MLB2K11 First Impressions
I too picked up MLB 2K11 for the 360 last night. I kind of wish I waited considering I paid $60 for it and now see it for $32 shipped http://goo.gl/1LqNt
As for my thoughts. I jumpted right into My Player mode as well. I created a SS with the Red Sox. I'm going to assume that most of you know what My Player mode is or can do a google search so I'm not going to go into details on that.
My first thought is that it's much harder than 2k10. Of course to be fair, I haven't had these kind of stats in a long time, but it definitly seems harder. Pitches seem to get to the plate a lot faster. Last year I could wait to determine the pitch type and see if it was going to be a ball or strike before deciding to swing. This year fast balls are getting by me and if I try to guess fastball I'm way out in front of an off speed pitch. I've played 15 games and am batting .250 or so without a HR yet. Baserunning is about the same, but I am 1 for 1 in stolen bases. Last year I went 0 for my first 100 or so it seemed. I'm still having a hard time determining if a batted ball is going to be caught or not so I have gotten doubled off a couple times on line drives.
Fielding itself seems about the same, but throwing the ball is taking a bit to get use to. I have to be aware of the throwing power this year or I will miss the 1st baseman and get a throwing error. I have not tried pitching yet.
The part that's going to make this more difficult overall is that you don't get as many skill points for completing different actions this year. The highest skill point value I have seen so far is 25 points.
I have seen a few nice touches that even after 7 seasons of 2K10 I didn't see. I got an infield hit after hitting the ball off the mound and the ball changed direction and went behind the charging SS. I have also been safe at 1st on a throwing error where the opponent threw the ball into the dugout and I was awarded 2nd base. That was great.
I loved 2k10 and so far I'm liking 2k11 even more.
Riding the Pines – Episode 57
Dan, Glen, and Craig are back for another episode... and this time you get to play along with the gang.
Go ahead and take a look this link and take the Wonderlic sample test that Craig and Glen took before the show and then see how Dan does while we do the show live.
Here's the rest of what we cover in the show...
- MLB2K11 and MLB11: The Show demo thoughts
- NFL labor discussion
- Craig recaps his TV/Stereo issues and confirms that he and his son can't lift a 70 pound TV up some stairs...
- Glen gives his Top Spin 4 demo thoughts for the Playstation Move
- And a bit of movie discussion
The show is in all of the usual places.
Enjoy!
Riding the Pines – Episode 56
Dan, Glen, and Craig all get together tonight to discuss the following
- Pitchers and catchers reporting and how excited Dan is about Vlad Guerrero coming to Baltimore
- MLB2K11 and all of the changes discussed in the recent developer notes
- The 10 year anniversary of the passing of Dale Earnhardt and the new Nascar game
- and Topo Gigio.
Here's the link to the most recent show. Enjoy!
Hitting the fan part 2
Well the TV tech came out (a day late) and says he will have to buy a video board - HELLO I told you that on the phone! The problem is that the board is not made any more so I have to buy a used board and who knows how long that will last. So I took Dan's advise. Now me taking Dan's advise is not usually a good idea, but I think he might be right with this one. I bought an HDMI to DVI adapter and am just using the DVI input. I don't push sound to the TV anyway, so I really shouldn't be loosing anything.
For my son's PC, I'm building him a middle of the road machine. Nothing special. He's in 10th grade, so I figure 2 years from now he'll need a new high powered laptop anyway. This machine should last until then.
We took the car to the dealer and they replaced the head gasket. There is still a leak in the engine. So we are getting a brand new engine installed. They had to order it so we will not get the car back until next week, but I really can't complain about paying $50 deductibleto get a new engine at 88K miles. Thank God I got the extended warranty. I don't recommend them for any items other than car or house, but I'm glad I got it.
When it hits the fan
Monday of last week my son tells me his PC is locked up. I check it out and sure enough the keyboard and mouse are off. No power to them. The CPU fan is just screeming. I do a reboot and think everything is fine, but 2 minutes later the CPU fan starts spinning faster and faster and faster. Then the keyboard and mouse go dead again, sound stops playing and the screen is frozen. Not good. I shut it down and boot it up on Tuesday and it hasn't locked yet, but it does not sound good. Now his PC is my hand me down Alienware. It's a P4 @ 2.8 with 4GB of RAM. Plenty for what he does on the PC, but getting old. I think I'll have to replace it.
