What Needs to be Improved in MLB The Show 26 Franchise
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I played a bit of franchise this year and overall I think it was a step up from previous years, but that doesn't mean it's good by any means. For Diamond Dynasty, I made a thread that was an overall review of the mode as a whole. For Franchise, I'm just making one thread stating what I think can improve Franchise mode, probably the second most important mode in the game (nothing against RTTS, but I think a good franchise mode for the only baseball sim on console is imperative). Anyway here's my list:
WBC in Franchise
SDS technically owns all of the rights for all players participating in the WBC, so there really is no excuse for not having this in the game. It's a once in 4 years tournament, come on.
Lack of Realism Needs to be Improved
This sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm mainly talking about rain-outs, challenges, and doubleheaders, three common parts of baseball that are absent from the game. Seriously, there's no excuse for not including these features that have existed in baseball since it was invented. Out of all sports, weather affects baseball the most. That's why it is the only sports that delays and even postpones games due to inclement weather. This is also the only sport that allows playing two games on one-day, which is called a doubleheader. Obviously, I don't need to explain this to anyone on the forums because we're all intelligent baseball fans looking for a solid baseball sim, but I think this concept is unclear to SDS, so I figured I'll enlighten them once again on how this works and why it should be in the game. Here's something else that SDS may or may not be aware of, and that is that plays can be challenged by BOTH teams and OUTSIDE OF FIRST BASE, and half the time, the challenge option is triggered when my baserunner is out by a good step. Seriously, wake the [censored] up, SDS. This isn't hard to implement. Also, quite frankly, it takes up a massive section in the MLB's rulebook, so why the only baseball sim can't get this concept down properly just confuses me.
Free Agency Is Good, But It Still Lacks Compared to Other Sports Rivals
The fact that only four teams including yours can offer a contract to a certain player is laughable, given the fact that every single team in the league can offer you a contract. Also, what's the logic behind a player's motivation to sign with you in MLB The Show? Does he hear whispers from MLB insiders that a certain team may or may not be interested in them and they just decide "Hey, they like me apparently. Why not play for them just because they're interested in me." Tell me you're lazy without telling me you're lazy. Now, what usually happens in real life is teams actually meet with the players they're pursuing, pitch their team (no pun intended), and discuss possible salaries and contract longevity. Adding interactive cutscenes, similar to Madden's press conference model, would be a nice, realistic addition. Even phone calls with that player's agent, maybe some not named Stephanie Saunders trying to convince you that Cole Tucker might be a good addition to the team, to discuss possible mutual interest would be something. But this is SDS so don't count on it. I also have no clue why a big board free agent declines an offer from you, says he's willing to re-negotiate, and then takes another offer from you on the same day for LESS MONEY. Hey, I can't say I'm complaining but who the [censored] told him to take less money? I'm also not a fan of the big board, particularly because you can really only offer contracts to the first two players on your big board due to the whole motivational boos thing, but I see what SDS was going for, so it's alright.
In-Game Atmosphere is Pretty Bland
Aside from the pre-recorded chants and jeers that randomly play during the game, I really don't feel that the game atmosphere is all that immersive. The fans just don't do anything aside from mindlessly reach at balls coming their way with the most unrealistic animation ever invented and occasionally chant "overrated" at Derek Jeter, or chant MVP for Kolby Allard. I remember playing MLB 2K7 with the Mets at Shea, and these two fans were figuring out how to pronounce Damon Easley's name. You could actually hear their conversation, which was quite funny and was cool to hear.
Outside of Roster Moves, What Can You Actually Do Outside of Playing
Nothing. Let's fix this in a quick and simple way. How about setting giveaway nights. I saw this in NHL and old MLB The Show's and this looks like a really cool feature. The announcers would even show the player-specific bobblehead in-game, which was even cooler. Or, setting ticket prices, and managing your profit from regional TV networks and sponsorships. How about the addition of news feeds to highlight player storylines or blockbuster acquisitions. The point is, just give us something.
These are just some ideas I have so let me know if you guys have anything else. Also, I left out salary cap modes because since the MLB doesn't have a salary cap, it won't and shouldn't be added into the game.
