MLB Superstars Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Deep Fried Entertainment	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: Nov. 10, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

That said, there is a multiplayer mode that allows up to four people to compete in these games head-to-head. This doesn't change the fact that the game is really bad, but playing against friends is certainly more fun than playing against the computer. Still, it's important to realize that a crappy game is still a crappy game, even when played with friends. Plus, it's most likely that you and your friends will quickly grow bored and play something more engaging.

MLB Superstars screenshot

There are also some control problems encountered throughout the game, which makes playing an already-bad game even more annoying. For example, during mini-games when you're supposed to throw a ball toward a target, it's difficult to gauge how hard you need to move the remote in order to get the power you want. These throws are also often inaccurate due to no fault of your own, and the game seems to be inconsistent in terms of how hard you need to thrust the remote to throw the ball. That is, it can be hard to get precise with your throws; because it sometimes seems that a similar throw on your part results in noticeably different onscreen results.

The graphics and sound are also quite poor. Visually, the game takes on a cartoony look, apparently to appeal to the young children and their parents who are obviously the targeted customers of this game. The cel-shaded look isn't even done very well, and the animation is bad. Plus, the environments and backgrounds are very bland and boring. The game's music is just as bad, with lots of really repetitive tunes and low-quality music.

All of these problems add up to a game that, frankly, feels like it was never really meant to be played. The developers have simply thrown together a handful of boring, mini-games onto a game disc and called it a game. I never ever thought I'd say this about a game, but MLB Superstars really feels like an abuse of the MLB license. And if that's not an insult, I don't know what is. Nobody should play this game. It's not even suitable to the younger crowd it's intended for; MLB Superstars is one of the worst games I've ever played on the Wii.

By Joseph Catalanotto
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.3

Graphics
The cel-shaded visuals are poorly done and unimpressive, and the lack of visual variety is frustrating.

2.0

Control
MLB Superstars makes very unoriginal use of the Wii Remote, and many of the motion controls are not accurate or consistent.

2.3

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Dull, boring, and repetitive, low-quality tunes make up the entirety of the game's music.

1.0

Play Value
Six mini-games and no replay value means you'll likely be spending about ten minutes playing MLB Superstars.

1.4

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

Game Features:

Choose from a variety of mini-games.

Baseball's wacky versions of original games.

Fun for all ages.

Screen Resolution: Up to 480p (Progressive Scan).