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MLB Power Pros 2008 Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

MLB Power Pros 2008 Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Out at Home

MLB Power Pros has a huge following in Japan and already it’s developed a reputation for itself in North America. Underneath the hilariously cute graphics is hidden one of the deepest, most addictive baseball sims on the market. The series has finally come to the DS and while it doesn’t quite live up to its PS2 and Wii counterparts, it’s still a pretty good game of portable baseball.

MLB Power Pros 2008 screenshot

MLB Power Pros is well-known for two things: its unique visual style and the deep gameplay coupled with overwhelming amounts of options. In terms of the graphics, MLB Power Pros 2008 for the DS certainly lives up to any expectations from fans of the series. The game plays out in pretty 3D visuals and the bobble-head-style appendage-less versions of MLB stars are well-done. That said, while the game is technically impressive, I feel that it’s lost a bit of the wacky artistic style that was so present in the first set of North American Power Pros games.

It’s in the gameplay area that the DS version of Power Pros 2008 doesn’t hold up quite as well. There are still plenty of different play modes, ranging from a practice mode, playoffs, and a couple of thoughtful multiplayer modes. The practice mode definitely does a good job of easing new players into the game, but in many ways you might feel that it’s not all that necessary; the game is not that difficult and not particularly complex.

MLB Power Pros 2008 screenshot

The reason for this is that, in many ways, the DS version of MLB Power Pros 2008 feels like a stripped down version of a game that’s famous for being chocked-full of options and stat-tracking. There’s still a team edit-mode and a couple of none-too-impressive extras, but there’s also a lot that’s missing. If you played the first Power Pros on the PS2 or Wii, you’ll certainly notice it (though people new to the series will likely just be happy that there’s a relatively good baseball game on the DS at last).

For example, the popular and utterly-time-consuming “career” mode (MLB Life) is missing, as is the stat-tracking and incredibly deep character customization options that come along with that mode. I suppose that it’s a lot to expect from the first DS offering, but the DS version of Power Pros ’08 even lacks a season mode, which definitely should have been included.

MLB Power Pros 2008 screenshot

As a result, MLB Power Pros 2008 on the DS is a considerably different experience than one that you’d have on the PS2 or Wii. Whereas the console version of the game is something that you could almost play indefinitely, there is much less potential for hundreds of hours of play with the DS version. The lack of a career mode is a disappointment, but an even bigger let-down is the lack of a basic season mode. The multiplayer options are certainly nice and it’s great to have download play, but it still doesn’t make up for the lack of a rather short single-player experience.

MLB Power Pros 2008 screenshot

Yes, the options are a bit lacking. But what’s still very much in place is the solid, tried-and-true Power Pros gameplay. Base-running and fielding are well-done, as are batting and pitching. The game uses a cursor system to direct pitches and swings, and it’s not new to people who’ve played baseball games in the past. But considering all the crappy baseball games on the DS, it’s nice to have a play system that actually works.

The sound is another little nit-pick I have with this game, particularly with regards to the announcer. The commentary is dull, bland, and boring, especially compared to that of the last set of North American Power Pros games. Music is severely lacking in this game and in many ways you get the feeling that this is another of the aspects of the game that was dumbed-down for an American release.

Despite all the little problems that are present in MLB Power Pros, it’s still a pretty fun game. The batting and pitching are a lot of fun, and fielding and base running are finally done in such a way that you don’t feel you’re being treated like an idiot (I’m sick of baseball games with auto-fielding options that can’t be turned off). The baseball mechanics are all there, and they’re all well-implemented on the DS. That, at least, gives baseball fans something to love in the new Power Pros.

While it’s not perfect and it’s not an ideal handheld realization of the Power Pros franchise, this game does do many things right. If you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll likely be a bit turned off and you’re better off playing the PS2 or Wii version of Power Pros 2008. But if you’re looking for a solid baseball game with an emphasis on mechanics rather than options, you’ll likely enjoy the DS version of this game. There’s certainly room for improvement, but it’s a good first step and bodes well for handheld Power Pros games to come.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 3.5 Graphics
Nicely-done 3D, but some of the crazy artistic style has been lost in the process. 4.1 Control
Solid, button-implementing baseball controls. Batting, pitching, running, and fielding are all well-done. 2.70 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The game lacks any good music and the commentary is disappointing. 2.8

Play Value
Season and career modes are conspicuously lacking, and decent multiplayer does little to make up for it.

3.3 Overall Rating – Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • The original “Power Pros” visual style, featuring cartoon versions of MLB players, recreates your favorite stars in a uniquely humorous manner.
  • Easy pick-up-and-play pitching and batting mechanics create a fun experience for both novices and gamers.
  • Take your best shot at several fun game modes, including Matchup, Playoffs, and Home Run Challenge.
  • Compete against friends using Wireless Play, and only one cartridge is needed for download play!

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