maneuvers in the game.  Usually it involves a sequence of buttons, or perhaps in this case, just pressing one button.  I know reading is for losers, and us gamers are not losers, but sometimes reading, like video game playing above the age of 14, is FUNdamental.

Oh, too bad.  I was going to change the Shoutbox back if you could make it through a whole day without being annoying.  Bummer.

[Weebs]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

I just stole a base with Travis Buck (yes, THAT Travis Buck) against Joba Chamberlain (who is Roger Clemens, Jr.).  You have to pick your spots to steal.  I had Aaron Hill on third and Buck on first with 2 down and I'm down 5-1 to the Yankees.  I noticed that Joba is horribly slow in his delivery and that I could easily steal no matter my lead, even with his 99 MPH fastball.  I lead all my runners with the LB (tapping twice for the two step lead), then with Buck highlighted as my desired runner, I hold the left trigger and Buck takes an extra step.  The controller rumbles, and at Joba's first movement Buck goes.  Successful steal.  Also, you can slide directionally with the left stick just like in other iterations of the game.  One more thing:  left bumper advances all runners one base and right bumper retreats all runners one base.

A lot of that has to do with Joba's mollasses-like motion to the plate from the stretch, but I've figured that the Royals don't have much speed aside from Coco Crisp, who's out with a sprained wrist.  Which brings me to this...Crisp hurt is wrist four games ago and the game told me that he'll be hurt for one day...they told me this FOUR games ago.  Why isn't my CF better already?

I noticed something else quite cool...an MLB Network advertisement in CF at Kauffman Stadium.  Hadn't noticed anything other than State Farm and Pepsi.

Anytime I set the runner to steal, it switches to that top-down view and Thorne says something like, "And Soriano is taking off!" but the pitcher doesn't actually do anything.  I have to immediately hit the right trigger again or else he gets caught in a rundown.  This happens each and every time I hold the left trigger to set the steal.  Am I just assuming the pitcher is stepping off or what?

[Oleg]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

Whenever I'm stuck in my game and can't slide or jump up and hit the brick to get the mushroom to come out, I do what most of us gamers do.  Read the directions.  Since, afterall, it was made by little asian dudes, there is a way to do a majority of the maneuvers in the game.  Usually it involves a sequence of buttons, or perhaps in this case, just pressing one button.  I know reading is for losers, and us gamers are not losers, but sometimes reading, like video game playing above the age of 14, is FUNdamental.

But don't some moves require some sort of a "secret code"?  I mean, those wouldn't be in the instructions, right?  Cause then they wouldn't be "secret".  For those, you have to log onto some sort of a website or something.  Or, maybe just figure out the complex maneuvers on your own.

It still goes to the basic point that you have to read.  Sometimes.  They can't just give away the secrets.

[Kermit, B.]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

I just stole a base with Travis Buck (yes, THAT Travis Buck) against Joba Chamberlain (who is Roger Clemens, Jr.).  You have to pick your spots to steal.  I had Aaron Hill on third and Buck on first with 2 down and I'm down 5-1 to the Yankees.  I noticed that Joba is horribly slow in his delivery and that I could easily steal no matter my lead, even with his 99 MPH fastball.  I lead all my runners with the LB (tapping twice for the two step lead), then with Buck highlighted as my desired runner, I hold the left trigger and Buck takes an extra step.  The controller rumbles, and at Joba's first movement Buck goes.  Successful steal.  Also, you can slide directionally with the left stick just like in other iterations of the game.  One more thing:  left bumper advances all runners one base and right bumper retreats all runners one base.

A lot of that has to do with Joba's mollasses-like motion to the plate from the stretch, but I've figured that the Royals don't have much speed aside from Coco Crisp, who's out with a sprained wrist.  Which brings me to this...Crisp hurt is wrist four games ago and the game told me that he'll be hurt for one day...they told me this FOUR games ago.  Why isn't my CF better already?

I noticed something else quite cool...an MLB Network advertisement in CF at Kauffman Stadium.  Hadn't noticed anything other than State Farm and Pepsi.