On Tuesday I turn on entertainment system to watch TV and the signal is interlaced. I did some testing and found that when this happens I can turn off/on the xbox 360, the stereo or the TV and it will show up correctly. So I think it's an HDMI issue (everything goes into the stereo as HDMI which then sends to the TV via HDMI). On Thursday the TV will not display at all. Just a "check input" error. After testing with another TV I have determined that the HDMI input on the TV has gone bad. I called a TV repair shop. He says that Samsung uses 1 digital input board on this TV that has been known to go bad (which I did see people talking about online). Cost is about $250 to replace it, so still cheaper than the $2,000 TV I want.
Early this week my wife's check engine light came on. A computer check says the #4 cylinder is not firing. I talked to a mechanic friend of mine who suggested replacing the spark plugs and swapping 2 of the coils to see if the issue goes away or moves to another cylinder. I did that today and there was no change except that it's running rougher than even yesterday. After some testing with a guy from AutoZone we discover that when we pulled the spark plug out of #4 there is antifreeze on the tip - Blown head gasket.
On another note, I did get You Don't Know Jack for the wii. Not quite as fun as the PC versions, but still worth the money. And yes I do remember how fun the PC versions were, I introduced my son to them about 3 months ago.
Riding the Pines – Episode 55
Hello, all.
Join us for the Glen and Craig's first show without Dan.
I'm sure that will draw in record ratings for the show.
Here's what we cover...
- Playing the DS while driving...
- John Daly's golf for the PC and PS3
- Duke Nukem Forever
- The NFC and AFC championship games
Here's the link to the show.
Enjoy!
SnowLanta
As some of you know, I currently live just outside Atlanta. I'm not sure when the nickname started, but it's been called HotLanta as long as I can remember. Today however it's anything but. We went to bed last night with warnings of snow and ice and predictions of 3-5 inches. I took that to mean "this is the south and we panic at the thought of snow so it will be about 1-2 inches". Nope. I woke up to 5 inches of snow with it still coming down. It recently turned to freezing rain so my yard now has 6 inches of snow with a 1/2 inch of ice on top. The forecast calls for highs of 30 today, so it will be tomorrow before it starts to melt at all. While those of you that are use to snow are laughing (I am too being from Boston) you also have to remember that there aren't many snow plows or salt / sand trucks down here. Atlanta only has 8, a few towns have 1 or 2, but most don't have any at all.
Needless to say I'm not going to work today. As long as I have Internet access today I'll be just fine hold up in here. Time to get some gaming in. I have installed Links 2003 and will see if that's as good as I remember. I've also installed John Daly Pro Stroke Golf (PC). That should be a good test to see how far golf games have come in the past 8 years. I wish Tiger was coming out on the PC this year as I'd like to play Augusta National. I guess I'll have to get it on the 360.
Craig actually posts
I know I have not posted in a while. I just really haven't had much to say, so here is a recap of the past few weeks.
- Gaming - I signed up for the Xbox Live Family pack and let my son take the main account that we've had since day one since he has a ton of downloaded add-ons. I only had 1 (Texas Holdem that I got when it was free). So my new gamertag is crgandjul while he keeps crgnjul. So if you have my in your friends list, you should update it. My brother-in-law and Nephew have the other 2 accounts. So splitting the cost we now have 2 accounts for less then the price of one and they they same. I did loose my Madden and MLB2K10 franchises. I've decided not to start either of them over for now, but have been thinking about getting NCAA Football. Thoughts?
- Old School Gaming - I recently reinstalled Lucas Arts' Outlaws and Dark Forces. Neither were easy to get running on Windows 7, but I finally got them going. I've played Outlaws far more than DF and am about 1/2 way thru it. I'm stuck on one of the puzzle missings (where you have to open all the water pipes). I've got all but 1 pipe running but can't remember how to get that last one. I've only played the first mission in DF, but will be working on it when I either finish Outlaws or get stuck on Outlaws and need a break. I really wish someone would release a sequal to Outlaws. That's always been a favorite game of mine.
- Tablets - About 9 months ago I bought an Asus T91-MT which is a 9" netbook whos screen will turn around and fold flat on the keyboard and is Multi-Touch. It runs Windows 7 and I've upgraded it to 2Gigs of RAM. It has a 1 Gig Atom CPU and a 32Gig SSD. No fans, so it's silent. I like the unit, but after playing with an iPad and more recently a Samsung Galaxy Tab I think I'm going to put it on eBay and get a slate. I don't know which one. I'm leaning towards Android since I think the iPads are over priced. Rooting a Nook Color seems to be the way to go, but it is missing a camera, microphone and bluetooth. Of course it also has the best screen out there and is only $250. The Galaxy Tab seems nice, but it's slower than a rooted Nook Color and 2.5 times more expensive. It does have the camera, mic and bluetooth however. Do I need those features? Probably not, but it would be nice to run Skype or a softphone on it when traveling.
