As most people can agree, moments are simply annoying obstacles that are required for program completion. “Play your way” doesn’t mean forcing a mode, but whatever.
As several people have already pointed out, there is also just no creativity in moments. “Hit a HR” or “Pitch an inning with no runs” make up the vast majority of all moments. Why not include defensive plays more, even if they are scripted Showtime ones? What about starting on 1st and having to score on a scripted hit in the gap? How about a sacrifice bunt, or throw out a runner stealing, or be the relay guy on a play at the plate? Basically, show off all baseball has to offer.
My next big gripe is somewhat related, but it simply takes too long to get through the monotonous slog of samey moments. I don’t want to spend an hour+ doing moments, especially when they have no variety. One fix is offering the ability for any and every in game mode to offer progress, and you pick and choose which to play (allowing you to do some moments, none at all, or all of them if you want). Repeatable game modes or missions (or even moments) could really help with this. Another thing goes back to what I mentioned before, which is that more variety is needed. If each moment offered something different, it would be more enjoyable to go through and complete it. I don’t know about you, but hitting 7 HRs in a row for moments is very tedious. Also, if moments had some scripted elements (hits by AI to the same place each time you try, Showtime defensive plays, guaranteed pickoff success in a pickoff moment, etc.), it would speed up moment completion by removing variability.
The final problem is that the AI can often be counterproductive, making it impossible for you to even do the moment. You might need to hit a HR in one at bat, yet you get 4 pitches nowhere near the zone and have to try again. That’s why before in my suggestions for more variety, I mentioned scripted parts of moments. If I need to specifically get some type of hit, make the AI throw (more) pitches in the zone. We’re often trying to replicate moments that actually happened in real life, not get lucky and hope for the AI to cooperate. Slight ruining of immersion when I purposely swing at balls just to see another pitch in an AB.
TLDR - Moments need an overhaul in creativity, time of completion, necessity, and AI decision-making. If you want to add to the discussion, feel free to let me know your thoughts and stay respectful.
