Major League Baseball 2K9 Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

System: X360,PS3, PC, PSP, Wii, PS2	Review Rating Legend
Dev: 2K Shanghai/Visual Concepts	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: Mar. 3, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

Those familiar with the classic face-button pitching may actually prefer this game to its next-gen version as well. Without incorporating the right analog pitch controls, which for some reason still lack accuracy in 2009, the face-button pitching of the PS2 version allows you to select your pitch of choice with either the Circle, Square, X, or Triangle button, depending on the pitcher.

Major League Baseball 2K9 screenshot

Those who have played an MLB 2K game in recent years will pretty much know the drill, and those who felt that analog pitching mechanisms have ruined the series may actually see this PS2 version as a pleasant alternative.

Of course, the batting scheme continues to utilize the Right Analog as the virtual bat for the player to swing back and flick forward to mimic the motions. It feels pretty much unchanged from last year, for better or for worse. It is equally as difficult to control where you are aiming your ball upon making contact, and it pretty much comes down to perfect timing to successfully nail a pitch. Where it goes from there is up to the game gods.

While MLB 2K9 for the PS2 does not offer any solid, new features to those who own last year’s edition, it is in some ways better than the PS3 or 360 version when comparing price to playability. What this PS2 version of Major League Baseball 2K9 does do is offer little reason for serious baseball gamers who do not already own a PS3 or 360 to upgrade their console. All the entries in the Major League Baseball 2K series are going to have to significantly step up their game next year if they want to win back their audience.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
Seemingly unchanged from last year, graphics aren’t without their faults and continued framerate problems can occur, though not as noticeable as on next-gen 2K9 offerings.

3.2

Control
Face-button pitching tends to be more accurate than the next-gen alternative, and those who enjoyed last year’s control scheme will feel at home. Batting controls are also equally inaccurate as previous years.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
New commentating duo of Gary Thorne and Steve Phillips is a breath of fresh air to the series. There’s also an updated soundtrack and continued excellent stadium ambience.

3.3

Play Value
With almost no new features to speak of, there is little reason to do away with 2K8 and replace it with 2K9, other than the fact that it is, on its own, an enjoyable baseball game with new rosters.

3.1

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

Game Features:

Control up to four different franchises simultaneously. Achieve goals set by franchise owners, simulate seasons and attempt to bring home a World Series Championship.

Think you’ve got what it takes to play ball against the rest of the world? Go head-to-head against the best players on the planet.

Gary Thorne provides the play by play calls alongside color analyst Steve Phillips, giving more depth and realism for a true-to-life conversational broadcast. With improved sound effects, including real time crowd noise, you’ll feel like you’re actually sitting in the park.

New 2K Beats featuring Judas Priest, Cheap Trick, Coheed & Cambria, Ted Nugent, SR-71, The Romantics, Boys Like Girls, and Europe.