Hands-On With MLB 2K9

By Andrew

This morning, I had a chance to get some hands-on time with the latest from 2K Sports: Major League Baseball 2K9. And I have to say, I’m impressed. Like NBA 2K9, the game is a visual powerhouse, with graphics so realistic, out of the corner of your eye, you’d think you were watching a live game. Add in amped-up sound effects, real-time crowd noise a new broadcast team made up of pros Gary Thorne and Steve Phillips, and the illusion’s complete.

On top of the visual and atmospheric improvements, MLB 2K9‘s controls have been streamlined from 2k8‘s sometimes difficult pitching and batting controls with their new two-step “Precise Pitching” system and simplified “Swing Stick” batting controls.

So instead of three motions to pitch, there’s only two: aiming and throwing. And batting is easy; just point to where you want the ball to go (now including grounders, fly and foul balls), swing to hit, and you’re (hopefully) off and running.

They made fielding easier by adding a throw meter, which allows you to judge how hard to toss the ball, and by allowing you to direct your throws to a cut-off man when throwing from deep in the outfield. And improved base-stealing functionality makes advancing a cinch.

Additionally, they’ve juiced-up Franchise Mode functions with things like organic player develop, so if your main man is sucking in real life, his stats will go down in the game (provided you go online). And increased CPU customization allows you an even greater level of control.

So if you’re a baseball fan, I’d definitely pick this one up – it’s sure to hold you over until the end of spring training.

MLB 2K9 hits stores March 3rd and is available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC, PSP and Wii.