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Major League Baseball 2K9
Major League Baseball 2K9
Released n/a
Details
Pitching has been simplified from 2K8 to "2-step pitching", with "hold and gesture", eliminating the third "Release Timing" step of 2K8, simplifying the motion while retaining the style. "Meatballs" (mistake pitches) have been removed - instead, badly released pitches will be less effective (fastballs will be straighter, curveballs will hang, and so forth.) The AI's pitch selection was also improved. (Players may elect to use the third step as an option, and users may also still use the older Precision Pitching from 2K7.) "Influence hitting" allows users to control fly and ground balls, improved bunting, zone hitting feature, improved hit distribution, while the game improved fielding realism and AI, with the ability to cancel a throw and hold the ball, as well as pump fake during a rundown. A player can also attempt a "Quick Throw" which gets the ball to a base faster but also increases the chance of an error. Baserunning control has been simplified; a player only needs to hold down the trigger until it vibrates, for instance, to steal a base. There are also separate "Steal" ratings for runners in addition to Speed.

The ballpark realism has been increased as well. Players will move from the dugout to the batter's box and from the bullpen to the mound, warm up by throwing around the horn, bat swinging practice, run out to their positions, and so forth. Umpires, ball boys and coaches will perform their actions, while vendors and fans perform and react realistically; for example, foul balls will cause people in the crowd to jump out of their seats and try to catch the ball. Stadiums will have their unique fan signatures; for example, Turner Field will have the Tomahawk Chop while Tropicana Field will have the Cow Bell. Players will react properly to such events as a walkoff home run, a no-hitter or a World Series celebration. There are also 300 new Signature Style animations. Rain delays have also been mentioned.

The game will also have "Living Rosters", active rosters that are automatically updated; players ratings will be constantly updated, while trades and acquisitions will automatically update rosters. Living Rosters are not active during Franchise mode, however. The game also features a revamped stat simulation engine for the Franchise mode, while players' career arcs are based on how they play rather than pre-set stat curves. In other words, in order for a rookie to develop, he must receive playing time - he will not develop if he sits on the bench. An entire season can be simulated in a matter of minutes. Other improvements to the Franchise mode includes adding a new revamped stats simulator, trade simulator and over 200 individual MLB.com headlines. 2K9's franchise mode allows for 30 user controlled teams. The mode also has added stats; for example they have included wins divided by teams payroll.

The game also features an MLB.com-licensed in-game "Virtual Director" website featuring a presentation style similar to NBA 2K9, where the user may check up on league events, trade rumors, player and team performances. The game will also feature an update to 2K8's Inside Edge scouting system. The game will also boast a new level of CPU customization, multi-player functionality, and real player ambitions; for example, Milton Bradley can decline a contract because of lack of playing time, not for monetary considerations. Record-breaking and milestone performances, whether single game, season or career, will be acknowledged with headlines and snapshots of the event. There is also a new gameplay mode, "Playoff Mode", in which the user only plays in the postseason. The PC version, like its NBA 2K9 counterpart, will not feature online play or Living Rosters. Unlike MLB 2K6, 2K9 will not feature the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In other improvements, users can now add SFX and graphic overlays to in-game replays to create highlight reels, as well as upload the reel to 2KSports.com, while online users' performances are graphed out, displayed in chart form, and comparable against league averages. The previous games Topps Trading Cards system from 2K8 has been improved, while the Home Run Derby mode has also been revamped. Unlike previous MLB titles, there are no pre-rendered cutscenes; all cutscenes are done in real-time with in-game assets.