Japanese v American Version

[GreatScott]

I would argue that the Japanese version of RBI is the better of the two games.  The pitchers just have filthy stuff and it can even be tough to beat the computer at times.  The hitters are generally weaker but I think thats good because you have to work for your runs.  You cant just make contact and expect a pop up home run (like you can with clowns like Reggie Jackson in the American version).  Maybe im just partial to a pitcher dominated game that is more like real baseball.  I realize I must be rubbing some die hard american version 'purists' the wrong way but I think everyone should at least try the Japanese version on PC.

[ultimate7]

We need to find someone that has played the Japanese Cartridge or Arcade and give good details.  ROM is similar but still not quite the same.

[Gantry]

Welcome GreatScott!  

You know, I haven't played Family Stadium in quite some time.  But you make some very good points.  The one thing I remember when playing Familiy Stadium is that the pitcher is very tough to hit.  We'll have to dip into the ROM and see what their ratings are compared to RBI...

12 teams instead of 10 is also very nice...

I'll give it a whirl later on today and post...

[Gantry]

Just played my first Family Stadium game in quite some time.  Boy it plays real similar to RBI, just about every aspect of gameplay is the same.  I was wrong about the CPU though, they suck just as bad in Family Stadium.  Here are the differences I noted, feel free to add some more.  Want to add a FAQ item for the differences:

12 teams instead of 10
Reduced Power for the hitters
Can't go all the way up in the box
Pitch speed in kilometers per hour
ERAs extend past 3.55
Passwords for 1-player mode

Are there any BOPs in Family Stadium?  I don't think I've ever gotten one...

[fknmclane]

Did GreatScott call Reggie a clown?  No bueno.

[ultimate7]

OK, grabbed the ROM and played about 7 innings.

I didn't notice any major difference in fielding, maybe a very minor improvement, but if so it's hard to tell.

I think the CPU does a little better job pitching then the NES version, but this could be just because I don't play as well using the keyboard.  Did seem like they used more curve to their pitches, I do think it is better.

Teams (I used W against N) are much more like Houston then other teams.  Later did use G for an inning and they seemed like they had some more Power then those other teams.  

[GreatScott]

Gantry,
The first team you play in the Japanese version is a very bad team.  If I remember it is a purple team called N.  As you progress in your season it gets a harder because you play tougher teams with better pitchers and hitters.  Try playing with one of the shitty teams (the ones in the bottom right corner of the select screen) against some of the better squads (top left teams).  The code for the next level is in the paper when you win.  
Look im a salty old RBI vet but I still find myself striking out against the better japanese pitchers when they pitch well.  I know this sounds insane but the japanese AI has good games and bad in terms of pitching.  Some games they throw 78 mph meatballs over the heart of the plate like the American AI.  Other times (especially with the better teams) they go for the corners and throw some very nasty stuff thats tough to deal with.  And they also throw balls to throw you off.  You end up having to work the count with youre shit hitters to ultimately manufacture runs.  
One decent game out of the AI is something to cherish in the world of teegan baseball.  Try playing a full season of Family Stadium with either N or any other team that has no 30+ homerun hitter.  Trust me youll see the difference and start to appreciate the Japanese version.  

[ultimate7]

GreatScott, do you have some passwords to the good teams you could post?

[Gantry]

You've inspired me, I'm going to play a season with N...

[GreatScott]

yeah i do.  i played a season with a blue team but i forget the fuckin letter.  anyway heres the whole season of codes for just that team.  Just tryem out on a couple team till you find a match.  I must admit though they are a pretty good team (the clean up guy is a solid slugger) so you might wanna start fresh with a crap squad.  anyway heres the codes in order from worst opponents to best (Although the Japan all-stars[last team] pitching sucks for some reason).
6bbe
6ac4
69ca
68d0
67d6
65e8
64e8
63ee
62f4
61fa
im not sure that the codes are universal.  they might vary depending upon the last game (but i doubt it).  hope i dont waste your time

[ultimate7]

Thanks, I'll try them next time I play the ROM

[japetus462]

I played a few games, and I noticed a difference. I noticed the fielders seemed faster and the pitchers did seem a lot tougher.

[Flood]

GreatScott,
YOU seem like a good guy...welcome to dee-nee.  We are happy to have you.  By the looks of your recent posts (today) you will be a welcomed addition to the ocmmujity.  I don't llike Japanese games.

[fknmclane]

GreatScott,
YOU seem like a good guy...welcome to dee-nee.  We are happy to have you.  By the looks of your recent posts (today) you will be a welcomed addition to the ocmmujity.  I don't llike Japanese games.

ocmmujity?

[MarquisEXB]

BTW I have a copy of this: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/078640678X/ref=nosim/japanshopcom/002-3844202-0697622?afsrc=1

Give me some stats & I will tell you what year it is & maybe scan it in. Easiest way is to look on the O team (there is an O team right?) for a .360 50 HR guy - what are his exact stats?

Mike

[Gantry]

From the RBI FAQ:

Family Stadium 87 has 12 teams:

   * G - Gaiantsu (Giants)
   * M - Mejarigazu (Major Leaguers?)
   * L - Raionerizu (Lions?)
   * C - Kazu (Cubs?)
   * B - Burabozu (Bulls?)
   * D - Dorasasozu
   * F - Fuzu Fuzu
   * S - Suparozu (Supers)
   * R - Reruueizu
   * W - Hoiruzu
   * T - Taitasozu (Titans?)
   * N - Namuko Sutazu (Namco Stars)

Are tehse real Japanese teams?  I assume they were fake, though I don't know why I did...

[GreatScott]

some definently are.  I know the tokyo giants,  seibu lions are.  the others im not so sure.  I think one of the teams is also like an all time team with the greatest players from all of japanese baseball history

[MarquisEXB]

definatly:
G - Gaiantsu (Giants) - Yomiuri Gaints
M - Mejarigazu (Major Leaguers?)
L - Raionerizu (Lions?) Seibu Lions

guesses:
C - Kazu (Cubs?) - Hiroshima Toyo Carp? (should be Red jerseys like Cincy Reds)
B - Burabozu (Bulls?) - Either Buffaloes or Braves
D - Dorasasozu - Chinichi Dragons (BLue unis - like Dodgers)

Let me bust out my japanese dictionary & the rom.

   * F - Fuzu Fuzu
   * S - Suparozu (Supers)
   * R - Reruueizu
   * W - Hoiruzu
   * T - Taitasozu (Titans?)
   * N - Namuko Sutazu (Namco Stars)

Mike

[Gantry]

C looks just like the Reds, so it must be the Carp.  First few hitters:

1 - Lefty, .302, 2HRs
2 - Lefty, .300, 10HRs
3 - Lefty, .284 16HRs
4 - Lefty, .294 24HRs
5 - Lefty, .290 16HRs

Let me know if you want me to translate  the hiragana and katakana...

[Gantry]

D has blue and grey unis, like the Dodgers...

Hitter breakdown:

1 - Righty, .262 12HRs
2 - Righty, .262 10 HRs
3 - Lefty, .306 32 HRs
4 - Righty, .350 42 HRs (and I popped out with him)
5 - Righty, .272 32 HRs