Anytime I set the runner to steal, it switches to that top-down view and Thorne says something like, "And Soriano is taking off!" but the pitcher doesn't actually do anything.  I have to immediately hit the right trigger again or else he gets caught in a rundown.  This happens each and every time I hold the left trigger to set the steal.  Am I just assuming the pitcher is stepping off or what?

Sounds like you're taking off too early.

[TDubbs]

Whenever I'm stuck in my game and can't slide or jump up and hit the brick to get the mushroom to come out, I do what most of us gamers do.  Read the directions.  Since, afterall, it was made by little asian dudes, there is a way to do a majority of the maneuvers in the game.  Usually it involves a sequence of buttons, or perhaps in this case, just pressing one button.  I know reading is for losers, and us gamers are not losers, but sometimes reading, like video game playing above the age of 14, is FUNdamental.

Oh, too bad.  I was going to change the Shoutbox back if you could make it through a whole day without being annoying.  Bummer.

The sooner I get fired, the sooner I can post more in here.  So, this is a win-win-lose-lose-win for us.

[Oleg]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

I just stole a base with Travis Buck (yes, THAT Travis Buck) against Joba Chamberlain (who is Roger Clemens, Jr.).  You have to pick your spots to steal.  I had Aaron Hill on third and Buck on first with 2 down and I'm down 5-1 to the Yankees.  I noticed that Joba is horribly slow in his delivery and that I could easily steal no matter my lead, even with his 99 MPH fastball.  I lead all my runners with the LB (tapping twice for the two step lead), then with Buck highlighted as my desired runner, I hold the left trigger and Buck takes an extra step.  The controller rumbles, and at Joba's first movement Buck goes.  Successful steal.  Also, you can slide directionally with the left stick just like in other iterations of the game.  One more thing:  left bumper advances all runners one base and right bumper retreats all runners one base.

A lot of that has to do with Joba's mollasses-like motion to the plate from the stretch, but I've figured that the Royals don't have much speed aside from Coco Crisp, who's out with a sprained wrist.  Which brings me to this...Crisp hurt is wrist four games ago and the game told me that he'll be hurt for one day...they told me this FOUR games ago.  Why isn't my CF better already?

I noticed something else quite cool...an MLB Network advertisement in CF at Kauffman Stadium.  Hadn't noticed anything other than State Farm and Pepsi.

Anytime I set the runner to steal, it switches to that top-down view and Thorne says something like, "And Soriano is taking off!" but the pitcher doesn't actually do anything.  I have to immediately hit the right trigger again or else he gets caught in a rundown.  This happens each and every time I hold the left trigger to set the steal.  Am I just assuming the pitcher is stepping off or what?

Sounds like you're taking off too early.

That's what she said.

[Oleg]

Whenever I'm stuck in my game and can't slide or jump up and hit the brick to get the mushroom to come out, I do what most of us gamers do.  Read the directions.  Since, afterall, it was made by little asian dudes, there is a way to do a majority of the maneuvers in the game.  Usually it involves a sequence of buttons, or perhaps in this case, just pressing one button.  I know reading is for losers, and us gamers are not losers, but sometimes reading, like video game playing above the age of 14, is FUNdamental.

Oh, too bad.  I was going to change the Shoutbox back if you could make it through a whole day without being annoying.  Bummer.

The sooner I get fired, the sooner I can post more in here.  So, this is a win-win-lose-lose-win right - right - a button - b button - up - down for us.

Just putting it in a language they'll understand.

[Felix Heredia]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

I just stole a base with Travis Buck (yes, THAT Travis Buck) against Joba Chamberlain (who is Roger Clemens, Jr.).  You have to pick your spots to steal.  I had Aaron Hill on third and Buck on first with 2 down and I'm down 5-1 to the Yankees.  I noticed that Joba is horribly slow in his delivery and that I could easily steal no matter my lead, even with his 99 MPH fastball.  I lead all my runners with the LB (tapping twice for the two step lead), then with Buck highlighted as my desired runner, I hold the left trigger and Buck takes an extra step.  The controller rumbles, and at Joba's first movement Buck goes.  Successful steal.  Also, you can slide directionally with the left stick just like in other iterations of the game.  One more thing:  left bumper advances all runners one base and right bumper retreats all runners one base.

