Major League Baseball 2K7 - 360

Sparty · Post by **Sparty** » March 1, 2007, 2:52 am

Ok, its a year later and I feel a lot more confident posting this =) While I still don't think the game is perfect, I'm very proud of this years game and have no doubt that most baseball gamers will dig the game. For those interested, for MLB2k7, I was in charge of the look of the players as well as their uniforms. I led a team of about 5 people who helped me incorporate all new technology for creating accurate player heads. While the bulk of my work was done on players, I also did extensive work on the facades you see before the game.
Anyway, I'm just curious what you fellers think of the game.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 1, 2007, 4:38 am

Stealing it off the newsgroups as I write this Sparty!

Not big fan of baseball video games but want to see your work. Probably won't get a chance to take a look until tomorrow night. Sounds like you moved up the latter pretty fast at 2K! Grats on the new job again.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 1, 2007, 7:44 am

Very nice Sparty! I took a quick look before heading to bed.

Didn't take much time to see this is the best sports game I've ever seen. 2K has always been the best for audio...background sounds and commentators.

Same with the interface...extremely slick. Like all of the menus and graphics...looks just like a game on TV to me. I went to he D'Backs stadium because I'm most familiar with it. Amazing how well well the ballpark looks.

The actual gameplay I can't say yet...except that I've already figured out the basics which is more than I've been able to do for most baseball games. The player faces look good. I like everything about the player models except their shirts seem to wave in the breeze a little too much...especially in Bank One Ballkpark where there is no wind : )

I'm just amazed at how well 2K integrates the stat graphics and game calling.

Don't like baseball but that's the best (looking) sports game I've seen to date for animation, etc...gameplay is for someone else to comment on. Although the term is old now, this is the first true "Next Gen" sports game. Madden 07 character models look like complete crap compared to this and the whole presentation is rock sold during the actual games....not sure about the Side room with the trophies, etc. Haven't checked out roster management either but the models and pictures of the players that pop up at the beginning of the game announcing the positions and the batters are crystal clear.

Good job Sparty! No wonder the other company hired you. : )

Sparty · Post by **Sparty** » March 2, 2007, 1:38 am

Thanks for the kind words Winnow. Ive played a lot of Next Gen games, and I truly believe this is visually the best looking sports game to date. Granted, my view is a little biased.
Forgot to mention, Im actually in the game as an easter egg. Im the starting shortstop on the Kush Allstars team. I think the password "Derek Jeter" unlocks everything so you can play as me. Though, Im probably the only one that thinks thats cool, hehe =)

My name is Sparty Giambi

Soreali · Post by **Soreali** » March 2, 2007, 2:21 am

Sparty must give you some very big props on this one.. A friend of mine owns 360 and bought it.. he's beyond amazed and not because of the gameplay but because of the graphics.. as am I.. you did a very good job sir!

Keverian FireCry · Post by **Keverian FireCry** » March 2, 2007, 3:23 am

Yeah Sparty, your progress since you first started posting scans of some of your sketches years ago is amazing and inspiring. It's been fun seeing your work through the years(2-3 years maybe?). Keep it up.

Oh also...did you get to pick what position you'd play on the Kush All-Stars?

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » March 2, 2007, 1:02 pm

Fun baseball game! Though I still really only got it for the HR Derby. (which is beyond addicting) And I was hoping to see Little Rico (think of a first name for him) on the game, that would have been better.

Sparty · Post by **Sparty** » March 4, 2007, 11:38 pm

Soreali: Thanks =)

Zam: No doubt about the HR Derby. Whats your record. I think I got 26 in a round. 8-10 on average. Its insanely additive though.

Kev: Well, kinda. Thats my position on the studios softball team, so they let me keep it (leadoff, SS).

My name is Sparty

Tyek · Post by **Tyek** » March 5, 2007, 1:43 pm

Hey Sparty,

Nice job, this season is a significant upgrade. I usually play the GM mode, I liked the addition of ticket pricing and income generation. I still am curious to see how much that really does for the game, or if it is just one simple goal for the GM to hit among his 4 goals.

Graphics are great.

Gameplay seems better, one thing that I have noticed a couple times was my baserunner suddenly taking off while the infielder was holding the ball. The fielder never even tries to throw him out. I actually won a 13 inning game this way. Man on third, I hit a shallow fly for out 2 he throws it in. Second baseman catches it, then suddenly my runner sprints home and scores for the win. That was the only real bug or issue I have seen.

All in all a great game. I heard MLB was not happy with you guys last year, so this showing should smooth that out.

I also think it is cool you are in the game, could you have snuck a VV patch on your sleeve?

Janx · Post by **Janx** » March 6, 2007, 1:17 pm

Speaking of sparty sketches..need to stick a few of the more...questionable ones, in as easter eggs next time ;)

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » March 6, 2007, 1:53 pm

So far this year my record is 28, but last year I hit 36!

Post by **Sylvus** » March 6, 2007, 2:37 pm

What, did you stop juicin'?

Soreali · Post by **Soreali** » March 6, 2007, 8:25 pm

He never knowingly juiced...he got it from a supplement someone else gave him..

Soreali · Post by **Soreali** » March 23, 2007, 12:07 am

On a final note, Sparty I truly hate you for designing such an awesome game graphics wise. Because I just bought a friggen 360 today for that reason...

again..i hate u..