(continued from previous page) ...realistic side of things.

Something we did notice that may become an issue is the collision detection plus the AI of outfielders. It seemed far too often during a fly ball that the two outfielders would haphazardly run into one another to make the catch. This happened with guys like Juan Pierre and Carlos Lee, two guys who are above average OFs and who would definitely know better. We have even witnessed this causing inside the park homeruns on more than one occasion. It wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t result in both fielders getting planted to the ground from it, but it does. Maybe we’re missing it, but a “call for” button would have definitely been a nice addition to combat this flaw.

While on the topic of collision detection, we’d also like to point out that sometimes players do run through one another; though a relatively small issue, it really shouldn’t be happening in this generation of gaming. Other small technical error the game seems to put out involves the fluid motion of the game. Though there is fluidity between the buttons and what happens on the field, the camera takes away from this greatly. When throwing to bases, or going to make a play on the ball, you may see the camera jerk or the gameplay drop in framerate causing this to happen. Baseball should always be a fluid experience and this takes away from the overall spectator experience. It doesn’t so much detract from the gameplay itself, but it certainly doesn’t help the presentation of it. We’ll also let you know that this framerate issue seems to kind of melt into the game and your mind by the fourth or fifth outing to the point where you don’t notice it.

One of the things that 2K Sports is known for is the features and modes their products usually bring to the user. MLB 2K8 is no exception to this trend and does so beautifully. Franchise Mode has everything in it that a user could dream for. It features 90 minor league teams that come with 3 generic stadiums but also 20 authentic stadiums as well. On top of this, there are a handful of named minor league players. You’ll still be able to call-up players, scout opposing teams and upcoming free agents, as well as play your minor league games. The Franchise Mode is nothing new to the studio, so it’s no surprise that they have it so perfected.

You’ll also be given the opportunity to run Manager Only games, as well as the Home Run Derby, though unfortunately, 2K doesn’t really offer anything innovative to the user here that hasn’t already been done. Unlike its counterpart, MLB 08: The Show, MLB 2K8 seems to be playing it safe by only offering standard modes of play.

Something that will capture the attention of the casual gamer is the Trading Card feature. This feature allows you to unlock packs of cards or players individually by completing certain player-specific goals. You’ll then be able to assemble a team based on these cards that you can bring online or keep offline and utilize in real games. On top of this, you’ll be given the opportunity to name the team, pick a logo and stadium to play in, but that’s about it. We were very disappointed that there wasn’t a bit more customization made available for that option. You’ll also be able to trade cards online or sell them back to the game for credits in order to buy new packs.

If you’re planning to bring the game online, you’ll experience the exact same thing you did last year. Not much has changed online outside of the addition of a “Strikes Only” lobby, which will allow users to play in games that only allow strikes to be throwing.

The player models seem to have taken a step back. Most players look nothing like their real-life counterpart and are almost disappointing. On top of this, the opening presentation to each game just doesn’t feel “authentic” or realistic. One of the things that contribute to this the most is the cloth animation. It seems to stay only in the midsection of the players. It ... (continued on next page)