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Not worth the hype

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: March 09, 2008
Author: Amazon User

After all the hype and the wait, I was disappointed with MLB 2K8. I own all the previous MLB 2K's for XBox and have loved them. 2K8 strikes out BIG time. Hitting is very glitchy and the check swing feature is a joke. Even when you try to check swing, the Umps call it a swing. Then it does a check swing when you really wanted to swing. Since it's the Wii and graphics are not the best, it's hard to pick up the pitch out of the pitchers hand. Get ready to strike out a bunch. After about 20 games you start to see release point and get the hang of it, but you will strike out at least 8 times a game.

Running is beyond awful. Drumming your arms to go faster works, but you can only control the lead runner. Switching to the back runner is difficult and can sometimes cause your lead runner to become stranded 1/2 way between a base.

Fielding is not so bad. Turning a double play is very hard due to slow reaction times of the fielders. Even when playing with the hated Yankees, Jeter and Cano couldn't turn a double play on a hard hit 2 hopper. Trying to jump to catch a line drive/homerun will usually cause you to dive into a wall (4 injuries in 3 games).

Pitching is horribly unrealistic. Using the control stick to choose a pitch and the aiming at the screen to choose a spot is ok. But the wind up and pitch is awful. You have to flick upwards to start wind up and then down to release when the bullseye is green. 80% of the time your pitch will not go where you want it to and the hitter will probably crush it. DO NOT THROW WHERE YOUR CATCHER SETS UP!! Even though you have all the players scouting reports, don't listen to them. I followed them pitch for pitch for 7 innings and noticed that if you miss even by a fraction, the hitter is going to knock it out of the park. You're better off choosing your own pitch selection.

Overall, I'd give it a D. I'd rent it before buying it.

Bigs is Better

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: March 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Last year I purchased the Bigs and was very impressed with the game. While it did not have a season mode, the game was thoroughly enjoyable and addictive. I purchased 2K8, who also made the Bigs, and could not have been more disappointed. While the announcers,Jon miller and Joe Morgan, blew me away with their detail and accuracy of what they said,the overall play was far inferior than The Bigs. The facial features on the players were blank. When you batted there was not enough room between the pitcher and batter. Also the rosters were not up to date when the game was released. Santana was still on the Twins and not The Mets. I'd wait another year and get 2k9 so they can improve the game. For now if you want a great game and don't care about the rosters get The Bigs.

MLB 2K8...Swing...and a miss

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 22 / 24
Date: March 07, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Wow...this game could have been absolutely fantastic for the Wii. However, there are some MAJOR components missing or severely lacking with this game.

1) The graphics are Playstation 2 quality...and that's being nice. I understand the Wii isn't a graphics powerhouse like the 360 or PS3, but after playing Super Mario Galaxy and seeing screenshots of Super Smash Brothers, it's obvious that the 2K team on this project dropped the ball.

2) Hitting is insanely difficult. I have played seven exhibition games now and am having a rather difficult time with it.

3) No online multiplayer. I don't get that decision.

4) No minor leagues. I've checked and can't find it...although the box has the official minor league sticker on the case. Not really a big deal in my opinion.

There are some good points to the game...

1) The commentators are insanely good. Actually the best in any sports game that I have played.

2) The pitching controls are really good. You choose a type of pitch, then point your remote to where you want the ball to go, then flick your wrist to begin the pitch...a bullseye will appear with red, yellow, and green areas. You want to get it in the green area. You use a throwing motion to lock in that bullseye location.

3) Defense motion is very realistic. I've had my shortstop dive at a ground ball and then make the throw to first from his knees. I've had several double play balls that are just crazy realistic.

If you can get over the pathetic graphics and lack of online play, then my guess is that you would really enjoy this game. I have a feeling that I will improve on the hitting over time...so I can't dog that too much. If the graphics were better I would have given this four stars. Add the online play, and I would give it five stars.

Quality Baseball for the Wii

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: March 21, 2008
Author: Amazon User

After the monstrous disappointment of purchasing last years' version of this game, I am very surprised that I went ahead and bought this. However, it appears as though this is the only in-depth, realistic baseball game available for the Wii. Luckily, at least game play wise, this version is WAY better. The graphics look worse than EA Sports MVP '05(the best baseball game in the last 5 years), but...that isn't a huge deal for me.

