Customer Reviews

MLB Power Pros 2008

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Revised 4-24-2009

After playing all the baseball games on the DS (except for wiffle ball) I have found this to be the best of the lot as a matter of fact one of my fav's of all time.

While the graphics are slightly better then minimal, the gameplay is what really shines here. The gameplay is tough (currently on normal mode), however if you really focus on a game you should be able to win most games, but if you take a mental brake during the game you will get carved up by the ai. You will really need to work every batter

The sound is ok, but the announcer can get on your nerves, so you might want to turn off that feature.

While it is lacking the season mode and stats can only be viewed when a player comes up to bat, I can live with that as I am just happy that the overall experience is excellent.

Closing comment, alot of people have past this one over because of the season mode was not included. I really think you need to look past it and purchase this product to help ensure that the franchise continues and short comings are addressed in future editions, this is the best the DS has out right now for baseball, as a matter of fact this is one of the most enjoyable baseball sims I have played to date, and I go back to the beginning of video games...

This is the closest to a baseball simulator on the DS. The character design may initially turn off baseball fans who want an MLB-style gaming experience, but don't let the cutesy design fool you. The scale of play and rules are simulation level--and better than some baseball games on console for the same year. The only things I would complain about in terms of rules are that there are no balks, no pass balls, no foul-tipped third strikes, and a hit-batsman counts as a walk. However, there are wild pitches, and the score-keeping is frighteningly accurate in assessing which runs count as an earned run, or what counts as a hit or a fielder's choice, etc. The developers did their homework.

The game allows the user to set the AI to different levels, determine which aspect of the game should be manual or automated or semi-automated, customize 6 new teams (although only with existing players), and choose from four stadiums--one is indoor, turf; one is a hitters' park; one a pitcher's park (Wrigley type); and one is a "regular" park, similar to Florida's. Users can decide whether to turn the wind on and off for the three outdoor stadiums, but no other weather elements are factored into gameplay. The view will always be from behind the plate, unless the ball is in play, at which time, the view is a bird's eye view.

The repertoire of pitches match each pitcher in real life. The pitchers do get exhausted and will occasionally lose control of their pitches for seemingly no reason--just like in real life. On the same note, hitting and fielding are not horribly predictable; that is, balls going down the line aren't guaranteed to be fair or foul, unlike in some games, and throws to the plate aren't always guaranteed to line up with the catcher when missing the cut-off man. Hell, fielders don't always catch the balls thrown to them either. This makes for a much more interesting and realistic experience.

The physics of how the ball comes off the bat is pretty realistic. Getting jammed will produce weak pop outs. Swinging at a high pitch will sometimes chop the ball off the plate. Swinging early will pull the ball, if hit squarely; swinging late will take the ball the other way.

The stylus may be used for certain aspects of base-running, but much of the game should be played with the control pad. The game allows for multi-play on one cartridge and even has online play. But good luck finding anyone to play with.

There's a playoff mode, where stats are accumulated throughout the "postseason," but, unfortunately, there is no season mode, which is the biggest shame, as a season mode could have really made the game a must-buy. Unlike the console versions of this game, there is no story mode. However, there are a few mini-games that are intended for helping practice, along with a home run derby mode that's fairly sparse.

I've played probably 3/4 of the DS baseball games that have ever come out--the 1/4 I didn't play I simply could not get myself to touch them after seeing how awful they were--and out of all the DS baseball games, this one is still the best all-around, allowing for quite a bit of strategic play. The AI is fairly smart, especially during base-running. Ironically, it's during base-running that the AI is also sometimes at its worst, as runners rounding second will occasionally try to take third base for no apparent reason.

Ultimately, if you want an MLB simulator for the DS, this is the one to get.

The gameplay is really good. You can pick up the controls quickly and catch on to the gameplay quick, too. Every game is fun to play because of how good the gamplay is.

The main problem I had with the game is the lack of a season mode. There is also no create a player mode. The playoff setup isnt bad, but you have to pick all the teams.

Wish it had a season mode.
Some of the controls a little confusing.
Only has 4 stadiums which is really lame.
Graphics not that hot.