mlb 2k8

Reviewed by junky12345 on August 01, 2008  |  report this review

For those turned off by the 2K8 baseball series and who miss the days when one had an actual selection of different baseball simulations to choose from, 2K Games and developer Kush Games are attempting to restore the faith. This is probably the best in the entire 2K series. Part of the ways they've accomplished this is by adding a completely new method of pitching and by recreating an impressive baseball broadcast atmosphere unlike any game before it.
Kush has also introduced a new mechanic when fielding, dubbed the Precision Throw Control, which utilizes the right analog to throw the ball in any direction. It also takes some practice to for those familiar with using the face buttons to precisely choose which base you want to throw the ball to. This new setup requires you to flick the stick in the direction you want to throw the ball and gauge the speed by how long you hold it forward. It can be tricky and seem inaccurate at times, but like the Total Pitch Control, this also takes getting used to. And I suppose by re-inventing the pitch mechanisms and eliminating the use of face buttons, Kush decided they would have to do the same in the fielding department.

But the hitting and pitching is definitely the main focus of gameplay, as there really isn't much to do in the way of fielding or base-running. In fact, there are times when an opposing player will hit a line drive and one of my basemen will dive and catch the ball without me hitting anything. They have changed base-running as well, using the right analog to command your avatar around the bases, which adds to the strong analog focus of this game's button setup.