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MLB Power Pros Review for the Nintendo Wii

MLB Power Pros Review for the Nintendo Wii

It’s the Return of Big-Headed Baseball!

Like in the US, Japan has several sports series that it holds close to its heart. One of those series is the Jikky? Powerful Pro Yaky? series of baseball games. It’s no exaggeration when I tell you that this franchise is like the Madden of Japan. They go flippin’ crazy for it. And their madness is truly understandable. Jikky? Powerful Pro Yaky? sports pick-up-and-play controls and a very unique visual style that includes extremely large heads. American fans of the series have long called it “big-headed baseball.” And once you see a screenshot or two, you’ll know why.

MLB Power Pros screenshot

Importers long dreamed of a way to bring this classic franchise stateside, but figured it would be nearly impossible considering that one of the hallmark facets of the Jikky? Powerful Pro Yaky? franchise was that it featured real Japanese ball players. Which worked great over there, but not so much over here. But finally, the folks at 2K have brought this remarkable franchise to our shores! And it’s good!

The very first thing that must be discussed about MLB Power Pros is the gameplay style. Fans of the original series will be very happy to know that the controls and basic concept of the game are still firmly intact. In fact, with the Wii version you can even control the game using the GameCube or Classic controllers. But never fear, the Wii-mote and Nunchuck controls are very tight as well, and don’t really use motion sensing in the regular gameplay. So if you’re a newbie to the Power Pros series, you may prefer the Wii-mote and Nunchuck combo. But if you crave that retro feeling, the classic/GameCube control setting will probably appeal to you the most.

Once you decide on how you’re going to control, you have some serious decisions to make because there are quite a few modes to play in. First up, there’s the practice mode, which essentially teaches you the basics of the game. You can also develop certain skills on different modes, and get a feel for the game. Then you can go on to Exhibition mode, where you can play a generic match with up to two players. But there are three fairly crucial gameplay modes that will have you coming back to this game again and again.

MLB Power Pros screenshot

The first mode, and my personal favorite, is Success mode. And the most appealing thing about this mode is how little it focuses on baseball. You may have a somewhat confused expression on your face, but hear me out on this one. You start the game as a first-year college student with a tremendous passion for baseball. But before you become a starter for the team, you’ll have to go through the motions like every other college student. That means making friends, getting a part time job, studying, and getting those precious hours of baseball practice in. And you only have a certain amount of stamina to use every day. And while you’re trying to get in as many hours of practice in, there’s always some issue that comes up, like a looming exam or a decided lack of money. And during your first year, you won’t even play one game. But you’ll be forming relationships with other members on the team, making money, and even attracting members of the opposite sex! And if you’ve spent enough time on your baseball practice (and not going on dates), you’ll play in your first game during your second year. And then it’s up to you to show not only your teammates but also talent scouts that you’ve got what it takes!

The real beauty of success mode lies in its ability to create one of the only realistic college sports experiences out there. Sure other games include drafts and other factors, but what other series has you time managing for part-time jobs and dates? This is what the average college athlete goes through, and while there might not be an exclusive focus on the actual sport of college baseball, it really captures the total experience of making it to the pros from college with life included. This mode is really what made the franchise so popular way-back-when on the Super Famicom, and it’s no wonder that it still holds up quite well, even today.

MLB Power Pros screenshot

The second mode that will really get some playtime will be the Season mode. As you might expect, this is the main sports mode where you go through different matchups to build your team into the number one ranked team in the league. All of the Japanese baseball teams have been replaced with American teams, and the list of players includes the current roster of MLB players. It was really surprising how intricately the individual players were incorporated into the game. At a glance, you’re able to see different players’ actual stats, and can name starters and put other members of the team on the bench. And of course, the cute little avatars look just like the players they represent, minus the mouths and fingers, of course. But don’t let the cuteness fool you; even though it doesn’t look serious, the season mode carries all the deep experiences that you would expect from any other licensed MLB game.

MLB Power Pros screenshot

The final mode that will definitely keep you playing MLB Power Pros is the Wii-exclusive Wii Mode. It plays the same as the exhibition mode, just implements a new control scheme and lets you incorporate your Miis. As you might expect, this mode has you using the Wii-mote to pitch and swing your bat, very much like in the baseball mode of WiiSports. The only real difference here is the controls (which work only a little differently) and, of course, the overall look of the game.

Visually, this game doesn’t offer too much in the way of eye candy, but its graphics serve their purpose, and that’s all you can really ask. Players, no matter how tough they may be in real life, look very cute with their giant heads with no mouths. One really interesting thing about the look of the game is the detail of the different baseball fields. I have actually been fortunate enough to visit both RFK Stadium and Camden Yards, and both of these fields were represented extremely well in the game with an acute attention to detail.

Sound in this game is alright in small doses. Some of the tunes, especially in Success mode are pretty catchy, but can get a little unnerving when you hear them over and over. I’m guessing the developers didn’t take into account people that play for hours at a time, which is no real crime, but you’ve been warned all the same. And you have a similar situation with the baseball announcers. If you’re just sitting down for a game or two, they’re not bad. But if you’re in for the long haul, you may want to turn the volume down because their repeated phrasing wears on the ears fast.

MLB Power Pros screenshot

MLB Power Pros is a great game. From the ultra-engrossing success mode to the unexpectedly deep season mode, there’s a lot to love about this game. I’m very proud of 2K for localizing this game and finally bringing this Japanese hit stateside. Sure, it was a risk, but I think it paid off in the form of a unique and memorable sports title. If you give this one a chance, I’m almost certain you will enjoy it.

Features:

  • An original “Power Pros” visual style in which cartoon-like version of MLB players are brought to life with player-specific facial details and expressions.
  • Stunning MLB ballparks are brought to life with famous landmarks, bringing authenticity to every game.
  • Amazing animations with incredible double plays, diving catches, and even home-run-robbing wall catches.
  • Easy pick-up-and-play mechanics in both pitching and batting, allowing both novices and gamers a game of instant fun.

  • Rating out of 5 Rating Description

    3.5

    Graphics
    Fairly decent, but nothing particularly great here, although drawings are super-cute in success mode.

    4.3

    Control
    Absolutely great. Several different ways to control, and all feel pretty good.

    3.5

    Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
    Music is pretty catchy, but is easily annoying if you play for a long time. Same deal with announcers– okay at first, but they get super-repetitive.

    4.3

    Play Value
    There’s so many different ways to play, you’ll be coming back to this one without even realizing it.

    4.5

    Overall Rating Must Buy
    Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.
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