A lot of that has to do with Joba's mollasses-like motion to the plate from the stretch, but I've figured that the Royals don't have much speed aside from Coco Crisp, who's out with a sprained wrist.  Which brings me to this...Crisp hurt is wrist four games ago and the game told me that he'll be hurt for one day...they told me this FOUR games ago.  Why isn't my CF better already?

I noticed something else quite cool...an MLB Network advertisement in CF at Kauffman Stadium.  Hadn't noticed anything other than State Farm and Pepsi.

Anytime I set the runner to steal, it switches to that top-down view and Thorne says something like, "And Soriano is taking off!" but the pitcher doesn't actually do anything.  I have to immediately hit the right trigger again or else he gets caught in a rundown.  This happens each and every time I hold the left trigger to set the steal.  Am I just assuming the pitcher is stepping off or what?

Sounds like you're taking off too early.

You are taking off way too early. If the pitchers throws over, continue to hold the trigger or the runner will take off to second.

[Weebs]

Dolan, you know you can hit "X" to slide, right?

Weebs, my only problem with stealing is if I take a three-step lead, the fucking pitcher will NOT stop throwing over, so I have to take a two-step lead, and I get thrown out a lot.  I've stolen a couple, though.  My success rate is probably in Theriot range, so I shouldn't be giving advice.

I had a great game earlier tonight, by the way.  I lost 4-0 to the Brewers, but there was only one home run (by Prince to the opposite field on a 2-0 outside fastball, which was a pretty decent result).  Zambrano went 7 innings and gave up 1 run.  Heilman shat the bed in the 8th, throwing wild on a Gallardo bunt to keep the inning alive and allow the three runs in the inning.  But I think there were only 6 hits on my side and 7 on theirs.  A few extra-base hits.  Great game.

See, I can take three steps just fine, but if I hold down the trigger to set the runner to steal, the pitcher immediately throws over.  I have to do that for two and one step leads also.  Are you just not supposed to hold the trigger right away or what?

I just stole a base with Travis Buck (yes, THAT Travis Buck) against Joba Chamberlain (who is Roger Clemens, Jr.).  You have to pick your spots to steal.  I had Aaron Hill on third and Buck on first with 2 down and I'm down 5-1 to the Yankees.  I noticed that Joba is horribly slow in his delivery and that I could easily steal no matter my lead, even with his 99 MPH fastball.  I lead all my runners with the LB (tapping twice for the two step lead), then with Buck highlighted as my desired runner, I hold the left trigger and Buck takes an extra step.  The controller rumbles, and at Joba's first movement Buck goes.  Successful steal.  Also, you can slide directionally with the left stick just like in other iterations of the game.  One more thing:  left bumper advances all runners one base and right bumper retreats all runners one base.

A lot of that has to do with Joba's mollasses-like motion to the plate from the stretch, but I've figured that the Royals don't have much speed aside from Coco Crisp, who's out with a sprained wrist.  Which brings me to this...Crisp hurt is wrist four games ago and the game told me that he'll be hurt for one day...they told me this FOUR games ago.  Why isn't my CF better already?

I noticed something else quite cool...an MLB Network advertisement in CF at Kauffman Stadium.  Hadn't noticed anything other than State Farm and Pepsi.

Anytime I set the runner to steal, it switches to that top-down view and Thorne says something like, "And Soriano is taking off!" but the pitcher doesn't actually do anything.  I have to immediately hit the right trigger again or else he gets caught in a rundown.  This happens each and every time I hold the left trigger to set the steal.  Am I just assuming the pitcher is stepping off or what?

Sounds like you're taking off too early.

You are taking off way too early. If the pitchers throws over, continue to hold the trigger or the runner will take off to second.

