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MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars Review for the Nintendo DS (NDS)

Throw’em the Splitter, Literally

Summer of last year 2K Sports released one of the more inventive baseball titles in recent memory. By combining lightning fast gameplay with surprisingly deep mechanics, The BIGS had all the right ingredients for success. Now, one year removed, 2K has taken a similar approach to its baseball offering for the Nintendo DS. Similar to The BIGS, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars is an arcade-style title where off-the-wall wackiness is sure to come into play. Unlike The BIGS, All-Stars lacks any of the depth or staying power to create a truly memorable experience.

MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars screenshot

Cut and dry All-Stars is a game directed more towards kids. There is no real strategy or skill involved; it is baseball at its simplest. You use the stylus to throw pitches, swing the bat, direct baserunners, and throw to varying bases. If not for the need to control your fielders, this game could be played with one hand. Complex it is not, but then again it is not supposed to be. The simplicity of it is part of its overall charm; unfortunately, it is also what makes this a less then stellar game of bat and ball. Players will not find much to do here as there are only exhibition games and the all important Fantasy Pennant. Pennant is a tournament of sorts, where gamers choose a famous manager (why?), followed by their team of choice. From here, you battle your way through an NCAA like bracket to become the champion. Bing, bang, boom, and you are done. Rinse and repeat if you wish, but there is not much else to it. Additionally, players are given the option to create a team or enjoy some light hearted training to up their skills. For those multi-player savvy kids out there, Wi-Fi is available as well as DS wireless gameplay.

Once you get out on the diamond, you may forget about the limited options momentarily because you will be too busy testing out each of the unique power-ups. Although they are limited, they do add a little bit to the overall experience. With power-ups for pitching, fielding, and hitting, players will need to discover where and when such tools should be used to their advantage. Striking out a hitter by literally splitting a ball in half can be the difference between a win and a loss. Throwing a laser to home from center can swing the momentum in your favor; just as hitting a ball that hops around like a chicken can bust you out of a slump when your bats are cold. Sadly, the explanation of their potential delivers more than they actually do during play. Players randomly get power-ups with no rhyme or reason as to why. Also, they appear so frequently that they truly do not factor much into the overall outcome of games.

MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars screenshot

Now, on to more pressing issues, the graphics plain and simple are not very good. They are drab, dreary, and so poorly lit it is hard to see where the ball is going once it is in play. With the lack of light, the grainy textures can really wreak havoc on your eyes. The cartoony look of the players is more creepy than cool; players look gangly and strange as opposed to larger than life. Considering the type of game it is, you would expect a more vibrant feel to it. Lighten things up; make it look like it plays. As for the stadiums, they may just be the most puzzling choice of the whole package. Instead of offering up the real stomping grounds of all your favorite teams, All-Stars has a small selection of strange and oddly designed diamonds to play on. Sure, this may be aimed at kids, but come on, a barnyard?

MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars screenshot

Speaking of that barnyard. The music in this game is less than stellar, and in stages such as the aforementioned home of Old McDonald, appropriately themed music will play. In that stage, for example, there is sort of a bluegrass tune playing. All these background tracks play on loop, and yes, they are annoying. The only real variance is that the music will speed up if runners are on base. As for the sound effects, there is not a lot to talk about. Whether a runner is out or safe will be pronounced, and you can faintly here a muffled crack of the bat or the thud of a ball smacking onto a fielder’s glove.

MLB 2K8: Fantasy All-Stars screenshot

As we touched on a little bit above, All-Stars is controlled almost entirely with the stylus. Doodling different paths towards the batters box will execute a variety of pitches, and slicing upwards will swing the bat. Overall, it is smooth with the main trouble spot coming in pitch variation. Too often you will draw out a change-up only to throw yet another curveball. The designs look different enough, but apparently not enough for the DS to recognize specific commands. Additionally, the sketch for the knuckleball is absolutely ludicrous. The simple control set-up works effectively, so frustrations should be kept low, although there is always room for improvement.

Unfortunately, MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars needs a bit of tightening up in one too many places to be a long-term travel time solution for all you baseball fans out there. The foundation is in place to build a quality title, and certainly the prospect of next year’s offering is bright. Still, for those seeking a good way to take baseball on the road, this is not quite it. A definite pass for the older crowd, but kids will undoubtedly get a kick out it for a short time. Taken as a whole, All-Stars lack of options and depth in gameplay will leave many desiring much more.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 2.7 Graphics
Strange design choices with oddly shaped players and poorly drafted stadiums. 3.6 Control
Smooth stylus controls, too often though it confuses what type of pitch you are trying to throw. 2.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Bland music sets the tone for an ear plugging good time 2.7

Play Value
Solo play leaves much to be desired, but definitely worth a look for those with friends and a lot of travel time

2.6 Overall Rating – Average
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Unique Interactive Experience — All aspects of the game will be controlled on the Nintendo DS touch screen, including batting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning.
  • Exciting Gameplay Modes — Exhibition mode will allow players to quickly choose their favorite teams so they can immediately jump into the intense baseball action, while Fantasy Pennant mode will offer various tournaments to compete in. All-Star Training will assist players in learning the fundamental DS control functions wrapped up in a variety of fun and challenging mini-games.
  • All-Star Lineups — Players can create their own unique baseball teams by choosing from the different starting lineups and putting together their favorite All-Stars.
  • Uniquely Themed Stadiums — Set in extreme environments that portray the diverse North American environment, uniquely themed stadiums are in locations ranging from the Everglades in Florida to the Frozen North, locations that can only be mastered by the best.
  • Multi-player — Supports two-player DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. For added competitiveness, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will utilize DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections so players can go head-to-head in intense worldwide multi-player gaming.

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