|
Information Updated: 2/23/2007 It’s been well over a year since the launch of the Xbox 360, and a few busy months since the PS3, so expectations are high for this year’s lone Major League Baseball licensed game. MLB 2k7 reaches stores next week, and 2k Sports made the rounds to host one-hour one-on-one demonstrations of the new game (on the PS3). Here’s the quick rundown – it was a busy hour:
- Player faces, bodies and mannerisms are vastly improved over last year’s game. Digital scanning was used for each player for the first time, and the results are impressive. - The animations and presentation are spectacular. All the jerky transitions and goofy movements between the player and the ball seem to be ironed out. The momentum of fielder movement from last year – which actually made it harder to reach the ball – is gone. As mentioned, we only had an hour with the game, but it looked to move beautifully in the short time we had. - The view of base runners has been refined. It’s still similar to a picture-in-a-picture approach, but it’s more subtle. Runners are lightly screened over the pitcher/batter view, but not completely transparent. It’s an elegant solution that’s not as distracting as in the past. - The biggest improvement for franchise fans and stat geeks – by far – is the new menu system. Instead of nested menu options that can be several screens deep, the top navigation bar (like the Windows bar or the OS X dock, but on the top of the screen) leads to drop downs with more options. You can find different choices very quickly and without ever leaving the current screen. For those who spend a lot of time managing franchises, it’s fantastic. And the PS3 version features an optional batting scheme using the Sixaxis controller. By pushing forward with the controller (or swinging it toward the screen), you can swing the bat and go for a line drive or fly ball by swinging level or slightly upward, respectively. Rosters looked pretty up to date for the launch version, with a downloadable update scheduled for a few days after release. Another update is planned for MLB’s opening day and monthly thereafter. In all, the game looks like a winner. It will take much more play time to tell if the issues that made last year’s game a disappointment have indeed been eliminated, but after a quick test MLB’s graphics are stellar and the gameplay as solid as ever.
It's a whole new ballgame! Major League Baseball 2K7 redefines the pure baseball video game experience with true, Next-Gen details, all-new throwing mechanics and a revolutionary presentation system. Featuring stunning, lifelike player models, Signature Style animations, Inside Edge data and more, Major League Baseball 2K7 delivers the most authentic baseball action to date. Features: - Signature Style - Player-specific batting stances, waggles, home run celebrations, step-ins, step-outs, windups and deliveries bring each player to life like never before.
- True Fielding - Fielder positioning, relay and cutoff A.I. has been redesigned to allow for better, more authentic Major League defensive play. Defensive alignments are now based on who is at the plate.
- Dynamic Throwing System - Responsive throwing mechanics coupled with unique animations for infield, outfield and situational throws brings your command of the ball to a new level.
- Inside Edge - Updated for the 2007 season, Inside Edge data is now tied into USER control at the plate. Playing into your pitcher's or hitter's strengths will now reward you with a boost in hitting power.
- Next Generation Player Models - 2K7 player models are brought to life with exquisite accuracy. Now body type, player faces, accessories, uniforms and hats match their real-world counterparts down to the minutest details.
- Franchise Finance - Team news, attendance, ticket prices and fan “buzz” will all play a key role in the success of your franchise. Each of these elements can affect your seasonal profit or deficit, affecting budgets for subsequent seasons.
- Unprecedented Commentary - All-Star duo Jon Miller and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan return to the broadcast booth to deliver the best commentary in the business.
- Hi-Def Baseball – Seamless camera work, new crowd audio and stunning replays keep you in the moment through the duration of a game.
- 2K Sports Online Play – Go head-to-head and compete in leagues and tournaments against the best players on the planet.
- Soundtrack - Nirvana, Sublime, The Stooges, Pixies, 311, Wolfmother, Stone Temple Pilots, The Specials, Tapes ‘n Tapes, DFA 1979, Thermals And more.
|
