MANAGER MODE
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| Manager mode puts you in the role of your team's manager and requires you to select strategies and give commands to your players in order to beat the opposing team and its manager. It is a cerebral game based on a rock-paper-scissors system. However, winning the command battle only gives your player an advantage. It's not an absolute, win-or-lose system. The player's attributes and luck still heavily influence the results just like baseball in real life.
You start each inning by issuing a "Team Approach" order as seen on the top right. These are translated on the Manager Commands page, but for example the options shown here are:
NOTE ON SETTINGS: You cannot adjust any difficulty settings or camera angles. Manager Mode is a similation where the players will perform based on their default attributes & logic. The CPU Manager is set to normal and you cannot change this setting (real-life managers are licensed in the game so it's possible their tendencies are reflected but this has not been tested.) In Pennant Mode exclusively there is a "CPU Managing" option which you can adjust. This will not artificially inrease or decrease player performance, only how smart the CPU Manager is with decisions. It is unknown how effective this option is so we recommend keeping it on Normal. |
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The yellow bar (3) tells you how many individual commands you have remaining (you will start with 25.) The yellow bar (8) is telling you how many personnel changes you can make (you start with 10.) Anytime you click the buttons (square or start) you'll be charged even if you change your mind and decide not to issue an order or make a change. If you use up all of your commands you will get one additional after you change sides. Also, in 'Match Settings' you can set it to have unlimited commands if you so desire. Knowing players ratings & special skills is important if you want to succeed, so using "unlimited" may be a good idea if you're just starting out.The "Coach Advice" icon next to the batters hands means the computer wishes to give you advice. For example late in the game the coach might recommend a good pinch hitter off the bench. This is covered in more detail below... |
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| This is the screen that will appear when you wish to make an individual command. On the left you can issue a tactic such as a bunt. On the right you can give a command to the batter such as "Hit for Contact." On the bottom is your baserunning approach (Normal is selected here.)
For more info these are translated on the Manager Commands pages. Click 'Square' to view each teams lineup and L1 / R1 to scroll through baserunning orders. Pitch by Pitch option: On the top right is a button with a "1" inside it. Click this if you want to see every pitch of the at-bat. Then click 'Square' if you want to enter a command. You can change your command as many times as you want during the at-bat but you'll only be charged one command total! Theoretically, you can view & command every single pitch of a game if you want by selecting "unlimited commands" in Match Settings. However, this is only used by the hard-core because you can get the same results over time by using the much faster 1-pitch (default) style of play. This option could possibly be usefull though in certain situations if you want to hit & run, steal base, bunt or squeeze. This is not available in online games. |
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| On right: a blue bar with text inside will appear if a command is given to a player. In this picture both managers have given a command to their respective pitcher and hitter. The pitcher was given the powerful "Go for decisive blow" which is a limited, 1-time per game command that gives you a big chance of success. The hitter was given the order "Hit for Power".
When someone issues the most powerful command (Go for decisive blow) the best defense is to counter with the same command. This brings a fun strategic element to the game (especially online.) For example if you can lure your opponent into blowing this command early in the game you might have a big advantage later when you get the bases loaded and they are left with a helpless feeling. Remember you can only use this command once whether you're pitching or hitting. Here's an example of how the "Rock, Paper, Scissors" system plays out: BATTER: Aggressive Approach > Throw Strikes Throw Strikes > Patient Approach In general it's a good idea to use these commands to support your players ratings, special skils & trajectory. For example the command "Go for Strikeout" will probably be most effective with your ace power pitchers and closers. The command "Aggressive Swing" will probably work best with those who have the "Aggressive Swing" special skill. Likewise, a player who has the special skill "Batters Eye" would be more effective with the "Patient Approach" command. Be aware of strengths and use them to your advantage. * Thanks Tesla (the original Manager Mode translator) |
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| When you see this "Information" bar, that means the opposing manager is giving a command. You will be asked to give a counter-attack whenever you see this screen. |
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| Sometimes you may hear a coach's advice to put in a pinch hitter, runner or substitute pitcher. In these pictures your coach is suggesting you put in a pinch hitter, #51 Sakurai. If you choose Yes (the option on the left side in the top screen), the game will bring you to the pinch hitter screen. Sakurai (the suggested pinch hitter) is automatically highlighted. |
