Major League Baseball 2K9: Fantasy All-Stars Review for Nintendo DS

Major League Baseball 2K9: Fantasy All-Stars box art

System: DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Deep Fried Ent. / 2K Sports	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: 2K Games	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 3, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

On the presentation front, Fantasy All-Stars uses its MLB license somewhat sparingly. Sure, all the teams and players are represented via roster lists and numbers, but the jerseys are devoid of detail, players' likenesses are so poorly rendered that only skin tone is recognizable, and official stadiums have been dropped in favor of fantasy environments. While placing the games in alternate settings is understandable considering the theme of the title, the half-hearted, cel-shaded look is decidedly poor.

Major League Baseball 2K9: Fantasy All-Stars screenshot

Moreover, player animations, especially when approaching the batter's box, are painfully repetitive - you'll see the same break-dance and giddy-up bat move over and over. While ambient sound effects, including pitched balls, the crack of a bat, bells tolling, and homerun celebrations are competent, there is no off the wall commentary or uppity music to keep the game aurally stimulating - just the occasional organ refrain and stoic "You're out!" from the umpire.

After all, Major League Baseball 2K9: Fantasy All-Stars is an unpolished sports title attempting to cash-in on the widespread success of the DS and the game of baseball. Even though this title was obviously intended for a younger audience, there is no reason for anyone of any age demographic to pick it up. This game tries to emulate the wacky fun of Mario Super Sluggers, only with the MLB license rather than the characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. Disappointingly, that ho-hum Nintendo title seems like a Big Leaguer compared to this bush-league offering.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.2

Graphics
The cel-shaded look is subpar due to a major lack of detail whilst rendering environments, players, and jerseys. The dearth of animation variety is poor.

1.9

Control
While I applaud the idea at making innovative tactile controls, the execution makes the game far less enjoyable than it would have been with standard controls.

2.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
This title is nearly devoid of sounds. What's there is passable.

1.5

Play Value
With just one substantial game mode, poor controls, and tacked-on unlockables, you'll get bored with this game in less than an hour.

1.8

Overall Rating - Avoid
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Takes advantage of a unique set of touch screen controls.

Play with your favorite MLB teams complete with full player rosters.

Chase after one of four fantasy pennants with customizable team rosters.

Filled with a bunch of wacky unlockables.