Major League Baseball 2K12 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, Xbox 360*, PC, PS2, Wii, DS, PSP
Dev: Visual Concepts
Pub: 2K Sports
Release: March 6, 2012
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

The only genuinely new feature that MLB 2K12 can brag about is the MLB Today Season Mode. This mode allows players to play a major league season at the same pace as their favorite teams. As they progress, players will be able to compare their own stats against those of their real-life counterparts. It's a neat trick, but it will be rendered pretty useless once the 2012 season is over, which, I suppose means that we'll all have to buy next year's copy as well.

Major League Baseball 2K12 Screenshot

Graphically speaking, MLB 2K12 leaves something to be desired. The stadiums are impressive and realistic, but when you take a closer look, the field is rife with torn textures and jagged edges. And, I don't know about you, but I wish that Visual Concepts had dedicated a little more development time the player's faces. I'm not exaggerating when I say that everyone on the field looks like a serial killer.

Just in case you were worried, MLB 2K12 does include the Home Run Derby and the online leagues. However, much like the multiplayer, nothing has really been tweaked for this year's upgrade.

All in all, Major League Baseball 2K12 is a solid title that will give baseball lovers a respectable alternative to Sony's MLB 12: The Show. However, considering how little 2K Sports has changed the title from last year's edition, you'll probably get more bang for your buck if you just check out the bargain bin at your local retailer for a copy of MLB 2K11.

Also, it's worth noting that MLB 2K12 will be the last title ever released on the PlayStation 2. So, it might be worth owning, simply based on its historical value. Then again, since when do gamers care about history?

By
Josh Engen
Contributing Writer

@joshuajwirtanen
Date: March 13, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
Passable, but not impressive.

4.0

Control
Very solid controls. Fans of the series will already be familiar with them.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Great soundtrack. Amazing commentary.

3.5

Play Value
A ton of options, but very few improvements.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

MLB Today Season Mode - For the first time ever, play along with the real-life MLB season as it unfolds. Take charge of your favorite team and see how you stack up against the rest of the league over the course of a six month-long season.

Dynamic Tendency System - Just as in real-life, opposing pitchers and hitters will learn your tendencies from one at-bat to the next, challenging you to mix up your approach on both sides of the plate as each game unfolds.

New Throw Meter - A revamped throwing system presents a classic risk vs. reward situation every time you make a play. Will you queue up throws before fielding the ball to save time, or take a moment to set your feet for better accuracy?

Improved My Player Mode - Want to be the next All-Star slugger or ace starter? All-new player types let you decide your path to the Majors. Goals, expectations, ratings, and progression are all customized by position and player type.

Soundtrack - Tracks handpicked by SPIN magazine, featuring Cool Kids, Skrillex, The Joy Formidable, Grouplove, My Morning Jacket, and more.