Some YouTube/Switch players have played early and are putting out Previews
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GomesDaLegend has a 42 minute preview video
Scann Plus has a 20 minute videoGomesDaLegend showed a picture of the group of 10 and while I don't keep up with all of the MLB Streamers I saw Koogs, Littleman DaddyDimmu and maybe Mills.
So keep an eye out as I am sure we can expect preview videos from most if not all of them.
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High level takeaways from GomesDaLegend's video
Here is a list of the key takeaways from the video, along with the presenter’s opinions on each:
GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
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Directional Reaction Splits
Defenders now have separate ratings for moving forward, backward, left, and right.
The presenter believes this adds a significant "chess match" to team positioning. -
Catcher Pop Time
This is now its own rating.
The presenter noted you can really notice the difference between low and high ratings, allowing elite catchers to better control the run game. -
Pitcher Handedness Splits
H/9 and K/9 are now split versus righties and lefties.
The presenter feels this is "so good for the game" because it creates more lineup diversity and makes more cards worthwhile. -
Bear Down Pitching
A new selectable ability that boosts focus.
The presenter feels it is a good boost but by no means an "overpowered" superpower. -
PCI Sensitivity Slider
This allows players to adjust how fast the Plate Coverage Indicator moves.
This was the presenter’s favorite gameplay addition, as it provides a great tool to help players become better hitters. -
New Hitting Types (Fixed Zone and Big Zone)
Fixed Zone felt "jarring" and "weird" to the presenter.
However, he felt Big Zone hitting worked really well as a medium for new players, though it isn’t intended for competitive play. -
PCI Shrinkage Removal
Shrinkage on pitches down and away has been removed for online competitive play.
The presenter views this as a "big thing" that reduces the need to rely solely on switch-hitters.
ROAD TO THE SHOW (RTTS)
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Expanded Amateur Years
RTTS now includes more high school and college games, including a fully fleshed-out College World Series bracket.
The presenter said they "nailed it" and that this is his favorite part of the mode. -
New Sim Engine
A performance-based simulation engine was added to help players finish careers faster.
The presenter likes that it streamlines the experience and ensures you don’t miss "big moments." -
Trade and Position Requests
Players can now request trades or position changes more easily.
The presenter called this a "step in the right direction" for player choice. -
Road to Cooperstown
New goals help track your progress toward the Hall of Fame.
While the presenter likes the goals, he feels the major league portion of the mode still needs more RPG depth and narrative.
FRANCHISE MODE
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Trade Logic Improvements
The system was updated to make contenders and sellers act more realistically.
The presenter has mixed feelings; he appreciates that sellers move expiring contracts, but he disagrees with how the game assigns value and potential to certain prospects. -
Untouchable System
Teams can mark star players as untradeable.
The presenter noted this system works well to keep stars like Shohei Ohtani on their respective teams. -
Modernized Lineups and Bullpen Games
AI managers now use more realistic lineup logic, and users can schedule bullpen games.
The presenter feels these additions add to the realism. -
Overall Value
The presenter stated that if you are buying the game strictly for Franchise mode, it might not be worth a $70 upgrade over updating rosters in the previous year’s game.
DIAMOND DYNASTY
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World Baseball Classic (WBC) Integration
Features 20 nations, 500 players, and a full tournament mode.
The presenter described it as "awesome" and much better than the version in '23. -
Parallel Mods
A new system that allows players to customize card attributes (like boosting speed or contact).
The presenter called this the "coolest part" of Diamond Dynasty because it allows for endless customization. -
Increased PXP Gain
Players now earn Parallel XP much faster based on difficulty modifiers.
The presenter loves this change as it allows players to experiment with Parallel Mods more quickly. -
Battle Royale and Event Rewards
Rewards have been restructured, including stub vouchers for Flawless BR runs and new Event programs.
The presenter feels the return of Event rewards is a "big step up" from last year. -
Co-op Customization
New rotation settings allow teams to decide how players alternate at-bats.
The presenter likes the added strategy and customization this provides for squads.
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Littleman now has a video up covering his impressions of the various batting options from the PCI speed to the different zones and the blurred background.
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My biggest thing that I saw this year is the ability to select more options mainly the ability to play 3 or 9 inning games and 7 or 28 game seasons in Mini Seasons... I'd imagine the goals system in Mini Seasons is probably still the same and your mileage with this feature may vary... I love me some Mini Seasons so I'll probably do 3 inn/7 games, 3 inn/28 games, 9 inn/7 games and 9 inn/28 games all at various points... also might depend on what I'm grinding in the game at the time that will determine the amount of innings and games for me.
My objective this year is definitely to pump out some content and/or stream some gameplay.
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Koogs put out a video on his short time with Franchise.
The trade logic still did not look great. He had a trade where the Guardians traded Jose Ramirez (with 7 years left on his recent contract) and Connor Brogdon to the Yankees for Chase Hampton and Max Schuemann
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The trade logic still did not look great.
Sounds like the Red Sox trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919 (so the Red Sox owner could finance a musical).
I didn't know this one, but the Rays traded Randy Winn to the Mariners for Lou Piniella and Antonio Perez in 2002.
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Favorite Trade of all Time:
Al Michaels for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