Oh, so you have to keep the trigger held down and then release when you actually want him to go?  Clarissa That would explain a lot...

[*In a Nutsack]

Yeah, Weebs.  You hold down the left trigger, the controller rumbles and you continue holding the trigger until you decide it's safe for your runner to go.  When you feel it's a good time to send your runner (at first movement--it's really a great mechanic as that's how REAL baserunners steal bases) or getting a jump on the pitcher's stretch.  It's an art.  I haven't attempted many steals because I don't have a speedy team, but I've only stolen one base in about five tries so far.  To wit, I've been thrown out thrice with Aviles and once with Buck.

And Kerm, you don't have press X to slide.  You can if you wish, but using only the left stick enables the slide plus the direction in which you choose to slide.

I have a small complaint about throwing out basestealers:  identifying the throwmeter whenever the screen changes for the catcher's throw to the base is quite the challenge, most often resulting in errant throws.  It'll take some practice.

I've been playing on All-Star difficulty with the opposing pitcher's "strike zone frequency" dialed down a notch to attempt some higher pitch counts for the opposition.  I still find it difficult to take walks, though.  I think I have only two or three through five games.

One more thing:  HRs are definitely toned down.  My leader in HRs is Billy Butler (who simply mashes) and he's got 4, but the next in line is Alex Gordon with one and Miguel Olivo with one.  I'm having trouble scoring, but that's because I'm too anxious at times.  Overall, I'm very satisfied with the difficulty and game outcomes I'm getting.

[Philberto]

Yeah, Weebs.  You hold down the left trigger, the controller rumbles and you continue holding the trigger until you decide it's safe for your runner to go.  When you feel it's a good time to send your runner (at first movement--it's really a great mechanic as that's how REAL baserunners steal bases) or getting a jump on the pitcher's stretch.  It's an art.  I haven't attempted many steals because I don't have a speedy team, but I've only stolen one base in about five tries so far.  To wit, I've been thrown out thrice with Aviles and once with Buck.

And Kerm, you don't have press X to slide.  You can if you wish, but using only the left stick enables the slide plus the direction in which you choose to slide.

I have a small complaint about throwing out basestealers:  identifying the throwmeter whenever the screen changes for the catcher's throw to the base is quite the challenge, most often resulting in errant throws.  It'll take some practice.

I've been playing on All-Star difficulty with the opposing pitcher's "strike zone frequency" dialed down a notch to attempt some higher pitch counts for the opposition.  I still find it difficult to take walks, though.  I think I have only two or three through five games.

One more thing:  HRs are definitely toned down.  My leader in HRs is Billy Butler (who simply mashes) and he's got 4, but the next in line is Alex Gordon with one and Miguel Olivo with one.  I'm having trouble scoring, but that's because I'm too anxious at times.  Overall, I'm very satisfied with the difficulty and game outcomes I'm getting.

oh fuck. It was always the controller rumbling? I always thought it was my stomach. Fuck. No wonder I'm so fat.

[Kermit, B.]

Yeah, Weebs.  You hold down the left trigger, the controller rumbles and you continue holding the trigger until you decide it's safe for your runner to go.  When you feel it's a good time to send your runner (at first movement--it's really a great mechanic as that's how REAL baserunners steal bases) or getting a jump on the pitcher's stretch.  It's an art.  I haven't attempted many steals because I don't have a speedy team, but I've only stolen one base in about five tries so far.  To wit, I've been thrown out thrice with Aviles and once with Buck.

And Kerm, you don't have press X to slide.  You can if you wish, but using only the left stick enables the slide plus the direction in which you choose to slide.

I have a small complaint about throwing out basestealers:  identifying the throwmeter whenever the screen changes for the catcher's throw to the base is quite the challenge, most often resulting in errant throws.  It'll take some practice.

I've been playing on All-Star difficulty with the opposing pitcher's "strike zone frequency" dialed down a notch to attempt some higher pitch counts for the opposition.  I still find it difficult to take walks, though.  I think I have only two or three through five games.

