I know several people were interested in these games, I picked up both and I figured I’d share my thoughts.

MLB is made by 989 aka Sony, MVP is an EA title. I believe MLB sells for $39.99 and MVP is $49.99.

I picked up MLB as a release title but didn’t really play it because I wanted to compare it to MVP which was recently released (delayed several times).

Graphics: I believe MVP has better all around gfx then MLB, however MLB has unique things like dirt being kicked up when the players run around the bases. MVP only shows dirt when the player slides.

Pitching: I like MVPs pitch box better, it highlights the box your trying to pitch to, however MVPs pitch meter is downright terrible. The white bar you need to get into the ‘zone’ is litterally 1 pixel wide and is nearly impossible to see. MLBs pitching meter is clearly the winner and MVPs version is almost unplayable.

Hitting: MVPs hitting seems ‘detached’. You see the pitcher throw the ball, you see the ball for a split second, and that’s it. 99% of the time you’ll swing way too early or way too late. MLBs hitting is just fine.

Fielding: MVPs auto fielding has the comp obtain the ball and then you decide where/when to throw it to the bases. This makes total sense. MLB has manual fielding (too dificult because the ball is too small and fast) assist (they do 80% of the work), and full (they do everything). With full, they are not agressive enough…they field the ball but don’t try and make key plays at the bags/plate. When you have it on assist, they begin to run towards the ball, and then they just put you in control, mid-play. I find that annoying, but it takes some getting used to.

Loading: MVP suffers from severe load times and pauses throughout the game. Constant replays and commentaries slow the game down terribly. MLB loads up much quicker and has far less (if any) pauses.

Depth: Here MVP is the clear winner. It is much more detailed and deep with modes then MLB.

Conclusion: I’ve found myself in the same situation as World Tour vs Fifa. Gameplay vs Graphics & Depth. Although Fifa and MVP look better and have more replay value with extra modes and features, the load times and gameplay suffer so severe that MLB and World Tour are worth playing, even if it will be for a shorter time.

When I went to trade in my copy of MVP today the salesman said is it because of the impossible pitching and hitting? I said yes, why. He said I am the third person (out of 3 sales) to exchange the copy…and he was one of them. I felt better that I wasn’t the only one having issues with the game. I don’t love MLB either, but it is at least playable, IMO.

Erik