MLB 2K8 (PSP)

With 2K8, it's 2K7 all over again. Red Sox fans rejoice!
4/1/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

As far as ways to play, nothing has changed from last year. Sadly, the game didn't get the cool collectable baseball card feature from the other 2K8 releases. Instead of being able to earn, collect and trade player cards, you're left with the VIP Skybox deal from last year that lets you unlock classic teams, vintage uniforms and bonus stadiums with tokens that you accumulate during gameplay. It's cool to be able to take the field in the ugly-as-sin Padres uniform from the '70s, but it was also cool to do it last season. While there are no new gameplay modes, 2K8 remains the only way to play through a multi-season life in a franchise mode. The online game is also solid and it once again lets you take on a buddy ad hoc-style or attempt to go deep on a total stranger in infrastructure mode.

I've checked out just about every version of 2K8 and it's been a mixed bag. The next-gen versions were very bold in what they were attempting and probably only need some fine-tuning before they make analog-stick-only baseball a reality. Next year's games could really kick some ass. I loved the Wii version of the game, despite some occasional pitching glitches. For my money, it's the best take on baseball that's available for that system. The common denominator is that all of the above versions have been new, daring and innovative. All that makes this year's PSP game so disappointing. There are virtually no new tweaks or features to talk about. In fact, if -- mid-game -- you can tell the difference between MLB 2K8 and MLB 2K7, I'll buy you a drink.

That said, if for some reason you're not into The Show and you really dug last year's 2K game and can't wait to play it again this year with updated rosters, then MLB 2K8 is the game for you. To its credit, it's got a solid pitcher-batter interface, the only franchise mode available for the system, and a sticker price 10 bucks lower than that of the competition. If you're looking for the best way to take the field with your PSP, though, you're better off grabbing MLB 08: The Show.

This review was based on a retail copy of MLB 2K8 that was supplied by the publisher.