One more thing:  HRs are definitely toned down.  My leader in HRs is Billy Butler (who simply mashes) and he's got 4, but the next in line is Alex Gordon with one and Miguel Olivo with one.  I'm having trouble scoring, but that's because I'm too anxious at times.  Overall, I'm very satisfied with the difficulty and game outcomes I'm getting.

That's good to know about sliding.  "X" must just force a slide, then.  Home runs (both human and CPU) are definitely toned down this year, thank God.  After the few I've given up, at first I thought, "Oh, come on."  But watching the replays I've noticed that I either missed my spot or I threw a predictable pitch in a hitter's count.  I'm pretty sure I've already played more games of 2K9 than I did of 2K8, and I liked 2K8 more than most people did.  I can't wait to see what the patch fixes.

[Shooter]

I'm having trouble scoring, but that's because I'm too anxious at times.

BC has the same problem.

[*In a Nutsack]

Yeah, Weebs.  You hold down the left trigger, the controller rumbles and you continue holding the trigger until you decide it's safe for your runner to go.  When you feel it's a good time to send your runner (at first movement--it's really a great mechanic as that's how REAL baserunners steal bases) or getting a jump on the pitcher's stretch.  It's an art.  I haven't attempted many steals because I don't have a speedy team, but I've only stolen one base in about five tries so far.  To wit, I've been thrown out thrice with Aviles and once with Buck.

And Kerm, you don't have press X to slide.  You can if you wish, but using only the left stick enables the slide plus the direction in which you choose to slide.

I have a small complaint about throwing out basestealers:  identifying the throwmeter whenever the screen changes for the catcher's throw to the base is quite the challenge, most often resulting in errant throws.  It'll take some practice.

I've been playing on All-Star difficulty with the opposing pitcher's "strike zone frequency" dialed down a notch to attempt some higher pitch counts for the opposition.  I still find it difficult to take walks, though.  I think I have only two or three through five games.

One more thing:  HRs are definitely toned down.  My leader in HRs is Billy Butler (who simply mashes) and he's got 4, but the next in line is Alex Gordon with one and Miguel Olivo with one.  I'm having trouble scoring, but that's because I'm too anxious at times.  Overall, I'm very satisfied with the difficulty and game outcomes I'm getting.

That's good to know about sliding.  "X" must just force a slide, then.  Home runs (both human and CPU) are definitely toned down this year, thank God.  After the few I've given up, at first I thought, "Oh, come on."  But watching the replays I've noticed that I either missed my spot or I threw a predictable pitch in a hitter's count.  I'm pretty sure I've already played more games of 2K9 than I did of 2K8, and I liked 2K8 more than most people did.  I can't wait to see what the patch fixes.

I'm so ashamed of myself, but on the 2K forum I mentioned my beef with the batting stance/pitch type editing (2K claims to want the game to be more ACCESSIBLE but I can't edit my stances and pitch types like, oh I don't know, I've done in every other 2K game) and the stupid alternate uniform goof where they make the visiting team wear the white pants when they wear alternate tops in a road park.  Just...goofy.

Something else cool...when you're logged into XBOX Live and you're in the menus before the start of a game, press X to initiate the "Ticker."  It'll stream all manner of scores and news from around sports in real time.

[Kermit, B.]

I'm so ashamed of myself, but on the 2K forum I mentioned my beef with the batting stance/pitch type editing (2K claims to want the game to be more ACCESSIBLE but I can't edit my stances and pitch types like, oh I don't know, I've done in every other 2K game) and the stupid alternate uniform goof where they make the visiting team wear the white pants when they wear alternate tops in a road park.  Just...goofy.

Something else cool...when you're logged into XBOX Live and you're in the menus before the start of a game, press X to initiate the "Ticker."  It'll stream all manner of scores and news from around sports in real time.

That is cool, but re: the ticker, make sure you don't enable it so that it's on during games.  If you do, it sits on the bottom of the screen during gameplay, and it's very distracting.