My thoughts on the game as we near two months in.
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This is going to be pretty long, but I want to accurately explain what I like and dislike with MLB 20. I will start with the good.
Improvements
1. Card art - it’s fantastic that SDS listened to us on how drab it was that every single card was SS and that it all blended together, I think they have done a fantastic job of switching things up.2. Making strikeouts a part of the game - We all know the story of MLB 19, you could foul off a ton of pitches every at-bat, I think my highest K/9 last year was SS Gagne at 8.1 This year, my highest is Aroldis Chapman at 14.6ish (in 54 innings)
3. Rewarding hitting better - I truly do believe that hitting is more rewarded then 2019, that doesn’t mean there are no issues (which I will get to later), but more often than not I feel rewarded when I’m swinging well. Having tracked my own successes from perfect/perfect, it opened my eyes to how much it actually rewards you.
4. QOL improvements - Having the ability to make unlimited market transactions really helps with things like amassing commons to use for exchanges etc, putting the percentage on the affinity is pure genuis and saves me so much scrolling. Having stats being offline and online is one of my favorite changes. I’m sure I am missing some things, but it’s great SDS looks at what they can do to make navigating easier.
5.Player programs - Another thing I really enjoy, sure, not all of the players are going to make my team, but it’s still really fun to go about earning those players, I’m a completionist and these programs make me happy.
6. Showdown - Probably controversial because of how many people complain about it, but showdown has fast become one of my favorite modes to play. The affinity part 1 showdowns were really hard, and I’m glad to see SDS listen to the feedback on the new mode and adjust it accordingly for Affinity 2, it gives great rewards and I feel like I’m progressing in the game at a fast rate without sacrificing having fun by doing some boring offline thing.
7. The lack of 99’s early- Another thing SDS listened to us about last year, the influx of 99’s so early, I’m really glad they took a step back and are slowing the releases of those guys. If you don’t agree with this point, I get it, but personally, it’s something I like.
8. The amount of free cards - For example, the april monthly rewards were all made where we can grind it, that’s a huge departure from previous years monthly rewards that were always so expensive.
I know I’ve forgoing some stuff that I like about the game, but I don’t want this section to run too long, let me know what you love most about 20.The Downside
1. Fielding - I will say, fielding is slowly being improved, I do see the progress, my players don’t get hit in the face anymore every game, but it's still not quite there. Players often get “locked” in an animation, (What I mean by that is, like a groundball into the outfield, sometimes I can’t charge it, so the runner gets second base because my outfielder is slowly getting in position). Balls near the wall can still get wonky at times. So while improved, still got a ways to go there.2. Hanging Pitches - Now, let me clarify, I don’t think pitching is worse than 2019, but because hitting is more rewarded in 2020, the good release hangers are more noticeable because they get crushed. And the thing is, I really don’t know what factors into it. Obviously it’s some combination of BB/9, Control, pitcher confidence etc, but some communication on how it really works would go a long way into understanding why this happens.
3. Timing windows - Sometimes I just feel they aren’t consistent, it’s not a thing where I can point to one instance where “this is what I mean” kinda thing, but I’m sure you guys know what I’m talking about, at times swings can feel different game to game, now some of that is me, I know that, but it’s just something that feels alittle off.
4. Good/ok - Much like the hanging pitching, I just want to know what goes into this, what makes a center swing good/ok, what factors into that? The pitching? The confidence? Etc. It’s not as big a deal as some make it, but it’s still def an issue.
I welcome any civil constructive feedback that you think I missed, or even something you disagree with me about that I put here.
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Though I don’t necessarily agree with everything, I do think it’s well thought out and clear. I’m sure many will think this is spot on.
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I just want to hear more from the developer’s. @Collin_SDS
I’m enjoying the game but it can be improved a good bit. I hope SDS is balancing the flaws with this game and development for next years game. I’m sure next years game is gonna take a lot of work but no reason to ignore this product either
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Although I like the percentages showing in the TA menu, I would prefer if it showed how many points instead of showing a percentage. It’s just difficult to determine what 22% of a TA really translates to.
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I like the pci improvements, being able to turn off the outer portion of the pci has really helped me to be more selective and precise at the plate.
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@bimblekay said in My thoughts on the game as we near two months in.:
I like the pci improvements, being able to turn off the outer portion of the pci has really helped me to be more selective and precise at the plate.
That's a great point, probably should have mentioned that under my QOL improvements, I do love the customization and can't believe I forgot that.
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As an offline player, I feel like they have made the offline grind less fun.
MTO is key if you want to get Team Affinities done and have issues with that first batch of Showdowns (and many did) but the problem is that this is a Franchise mode and you are not playing with your actual DD team for the 8 or so hours it takes to complete. Multiply that by the number of teams that you want cards from.
Player programs are good but they are relying too heavily on multi-game moments this year. Those are not fun! Having to exit out to the menu and reload the game even when you want to restart. Ugh!! Reminds me of old school RTTS where you exited back to the menu after every game. Six out of the seven Hernandez moments are multi game.
Player programs are all or nothing when it comes to Inning Program points. Can't complete that 12 total bases mission or that 9 inning shutout then kiss goodbye to the program points.
Player programs grant 20 points while those same Moments last year would have earned you almost twice that amount.
The more recent showdowns are definitely easier and seem OK but it is yet another all or nothing mode when it comes to earning the 70 program points. This is after they tooted their own horn in the live stream and hyped up the fact that they listened to the fans and removed the all or nothing aspect of MTO.
And this one is speculative but I am guessing that the final Team Affinity cards will be a Sig Series Card for each team. I have a feeling that the likes of SS Trout, SS Pujols, SS Kershaw, etc will be locked behind four stages of team affinities.
While I am still playing, as an offline only player, this year is not as enjoyable and I am not sure they are going to hold my interest all year like they did last year.
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So my understanding of your post, Content great, gameplay sucks. I can get behind that
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@STEVO651779652 said in My thoughts on the game as we near two months in.:
So my understanding of your post, Content great, gameplay sucks. I can get behind that
No, some aspects of the gameplay are really good as I mentioned. Hitting is overall improved from 19, and strikeouts from pitching are improved, both gameplay related.
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The good/okay is a far greater problem for everyone outside of WS players. Way too many center/near center that get okay or worse, low exit velocity good/good.
I think the timing windows are intentionally variable based on pitch type and location (which is stupid btw).
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I agree with most of this. Love the little QOL additions. Fielding is still really bad, but I agree it's a little bit improved over a couple weeks back.
I do feel like pitching is worse than 19, personally. A lack of pitcher control and reliever stamina are still the glaring pitching issues to me, but you summed up everything else well.
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There's a lot to like about the game, but the messed up timing windows and to a lesser extent pitchers hanging pitches make it extremely frustrating to play.
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