Cal Ripken's Real Baseball: Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox VG| title =Cal Ripken's Real Baseball |
{{Infobox VG| title =Cal Ripken's Real Baseball |
||
|image =[http://www.playrealbaseball.com/images/logo.png Logo] |
|||
|image = [[Image:UBO2007.jpg|250px]] |
|||
|developer = [[NCK Studio]] |
|developer = [[NCK Studio]] |
||
|publisher = [[Netamin Communication Corporation|Netamin]] |
|publisher = [[Netamin Communication Corporation|Netamin]] |
||
Revision as of 22:46, 28 February 2008
| Cal Ripken's Real Baseball | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | NCK Studio |
| Publisher(s) | Netamin |
| Engine | VREE EMotion FX (Q3 2008) |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Genre(s) | Baseball MMOSG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Cal Ripken's Real Baseball, formerly known as Ultimate Baseball Online, is the first free-to-play baseball based massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG) developed and published by Netamin Communication Corporation.[1]
Real Baseball has been developed for nearly four years, with Darrell Evans once acting as spokesperson for the game. The current version of the game will be replaced by a completely revamped version in Q3 2008.
Development
Beta & ESPN Sponsorship
After releasing two mini-games as teasers to the first full-feature Ultimate Baseball Online, Netamin announced an open beta release on March 2nd, 2004. The version included tournament play, pick-up games and practice mode. The release of the full game was expected to be around Fall 2004; however, those plans fell through.[2]
On April 27, 2005, Netamin Communication Corporation and ESPN announced a partnership to produce ESPN Spring Training and Ultimate Baseball Online.[3] ESPN Spring Training was officially released on May 11, 2005. ESPN Spring Training was meant to be played offline as practice in preparation for the main game, Ultimate Baseball Online. Participants of ESPN Spring Training were able to see and compare their hitting averages and status on the ESPN Leaderboard.[4]
The full-feature version of ESPN Ultimate Baseball Online (ESPN UBO) was released on ESPN360 on May 12th, 2005. Fans with broadband capability were able to download the world's first massive multi-player online sports game from ESPN.com. Among the enhancements included in the new version are enhanced graphics, new pitching and fielding practice, enhanced crowd reactions, and better artificial fielding intelligence. The beta version of ESPN UBO features a new graphics engine that runs at 60 frames per second and more than 100,000 polygons per frame - double the quantity of the previous version. Other visual enhancements include dynamic RGB lighting, soft-edged shadows, and natural reflections.[5]
UBO 2006
Returning to independent development, the release version of UBO 2006 brought completely automated tournament game play. It featured tournament record keeping and tournament-specific Leader Board statistics, extending player information beyond the previous edition's pick up game statistics and Leader Board statistics. Tournament statistics were posted to the UBO Website in real time so players can track their own and their teammates' statistics and scout out the performance of opposing players during the course of the tournament. Significant player achievements are also posted to personal character Web pages.[6]
On September 25, 2006, Netamin Communication Corporation announced the adoption of a pay-to-play monthly subscription model for its game.[7] The plan was scrapped shortly before the new subscription model came into effect. It was announced that Netamin will instead adopt an free-to-play in-game advertising model instead.[8]
UBO 2007
Featuring new mini-games and a power ranking system, Ultimate Baseball Online 2007 was rolled out on March 1, 2007. Free Agent Tournaments were also added, allowing for tournament play outside of the team structure, and extending the opportunity for gamers to meet other players. Changes to Artificial Intelligence and updated graphics were additional elements bundled in the new version.[9]
UBO 2007 included the awarding of Power Ranking Points for teams, based on their performance in a wide variety of UBO leagues and tournaments. Points are accumulated throughout the year, with the top 64 UBO teams earning a berth in competition dubbed the "Best of UBO" event.
Cal Ripken's Real Baseball
Real Baseball is a rebranded version of UBO 2007 with new features. One of the most prominent features is the new Anti-hack protection. Other new features include revamped camp system, mission system, new stadium, and new uniforms. Hitting has also been modified.
Gameplay
Real Baseball is a massively multiplayer online sports game capable of fielding up to 18 players a game, occupying all active positions in the game of baseball. However, players often refuse to field 18 due to lag and synchronization issues. Game characters are based on a level of ranks for a specific range of levels, from 0-99, with 99 being the maximum level attained. The game-coded team names of Home and Away team are used instead of the player created team names; therefore, players can play with each other in normal servers regardless of the team they belong. Team play is only enforced however, as expected, in Team Tournaments and the UBO League. Game settings also allows the option day and night of three, six, and nine inning games, with extra innings if necessary in two stadiums.