My main gripes would have to be: (1) There doesn't seem to be a way to hide the pitch cursor. This makes hitting in a 2-player game with a friend a little easier than it should be, (2) The running game is very tough to get used to, mainly when there are multiple runners on base. Pretty much every time I should be getting a double when there is a runner on, the guy who hit the ball slides into 1st base and can't get up in time to move over to 2nd, (3) Compared to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions, this game seems way stripped down; mainly the lack of online play/online roster updates. This was no surprise to me though.

The main positive would probably have to be that 2KSports really upped the quality compared to the '07 version. That game was a complete joke. The graphics aren't really improved, but the game play has. The fielding was my biggest gripe with the '07 version, and while it hasn't been perfected, it is miles ahead of last year. The hitting and pitching are both pretty enjoyable as well. I was impressed with how well it transitioned to Wii controls. Just don't expect to have the energy to play 3 games in a row. 9 innings worth of pitching and hitting can make for some sore arms.

All in all, if you own a Wii and can't live without a comprehensive baseball game you should buy this. Otherwise...you might want to steer clear of MLB 2K8.

Left in the dark...

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 2
Date: March 24, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This is complicated. I had a hard time just navigating through the menus the first time.
The manual offers nothing except what buttons to push while you play.
I'd like to know how to use tokens and unlock stuff...It could take years to get access to everything! I only have 1 year to play this before the next one comes out! I can see myself playing a full season because the game is fun and realistic. I think I'll get tired of the commentary. I hope they don't repeat themselves each game.

The game is loaded w/ stats which I love. It saves everything to your profile.
The HR derby was disappointing. The pitches come in rapid fire. You throw your arm out trying to swing..and sometimes there's a delay on your swing and then all of a sudden it starts swinging for you.
Nothing special happens when you win..I like the Wii sports one better.

The game just locked up on me..I don't know why..but i coudln't even reset the wii. I had to unplug it from the wall!
Overall, it's the best baseball game out there for the Wii so why not buy it if you can't wait for another one.

Three steps away from great

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: May 06, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Okay, if you're reading this review after having read a whole bunch from a lot of sites, including Amazon, you are probably as confused as I was before I picked this game up a couple of weeks ago. Well, I will try to be as up-front as I can about this game and hope that my comments help you decide to buy it.

I titled the review "three steps away..." because the game is just that: GOOD, but not quite at "great" yet. The basics:

Batting: This is only difficult if you can't get the hang of Wii Sports. It's all about timing. Hitting in a specific direction has never been easier, and I love the ease of bunting and hitting fly balls. (A)

Pitching: I actually really enjoy the pitching. It is also timing based, but the fact that this sports game uses the Wii-mote effectively is a big plus. I also like the realistic movement on MOST pitches. There are a couple that move too much for a low-caliber pitcher, but nonetheless, pitching is solid. (A-)

Fielding: The fielding controls are a little sensitive, but not unreasonable. I found myself diving when I didn't want to once or twice, but climbing the wall and sprinting when necessary are still pretty easy to accomplish. (B-)

Depth: The lack of complete minors rosters is a bit frustrating. I am a fantasy baseball fan, so I'm seeing a few guys hit the majors right now that aren't in the game. BUT, for the most part, the rosters are okay. Some complain that trades weren't accounted for, but not having Santana on the Mets, while frustrating, isn't earth-shattering.
The game modes are solid, but the lack of minors involvment is tough to have missed. I also enjoy the trading card system, which is NOT in this game. (C)

So, the "three steps" are:
- Graphics: No, this Wii isn't as advanced as 360 and PS3, BUT it should look better than PS2, right?!?
- Depth: I think the lack of minors and trading cards is acceptable for the first year of this game, but I hope it makes it into 2K9 and beyond.
- Fielding: The fielding is a bit choppy and inconsistent at times. This is the only gameplay gripe I've found, and it's not a huge one.

I'd grade MLB 2K8 as a B-. I think the game is good, not great. I think that this first effort is a baseball sim that isn't complete. If they can get the graphics slightly better, add some depth, and tweak the minor gameplay issues, it will be an "A" game.

