[All] MLB2K7 Developer interview
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 02.27.2007
Ben Brinkman speaks on what's new for this year's edition.
Early Monday afternoon we spoke with Kush Games Producer Ben Brinkman regarding development for Major League Baseball 2K7. We had our chance to listen in as he answered some burning questions from 411mania and other media outlets. As an official transcript is not yet available, we've assembled the key points from the interview.
We went over the some of the visual updates that can be expected in MLB2K7. Ben stated that the team wanted to focus on the visual aspects of the game, as last year's version was heavily criticized for not appearing "next-gen". He mentioned that some of the updates we can expect are:
-Improved facial features and expressions, as well as larger variety of body types. (That means David Ortiz will look like David Ortiz)
-Players will appear more authentic as you'll notice small details such as the way they dress and react.
-Animations will appear smoother made possible by using less compression techniques. This will also increase the game's frame rate.
Regarding animations they have added over 2600 movements to allow for greater authenticity using the "Signature Style" feature. Using footage from MLB games the developers have been able to use player specific movements such as batting stance and style, pitcher wind-ups as well as the throwing motions for outfielders and infielders. Though not every single player will be accurately portrayed, expect all superstars and better known players to be easily identifiable by their individual styles alone. This helps create a greater feel of realism that was not achieved in last year's game which was a major complaint.
As for gameplay changes, Brinkman pointed out some key additions:
-Improved fielding and base running AI will result in the CPU taking more chances on the basepaths, as well as making smarter defensive formations.
-More realistic ball physics which means no more of the "floating ball" issues that plagued last year's version.
-The arm strength (throwing strength) of the outfielders is more accurately portrayed now. Don't expect every outfielder to have a rocket arm as they did before.
On the audio side of things, Brinkman noted that they have improved environmental sound effects. Things such as player and situation specific chants and chatter are now identifiable whether they are by an individual group of fans.
Presentation is key as developers spent over 2 weeks adding new-voice over work from John Miller and Joe Morgan. This year, players can expect a true hi-def experience that also includes more close ups, replays, and camera angles than before.
Ben Brinkman went on to explain that each platform will have a distinctly different experience. The PS3 version for instance will utilize the six-axis controls when batting. He also mentioned that the developers were able to take better advantage of the 360 hardware as they've had over a year now to learn about its capabilities. PS3 owners can expect the series to be pushed harder in next year's offering.
Players will enjoy a a large variety of play options that include Franchise, Owner/GM, Season, and Exhibition modes. Expect online leagues to return this year along side online matches.
Ben mentioned that there will be a roster update available as soon as the game ships which can be downloaded on all platforms. He stated that we can expect these updates frequently and that they are currently planned for the game's release date, before the season begins and during mid season.
The game shipped on Monday and will hit retail stores on Tuesday for the Xbox 360, PS3, PS2 and PSP. Major League Baseball 2K7 is developed by Kush Games and is published by 2K Sports. There is currently a demo available on the Xbox Live Marketplace for Gold Members.
We thank Mr. Brinkman for his time and look forward to spending some time with MLB2K7 this week.
Stay tuned our full review of the game.