Riding the Pines – Episode 53
Evening, all.
It's a momentus day as Craig joins Dan and Glen for his first ever Riding the Pines episode.
Here's a bit of what we covered.
- NFL, NHL, and MLB replay
- Favorite and least favorite NFL announcers
- What games Dan and Glen have bought lately
- and lots more
Here's the link to the sh0w.
Enjoy!
Music
How often do you discover artists from non traditional sources? I guess before you can answer that a definition of a traditional source would need to be given. So for this quick question lets say traditional sources are radio, MTV type channels, clubs and "suggestion" links when listening to music online.
As a followup, let's make this post a non traditional source and let's hear some recommendations from you on artists you enjoy that most people wouldn't know about.
I'll start of course. I know a lot of people my age listened to Depeche Mode back in the 80's. I however never did. I'm not sure why, but it's probably due to all the Metal I was listening to. Anyway about 5 years ago I was reading on a Photography forum I was active on and one guy had a quote from "Blasphemous Rumours" as his signature. I looked it up, listened and ended up grabbing a bunch of their songs. Man I missed the boat on that one.
I've also picked up a few songs from video game soundtracks (not GH and RB), background music in TV shows and movies. But I've also grabbed a few that I first heard in commercials. The one that sticks out most in my mind is "Half Acre" by HEM in a Liberty Mutual commercial.
As for artist that most people haven't heard of that I recommend; There are a bunch, but here would be my current top 2.
- Poe- While she had a couple minor hits with Hello and Angry Johnny back in 85/86 if you've heard them you may not know they were the same artist. Additionally that whole CD and followup "Haunted" are my 2 favorite CDs of all time. If I could only pick 1 CD to listen to for the rest of my life it would be one of these 2.
- The Swear - This is a local Atlanta band. Definitely some anger in these songs. 1 EP and 1 CD released. I've never heard them on the radio, but found them when looking for a concert to go to one weekend. Speaking of, they are playing at Vinyl in Atlanta this Friday night. If anyone would like to meet up at the show let me know. I'm debating going to see them or Slippery When Wet at Wild Bills.
Your turn.
Craig actually talks games
- Madden 11 (360): I've all but abandoned this game. I want to like it so much, but I'm just not enjoying it. I did finally make it through my first season and had a decent draft. I'm sure I'll play a game here and there, but it's not like I was with Madden 10 where I played a game every day after work.
- NBA Jam (Wii): Ok, this game is just awesome. It's as good as the arcade, but with many more modes and you have to love the controls. My son is more of a FPS gamer, but this is one sports game he'll play with me. If you have a Wii, you should have this game.
- NHL Slapshot (Wii): After hearing Dan going gaga over this game I decided to check it out. I rented it, so I didn't get the little hockey stick thing. I don't think that matters however. This game is fun. I've only played 3 or so games so far, but I like the controls and the feel of the game. It's not a sim by any means, but it plays a fun game.
- Diablo 2 LOD (PC): Yep I'm playing this one again. My son and I are ready to fight Diablo. The game is definitely repetitive after all these years, but we still enjoy it.
WTF
I saw the Randy Moss trade rumors last night, but didn't think it would really happen. I get up this morning and see that Randy Moss has been traded to the Vikings for a 3rd round pick. A 3rd round pick? Wait a minute - they mean a 2nd and a 3rd right? A 3rd and a 4th? Just a 3rd? You've got to be kidding me. I know Moss is at the end of his career, but he is still one of the best receivers in the game. He's still got 3 or so great years ahead of him.
This trade makes perfect sense for the Vikings, but I just don't see it from the Patriots side. I guess we can conclude that the Pats knew they weren't going to resign him for the $$ he wants after the season, so they decided to get something for him rather than let him walk. I get that, but this trade now sends the message that this is a rebuilding year. I understand he had zero catches on Monday night, but how many times did he draw double coverage and therefor let Welker or Tate have single coverage against a nickle corner? That's an important job too.
