Major League Baseball 2K7

"The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Baseball Games"

I think the title sums MLB 2K7 up perfectly. At times while playing, you'll think to yourself, "Wow, this game is awesome." Then the game pulls something stupid out of it's hat and now you're thinking, "Wow, this game sucks." Fortunately it is more hit than miss here.

Presentation: 2K Sports has always done well in this facet of their games, especially when they had the ESPN license. They once again deliver with as close to a real game broadcast as I've seen. While the game initially loads they'll give outside shots of the stadium and such. Also during the game they'll give hit charts and graphics showing 3 hit days or such. Another neat feature is that in between innings they offer a highlight from the previous half inning, whether it is a home run or a nice defensive play.

9/10

Graphics: The player models in the game for the most part are very well done. 2K paid attention to small little details that just make the game seem more realistic. Everything flows pretty well, but a lot of things from previous years are seen (namely the player of the game being the same animation). My main gripe in the graphics department is the cut scenes of the crowd which are poorly animated.

8.5/10

Gameplay: The main part of any game. As I said it can be pretty hit or miss at times. Hitting can be performed two different ways. One is the swingstick which uses the right thumbstick. Just pull back to take a step and then either let go for a contact swing or push up to swing for the fences. To bunt, you'll push down and up on the thumbstick. The problem here, at least in my experience, is that if you're going for a power swing you may accidentally press down and bunt at the ball instead. This happens to me frequently. The other swing option is the classic option of pressing A for contact or B for power.
Pitching in the game is pretty much the same as last year, with a few tweaks though. It is very well done.
Fielding has it's downfalls also. The main problem is the computer doesn't always give you the best option for who to field the ball, so a routine play isn't always made. The computer will also make numerous home run stealing catches, but this can be changed by turning down the AI outfielder speed.

7/10

Lasting Appeal: The GM Mode is pretty much the exact same as it has been for the past few games. They did revamp the menus involved though and it flows rather well. Online play also will provide many hours of gameplay.

8/10

Final Thoughts: The game has it's flaws which can drag it down a bit, but otherwise is good. Should 2K fix the problems, MLB 2K8 should be a stellar game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/22/07