With the SMB2 Removal I See No Incentive to Buy SMB3 or SMB4

[Texis]

I'm disappointed to see that "Super Mega Baseball 2" is not on the Steam store. As someone who only owns the first game in the series, this decision severely impacts my willingness to purchase either "Super Mega Baseball 3" or "Super Mega Baseball 4".

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think this leaves a significant gap in the franchise; without experiencing the improvements and new features from SMB2, jumping directly to SMB3 or SMB4 doesn't make logical sense. The continuity and progression of gameplay mechanics, team customization, and overall enjoyment are now fractured.

This situation reminds me of what happened with games like "Uncharted", where they decided to release only the more recent game on PC, leaving thousands of players without the opportunity to experience the preceding events.

This practice of removing older games from the franchise not only disrupts the evolution of the series for new players but also punishes those who have been loyal to the franchise from the start. It feels like we're being pushed to buy newer games without the chance to appreciate the full journey of the series.

Why remove games that could keep the player base engaged and provide context for the newer entries? This move only harms the community and those who appreciate the historical development of this franchise.

[6Taylor4]

IF you don't see SMB4 for FIVE DOLLARS as something to grab instantly, then I really don't get it. $$$$$5!

[6Taylor4]

SMB3 is a great game, and has MOD support that is frankly, the best mod support I've seen for a baseball game. That makes it most desirable.
SMB4 is the EA departure from the series, but it does almost everything the same as 3; they tweaked the graphics and did it very well, they tweaked this and that, and came up with a very playable game, with all the options of 3.
SMB2 was not as good as 3, but it had its own style, which I liked. Once 3 came out, I never played 2 again. You're not missing anything much by not having 2.
3 is a Must-have; 4 at this price is a no-brainer, regardless of whether you are collecting them or not. You'll have the full experience of SMB with 3 or 4.

[Texis]

Thanks for the insights on SMB3 and SMB4.

I'll definitely consider picking them up since you highlight the mod support and gameplay improvements. However, it remains a shame that games like SMB2 get removed from the store, or that some franchises end up being sold incomplete.

For instance, look at the "GTA" series - the first two games and expansions are missing, seemingly due to simple disdain from the developers. This practice can really detract from the overall experience and history of a franchise.

[peterk]

Same thing with the Formula 1 series from Codemasters. Before EA they were all up there and I used to like to buy older ones because I was sure they would run great on my hardware, After EA they took off all of them except the most recent one - you basically get ONE chance to buy them on sale before they get replaced with the new version.
Same thing with the golf game,
EA doesn't like older versions being offered. It's pretty stupid if you ask me. They act as low cost demo versions.

[6Taylor4]

Originally posted by Texis:

I'm disappointed to see that "Super Mega Baseball 2" is not on the Steam store. As someone who only owns the first game in the series, this decision severely impacts my willingness to purchase either "Super Mega Baseball 3" or "Super Mega Baseball 4".

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think this leaves a significant gap in the franchise; without experiencing the improvements and new features from SMB2, jumping directly to SMB3 or SMB4 doesn't make logical sense. The continuity and progression of gameplay mechanics, team customization, and overall enjoyment are now fractured.

This situation reminds me of what happened with games like "Uncharted", where they decided to release only the more recent game on PC, leaving thousands of players without the opportunity to experience the preceding events.

This practice of removing older games from the franchise not only disrupts the evolution of the series for new players but also punishes those who have been loyal to the franchise from the start. It feels like we're being pushed to buy newer games without the chance to appreciate the full journey of the series.

Why remove games that could keep the player base engaged and provide context for the newer entries? This move only harms the community and those who appreciate the historical development of this franchise.

ONE WORD: GOG. [edit - wrong word, sorry!]

[humancalledbob]

SMB3 is worth getting on sale. It's a really great game. Much better than SMB2. And if you add the All-Time MLB Teams Mod, replay is unlimited. I've 240+ hours with it. I also have SMB 1 and2. Not 4 because of EA ownership. There is soooooo much to do with 3. Really no reason not to get it on sale. But EA might want it on sale because that's the way they are. SMB is not offered on GOG.