MLB Power Pros 2008 Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

System: PS2, Wii, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Konami	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: 2k Sports	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 28, 2008	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

Besides MLB Life Mode, there are a few other new things as well - though it may not be worth doing away with the old version and replacing it with this one. The 2008 version also includes hot and cold boxes for some batters while playing. Commentating has improved a bit with more variety, though it's almost the same as it was last year. There is a lot more stuff to unlock this time around, which is a definite step up also. The Shop is set up like a virtual concession stand of sorts and is where you can purchase various items, including different uniforms, pitching and batting forms, and extra ballparks. You can unlock baseball cards for every player on every team in the league and view them in the Baseball Cards section, which also features short biographies about each team.

MLB Power Pros 2008 screenshot

And all the modes that made MLB Power Pros so much fun return as well. Success Mode tells the story of your created player as a spirited college student working his way up from Double-A with dreams of making it to the MLB. Though the animations and music feel incredibly dated, the mode is fun and actually pretty in-depth, as it takes you around campus and lets you manage your practice and free time, and money and personality traits, including friend data and likeability amongst female students you've been getting familiar with - you sly dog, you. Season Mode lets you take a team from the Major League or create your own expansion team on a long rise to the top, and League Mode lets you set up a tournament between six teams. Then there's also the very basic Home Run Mode as well as Practice Mode, both of which should help you learn if you're just getting used to Power Pros.

When playing a quick game, you're able to play in any stadium, regardless of which home team you choose. Also, you change other details including the time of day, wind, weather, amount of innings, mercies, and more. Some of the stadiums are actually pretty impressive, especially compared to the simple character designs, though crowd movement looks a tad bit dated - which is passable considering this is a game you probably won't take too seriously anyway.

With all the attempts out there at creating the best baseball simulations, by trying to get pitch and swing mechanics down to a tee with lifelike recreation of the sport on your console, MLB Power Pros 2008 is a breath of fresh air in a genre that sometimes seems to take itself a bit too seriously. While the simplicity may bore some advocates of simulation baseball games, those who like a more lighthearted approach will appreciate what Power Pros brings to the genre. If you're unfamiliar with the series, Power Pros 2008 is the perfect place to start.

By Pete Richards
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
Graphics aren't impressive by any stretch and are obviously suited for the Wii, which may disappoint some PS2 users.

3.9

Control
Extremely simple controls suitable for people of all ages, yet difficulty settings add variety.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music becomes a tad repetitive after hours of gameplay. Commentating has improved since last year.

3.7

Play Value
Good, simple baseball is fun for parties and special occasions, though it becomes a bit repetitive when played solo for extended periods of time.

3.7

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

Game Features:

MLB Power Pros 2008 delivers many unique game modes for all ages and interests, living up to its reputation as one of the deepest sports game franchises ever created.

Introducing MLB Life: Take on the role of your favorite MLB star, or create your own player and work your way up to the Big Leagues.

The original "Power Pros" visual style, featuring cartoon versions of MLB players, recreates your favorite stars with remarkably accurate facial details, batting stances, and pitching motions.

Easy pick-up-and-play pitching and batting mechanics create a fun experience for both novices and gamers.

Numerous gameplay enhancements based on user feedback, including bullpen functionality, full 40-man rosters, pitch speed variation, detailed defensive setups, and pop up help.