Launcher
MyRBO is the web portal and launch point of Real Baseball. The portal dedicates itself to keeping players up to date with events, news, and statistics, while also allowing player to player and game master to player communication through E-Notes.[10] MyUBO is a new concept introduced in November 2006, with the old clients featuring an in-game login system. The requirements to running MyUBO are ActiveX and Internet Explorer 6 or above.
- MyCharacters displays the game statistics for the player's characters, and the Experience Points (EP) each character needs to level up.
- MyEvents highlights events including team activities and tournament schedules that are either available to or assigned to each character.
- MyNews displays UBO-wide news updates as well as personalized messages dedicated solely to the individual character.
Characters
| Ultimate Baseball Online Ranking System | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level Range | Ranking | ||||
| 0-9 | Rookie | ||||
| 10-29 | Minor | ||||
| 30-59 | Major | ||||
| 60-89 | Allstar | ||||
| 90-99 | MVP | ||||
Real Baseball allows each account holder to control a maximum of three characters, but only allows one to be played at one time. Characters start from level 0, and players will have to play in games to "level up" their characters up to level 99. Ranks are also assigned to players of a specific level range. Experience required to attain each level is on a scale sliding upwards.
Upon creating a character, players can prompted to select a primary position. However, they are not limited to playing that positioning only, as parameter points are the determining factor to play style. Players can customize gender, face, throwing arm angle and side, and batting side and style. Players can preview their selection with a character to the left.
Through leveling, players earn parameter points (PP) and skill points (SP) to enhance their statistics, batting zone, or pitches. For each level gained, players earn 3 parameter and 1 skill point. Maximum amount of parameter points for one statistic is 99, while the maximum for one skill is 12.
Pitching
The game offers 12 pitches and varying speeds, and some pitches must be "unlocked" through the addition of parameter points to arm strength or throwing accuracy. Velocity and break of pitches can also be enhanced through the addition of skill points, or naturally enhanced through switching arm throwing angles.
Batting
Batting in Real Baseball requires the use of a mouse to track the pitch and click to swing. There are numerous power settings that can be accessed through right clicking; turning down power increases contact likelihood, while increasing power decreases it. The maximum power is red, while the minimum is bunt. Depending on how well contact is made, a Home Run can be hit.
Batting power is amplified through the addition of parameter points in body strength and stamina.
Fielding
From outfield to infield to foul ground, fielders must complete plays, make outs, and prevent runs from scoring, much like in real life baseball. Players in Real Baseball can run, catch (jump and dive), and throw unlike some flash-based baseball games. Real Baseball simplifies the system by assigning a number to each base and pitcher, and by pressing the number, throws will be aimed there. Wild throws can occasionally and randomly happen.
Catching Range is the primary statistic associated with fielding. In the event a full game is not reached, the AI takes the field and plays the position.
RBO League
Real Baseball hosts seasonal leagues that feature multiple teams of different levels playing against each other for the championship. Managed and run by Netamin and Game Masters, there are currently three league classes: Elite, All-Star, and Major.
Current Leagues include a 10-game regular season for all participating teams, 3-game wildcard playoffs, 4-game division finals, and a 5-game league championship for eligible teams. Press Coverage and Awards are also presented during the league seasons written by the official game press and players. Winners of RBO Leagues qualify themselves into the Best of RBO competition.
Tournaments
Netamin often host weekly tournaments to provide on-going opportunities to earn power ranking points as well as play as a team. Any team, pending if requirements are met, can join tournaments and compete against each other at the specified time of the tournament. Entire tournaments may last several days, pending on how many teams are entered.
Power Ranking Points
Power Ranking Points (PRP's), are points accumulated through the participation of RBO Leagues and tournaments based on performance. The top 64 teams in PRP's will qualify for the Best of RBO event.[11]
References
- ^ Cal Ripken Jr. goes to Bat for online video game. Baltimore Business News Retrieved on February 28, 2008.
- ^ World’s First Online Virtual Reality Baseball Experience to be Launched Fall 2004 by Netamin Corporation. Netamin Press Release - Gamezone Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2005). "ESPN and Netamin Join Forces". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2005). "ESPN SPRING TRAINING 101". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ ESPN360 (2005). "ULTIMATE BASEBALL ONLINE BETA RELEASED ON ESPN360 AND ESPN.COM". ESPN360. ESPN360. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Netamin (2006). ""Ultimate Baseball Online 2006" Announced for the PC". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2006). "Ultimate Baseball Online Subscription Begins". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2006). "Ultimate Baseball Online 2006 to Remain Free for All Players". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2007). "Spring Is In the Air. Netamin Rolls Out Ultimate Baseball Online 2007". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2006). "Ultimate Baseball Online Adds "MyUBO" for PC game players". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Netamin (2007). "Spring Is In the Air. Netamin Rolls Out Ultimate Baseball Online 2007". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)