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Information Updated: 2/28/2008

Some things are better left unsaid. When MLB 2k8 developer Ben Brinkman said the game was on a three year plan, it gave customers reason to wonder why they were paying $60 for years one and two. MLB 2k7 showed a lot of promise, but it also made it clear Brinkman was accurate and more honest than a lot of others in the business. Sports games are far too complicated to get done in less than a year. So now that 2K Sports' MLB 2k8 is only few days away from release (March 4), Ben was fielding questions from the press over a conference call so we could get some advance details as to how different this game is going to be from 2k7.

We don't have a playable version of the game yet, but Brinkman was very direct in answering questions about 2k7's biggest problems. Some of the basics of baseball weren't clicking in 2k7 - you couldn't score from second on a single and baserunning AI was absent (runners would just run right into a tag), for example. CPU roster management was a mess, with superstar players rotting in the minors or being shuffled up and down the lineup without reason. All of that, we've been told, is in the past.

Also rebuilt is the hit variation and pitching. 2k7 had a pretty predictable number of hits, but now we're looking forward to more popups, varieties of ground balls and even the need for a decent fielder at first base to dig throws out of the dirt. Pitching can be done using the right stick, which he said takes some getting used to, or the old fashioned button presses. Brinkman also said the game will be smoother than ever, with a stated goal of 60 frames per second that was reached most of the time. Roster updates were mentioned for 'near' the ship date, opening day and 'at least' the All-Star break, trade deadline, beginning of postseason and the end of the year.

The new trading card feature was discussed in some depth, and it sounds like an interesting pastime for old school baseball guys who miss the days of bad bubble gum. You'll earn cards for acts on the field and they'll depend upon your difficulty level. With 12-15 cards per team, each with different rarity levels, they expect a lot of us to be trading cards online. You can also use these cards to create a custom team. Each player will be assigned a value and your team total can't go above the salary cap. That might be the most interesting idea to come from this feature, and we're anxious to see how many custom teams end up being used online.

Based on the conference call everything sounds great. The biggest issues from last year, according to 2k, have all been addressed. We'll find out for sure next week.

Features:

• Swing Stick 2.0 - Unparalleled ball-to-bat contact, unlimited variety of hit types and more realistic at bats with deeper Inside Edge integration.
• More Signature Style - New and improved player walk-ups, batting stances, waggles, home run celebrations, step-ins and step-outs bring each player to life in true, 2K Sports fashion.
• Total Pitch Control - A revolutionary right analog stick pitching system where right stick motions and timing determine pitch type, speed and accuracy.
• Precision Throw Control - Unlimited throw types and trajectories using real-world physics and Inside Edge data bring realism and variety to every defensive play on the field.
• All-New Baserunning - Intuitive and simplified baserunning controls featuring overhauled AI now play a key role in offensive strategy.
• Full Minor Leagues - 90 Minor League teams available in both Franchise and Exhibition modes, with over 20 authentic Minor League Stadiums and additional authentic Minor League Stadiums post ship via digital download.
• 2K Cards - Earn them, collect them, share them, and trade them. The most in-depth card trading system ever, taking the MLB 2K community to a new level.
• 2K Sports Online - Now with over 1 MILLION online gamers in the 2K community, go head-to-head against the best players on the planet.
• Best Booth in the Business - 2K Sports proudly brings back the duo Jon Miller and Hall of Famer Joe Morgan to the broadcast booth, delivering the deepest commentary available.