Just OK

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: June 09, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game a while back (on one of Amazon's Wii deal days) and enjoy the game play, but the graphics are not very good at all. I am not the type of guy who normally rates a game on graphics alone, but the ones on this game are pretty terrible. The controls in this game are also pretty shoty (i.e. check swing only works about 35% of the time, when I try to climb the wall I usually end up diving head first into it, etc). I also hate the fact that when you play 2 player mode the ball cursor is still visible so it makes it very easy to hit the ball and know where the ball is going. The best feature of the game is the commentary (Joe Morgan is excellent). Overall, the game is decent, but not great. I had high hopes for this game but was quite disappointed with it, but am happy I got a good deal on it.

A noble effort - but expected a little more

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: June 25, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I was, as others, very excited for a good baseball game for Wii and I got most of what I asked for along with some disappointment:

- no on-line is the biggest fault (in this day and age?)
- some of the timings are off, infielders seem slow, double play impossible
- the amount of home runs is unrealistic
- hitting takes a long time to master (and don't get rusty or you start from scratch)
- lacking some minor league and other features that XBOX and PS3 get

On the plus side:
- the Wii SIM with the remotes keeps you on your toes the entire game
- I think the pitching is very good - you aim where the ball breaks and then the pitch dives, curves or cuts appropriately. That's like the real thing

I presume next year's will be a bit better and more game makers will explore the Wii capability. If you need a baseball fix, go ahead and buy. If you have enough to keep you busy, you can pass.

Major League Baseball 2K8

Great Fun. Intuitive Controls. There are Minor Leaguers (just not teams)

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 9
Date: March 06, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Here are some Pro's and Con's to this game in case people are looking to buy it:

PROS:

Pitching feels awesome

Hitting is very satisfying especially when you crush a home run. And the fact you can bat left or righty with one hand makes this game playable even on the couch.

Great Animations

Interface is easy to use with the Wiimote

Rosters mostly up to date

In Depth Franchise Mode

AMAZING Commentary: I love Jim and Joe and my GF, also a baseball fan, said she actually thought I was watching a baseball game it sounded so good. Yea they goof up here and there but mostly its very good.

Feels like you are watching a game especially with Pre-Game and Post Game comments which are actually very cool to listen too.

Day/Night, Weather, Rain Delays etc..

Minor League Players are available but only to a certain extent. Don't think you will find some Single A players. However, the Rox's had a good bit of their minor league prospects.

Tracking a pitch out of the pitchers hand is pretty easy. I can see the ball much better then MVP2005 which is awesome BTW.

CONS:

Base running is complicated (I think it'll get easier as I go along). There are more baserunning commands/buttons then anything else.

Fielding seems a little goofy. You have a blue square and if you aren't dead center you tend to miss the ball or lunge for it. Again practice makes perfect.

Graphics are AWFUL. It is the Wii. However, the presentation of the game is very good so it makes up for it. Animation graphics are not awfu,l however, but game play graphics are.

At time the game seems a bit clunky when you try to turn a double play. Just slow on the reflexes. I guess I can probably get better though. Some minor Frame Issues (stuttering).

Sometimes when you swing you check swing accidentally or the other way around. Seems to be a 50/50 thing probably happens 3-4 times a game. probably will reduce with practice. However, I just chalk it up to "realism" or odds of baseball or something. Doesn't ruin much.

No Minor Leagues: I don't care at all about this

No Online Play: This kinda stinks but I think this game took the disc to the limit. Maybe they should have used a double sided disk like Smash Brothers and included Online play. However, with the pitching and hitting degree of accuracy it might be hard.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

All in all this game is lots of fun. I'm a graphics/PC guy with an 8800gtx. I love high performance uber graphical games. I also LOVE baseball. The fact that I think this game is so good without amazing performance / graphics shows how good the motion controls work and how AMAZING the presentation is. Seriously you feel like you are listening to a Live Broadcast. The game's learning curve is relatively quick and easy when it comes to the basics.

I'd recommend this game to any baseball fan on the Wii. Its not MVP 2005 but its very very good in a completely different way.

Since this is WII I'd give it 4 out of 5 , I can see this getting worse grades on non motion based systems.

Homerun

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 09, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I just got this game and yes the hitting is a little hard but you can adjust tje settings to make it easier or even harder so as you get better at it you can decrease the settings to make the game harder. There is AAA teams but nothing lower and you can't play as the AAA team but can promote and demote guys.

The pitching control is great.
The fielding is smooth
The hitting is hard to get the timing down but like I mentioned above you can change that till you get better.

Graphics for the Wii are good. Lot of fun to play and the pitcher shows emotion when they ptich out of a jam and the hitter argue with the ump on close called 3rd strikes.

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