MLB Power Pros (PS2) is the BEST baseball game ever created!
MLB Power Pros.
The mistake I made initially was overlook this game as yet another gimmicky baseball game and never gave it another look. Now, I do enjoy a good baseball game every now and then and have been playing them since the Atari 2600/Atari 7800 times to the now. So, since I was on a sports game shopping spree (see blog) I figure to get a great baseball game (since the last one I had played and do own the STELLAR MVP Baseball 2004) I could have gotten MLB The Show, Major League Baseball 2K whatever, etc.... but, I was looking for something different and one look in the games instruction booklet I found what I was looking for.
-From the instruction booklet: Matchup- compete fiercely in a one game showdown. This mode allows you to enjoy a game with a friend or VS CPU.
All the Major League Baseball teams are here with the actual players
Success- Develop your own original player and try to become a major leaguer. In MY opinion quite possibly the best mode in a baseball game.END- It's almost like the sims meets baseball as you take care of different tasks like training your player, dating, part time jobs, buying new equipment, and basically go from college baseball to pro baseball. The season mode is DEEP! I mean there is nothing you CAN'T do with your team. Propose trades, train your whole team in hitting, running, pitching, shop for equipment to improve the training. You get involved in tournaments I mean the amount of stuff you can do in this game is INSANE
I am currently in the season mode with my favorite baseball team The San Diego Padres and I am enjoying every second. The controls for the game can be set to AUTO or MANUAL depending on how much control you want to have. This game really reminds me of the Super Nintendo classic EXTRA INNINGS. The game has that same anime/cartoon/whimsical look but, it is so appropriate for the game it just fits so well. The graphics, the music, the atmosphere of this game is just so ADDICTIVE. I can't imagine playing any other baseball game. It takes a bit to get used to the hitting. You see a diagram of the bat and the "SWEET SPOT" so as soon as the CPU pitches you'll see where exactly where to hit the ball and you can even choose a normal hit or BIG HIT and that depends on you hitting the R2 button or not. Pitching is simple enough as you have your fastballs, sliders, changeups, (the pitcher will even shake off a sign if he doesn't like the pitch!) and you press X! simple right? the players receive injuries (one of my players fouled a ball off his foot and got hurt but, was still in the game and ready to hit again) controls are not an issue (well, the fielding is a bit trying and it can get frustrating when it takes the ball forever to get to its target base for an out but, set it to auto and it's all good.
Like I said all the teams are here and you can even create your own teams, logos, uniform color for home and away, set a home stadium, and even change the voice of character intros!
In conclusion it is a sad thing that this game is being discontinued. I ran out and got my brand new copy because the game is THAT WONDERFUL. I know that if I had not gotten this game I would have seriously regretted it. It's charming in all the right ways, fun, and just perfect. So, if you don't know own this game by all means rush out and GO get it!!!!! and please Konami/2K Sports: BRING US ANOTHER ONE PLEASE!!!!