I'm a big Welker fan, but he's not a #1 WR. He's now the best WR on the roster, but he's not the deep threat that Moss is. He's not going to draw double or triple coverage like Moss did. He still needs to line up in the slot to be at his best. Is Tate really going to be that deep threat? Having watched him at UNC, I think he has the skills to be an above average WR in the NFL, but he's no where near a #1 at this time.
I'd love to see the Patriots line for winning the Super Bowl yesterday before this trade vs. today. Their chances of winning it all, or winning the AFC East, just dropped dramatically.
Games
I figured I'd post an update to the games I'm currently playing.
- MLB2K10 - I still love this game, but I have gotten to the point where winning is no longer enough to keep me interested. I'm now focused on my stats more than ever. I'm in July of season 6, batting .511 with 37 HRs. My goal is to keep my average above .500 for the year. I'm not sure I can do it as I was at .550 just 10 games ago and hit a bit of a slump.
- Madden 11 - I've played a couple games with the newest patch. I now see kick returns ending between the 25 and 35. I think blocking has been improved a little bit, but in my 2 games I think I noticed the kickoffs are not going as deep as they were before. I was only able to get 1 kickoff into the end zone and had no touch backs by any team. Injuries are still too high.
- Diablo 2 LOD - My son and I were talking about Diablo 3 last night and how I read late 2011 as a release date and we decided to install Diablo 2 LOD and play that again. I put in what I thought was 30 minutes last night only to find out it was 3 hours. I did make sure I didn't complete any quests so that my son and I can complete them together. I can see me getting addicted to this one again.
TV
So the new fall season is here. I've done some TV watching this week, but still have some shows to catch up on. Here are some quick thoughts
- The Event - Watched about 30 minutes and both the wife and I decided to turn it off. Unless I hear fantastic things about this one I don't think I'll even finish the first episode
- How I met your mother - Not the best episode, but still love the show
- Two and a Half Men - Loved the episode, love the show
- Mike & Molly - I didn't have high hopes for this one, but I was surprised. It was funny and entertaining. I'll be keeping this in the rotation for now
- Hawaii Five-0 - I enjoyed the first episode, but I'm not totally sold on it yet. I'll have to watch a few more episodes to see if I'll be watching it long term. Grace Park in the bikini certainly does help.
- NCIS - Probably my favorite show. Good episode this week. Needless to say this has the highest priority on the Media Center
- NCIS LA - I haven't watched this weeks show yet. My wife and I watch this one together and she goes to be early since she gets up so early so we haven't had time yet. It will get watched this weekend. This has been a great show and I expect that to continue.
- Big Bang Theory - One of my favorite comedies. Right there with Two and a half Men. No let down with the first episode.
- Bleep my dad says - Show sucked. Not even close to being funny. It got removed from the recording schedule.
- CSI - Still a good show. It's taken a step back over the past couple years, but I'm still recording it. I watch it whenever I have time, but don't feel the need to watch it as soon as I can.
- The Mentalist - I really like this show. I love Jane's smugness. I know others dislike the show for the same reason, but they don't have to tune in. I'll be watching it all season.
- CSI Miami - This one has not started yet, but its one I do watch.
- Covert Affairs - This was a summer series on USA Network that I really liked. I think it could hang as a prime time show.
- rizzoli & isles - A summer series on TNT that I enjoyed. Again I think it could hang as a prime time show.
- Dark Blue - Another summer series show on TNT. It's ok. I watch it since there is nothing else on, but I don't think it would do well competing with other prime time shows.
What do you guys think of this years TV lineup? What shows am I missing? I know everyone is going to say The Office, but I just never got into that one. What about other new shows this fall? Blue Blood? Undercovers?
Clemson
How many of you watched that great Clemson /Auburn game last night? Yes, my Tigers lost, but it was still a great game. After 2 powder puff games to start the season I didn't know what kind of team we really had this year. Now I think I have an idea. There are definitely still areas to improve on, but I was very happy to see a running game last night. I was one of those fans that thought the running game was gone with CJ Spiller no longer there. If last night was any indication it looks like those concerns were unfounded. While Kyle Parker looked good throwing the ball (at least until his injury) we still need a WR or 2 to step up. Without a receiving threat teams will load up against the run.
As for gaming news, I'm still playing MLB2K10 more than anything. I did play another game of Madden, but as much as I want to get into it I'm still having a tough time. Is anyone else seeing a ton of injuries? In my most recent game I had 11 or 12 injuries. Most only had the player off the field for a series. I didn't realize how many injuries I was seeing until my son was watching and pointed out that there were injuries on 6 consecutive plays.
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