After the pre-release Q&A session with 2K Sports’ Ben Brinkman, one thing was abundantly clear from the info provided. The Wii version of MLB 2K8 would not be as feature rich as its 360 and PS3 cousins. No online play, no roster updates, no “cards”, no playable minor leagues in franchise mode. After spending considerable time with the game, I can report that the title is entertaining, and by far the deepest representation of a pro baseball game ever made for the Wii system. However, that isn’t saying all that much. MLB 2K8 stands out because its basically all that is available for Nintendo’s system other than last years’ MLB Power Pros (cartoony) and “The Biggs” (arcadey). That’s not to say the title isn’t without its merits. Single player franchise gamers should find plenty to like in terms of gameplay and the solid feel of the title. The pitching controls (completely different from the 360 version) are rather fun and require a flick of the Wii remote that mimics the forward throw of the pitcher. Batting requires you to swing the Wii remote at the proper time. How fast you bring that remote around often determines the strength of the hit. I’m also pleased to report that the fielding controls have been tightened up and are quite responsive. The mechanics of the game are well done even if they are rather simplistic by comparison to the 360/PS3 version and its new pitching interface.
The Miller/Vasgersian commentary is good, which is often the hallmark of a 2K Sports title. No complaints there. The ballpark is alive with sound, commentary, and fan noise, which is precisely the way it should be. The stat tracking and depth are generally what you’ve come to expect from 2K
Sadly, MLB 2K8’s Wii graphics are what I would call “late last gen”. This game looks to be a port of the XBOX version, and this is especially evident with the color palette and player graphics. This is disappointing considering how the Wii has shown us that Nintendo themselves can really show off the visuals the Wii is capable of for its own first party titles, however everyone but Nintendo seems to be content to send last gen ports over to the Wii. This has been an ongoing problem with Wii sports gamers and MLB 2K8 does nothing to rectify this issue. I expected more from 2K Sports.
The fact that the Wii version also has no online play is also more than a bit troubling. Again, Nintendo’s first party titles are sporting multiplayer online, yet it is completely absent on MLB 2K8. There’s no way around it- that is kind of a big deal. And that’s what poses a problem for this game. With this title, the sum of the missing parts adds up rather quickly. The extremely dated graphics and the lack of online play will probably turn off all but the most casual Wii players. As you start to dig deeper you also find other questionable omissions, such as no guess pitch location interface, no hot/cold-zone overlays when you buy the Inside Edge Report for opposing players. Hey, if you’ve never played any previous version of MLB 2K, then you might be okay with these issues, but if you have played any previous versions, chances are you are going to really notice the missing pieces. MLB 2K8 is an extremely “skeletal” effort on the part of 2K Sports. Lets hope next year’s Wii version has a bit more flesh on those bones. If the Wii system is your only platform you can play baseball on and online play isn’t a factor to you, you’ll probably be pretty content with MLB 2K8 for Wii. However, you’ll probably find yourself feeling extremely jealous when you check out the 360 and PS3 versions. Casual MLB fans will probably be content, but discerning sports gamers who own a Wii might want to wait until next year and hope for online play and more depth. Score: 5.8 out of 10. Positives: + Solid controls, responsive fielders + New “Wii specific” utilization of the Wii remote for pitching and batting is pretty fun. + Easy title to pick up and play Negatives - No online play in an era when online play is a must-have - Graphics look like a PS2/XBOX port - Missing features abound- such as minor league play in franchise, Inside Edge batter reports, guess pitch location - Lacks depth of 360/PS3 version. - There appears to be no way to update the rosters online. Reviewed by Scott Hemphill
|
