Showing posts with label sports games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports games. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Major League Baseball 2K11 Review

Major League Baseball 2K11
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Let me start off by saying that I buy only one video game a year on release day and that is my yearly MLB 2K game. I prefer to wait and read reviews. However, I can't wait to unwrap 2K's baseball bad boy and see whats changed. I'm sorry to say that this year's edition is lacking!
First, the graphics are at times awesome. Stadium detail and environmental factors are wonderful. Spring training looks crisp with large rolling clouds and Florida palms. However, player development, appearances, and signatures come off on the lazy side. Batting stances and pitching deliveries look very similar if not identical to last year. As a devoted fan, I'm offended by this! I want more accurate appearances, tweaks, and signatures. I do not want a "new" $60 roster update. Secondly, The camera angles and fluidity of motion in gameplay is patchy. Sometimes it comes off flawless. However, the next time the camera will sometimes jerk and give unnatural pauses. Its almost like the visuals can't catch up to the gameplay. I have since installed this game to my hard drive and it runs a lot better. This may not be an option for you depending on your drive size. I'd give this a poor overall score of 2 out of 5.
The gameplay is solid. I have found the controls that 2K uses feel more natural and balanced compared to games like The Show. I felt last year's game had issues with analog movement and pitch recognition. This year's game seems to recognize this much better. I've found that holding the analog stick in place after delivering your pitch motion seems to help. I also like that the pitching is more accurate with ball to strike ratio. However, the umpires literally give you no corner strikes. The A.I. on the game will seriously test your patience. You can be up 0-2 on a hitter only to watch him pass on 4 straight pitches on the black. If you have a quick temper, you might want to take a few breathers. The A.I. batters will literally single your pitcher to death sometimes. The fielding controls seem to be fluid but highly sensitive. Its very easy to make simple mistakes by not adjusting your position or timing and release. You also have very little time to nail speedy baserunners. The batting remains mostly unchanged from last year and sufficient. Overall, I would rate the gameplay at a 3.5/5.
The intangibles of the game leave me pretty disappointed. My favorite gameplay is franchise mode and little has been done to improve this feature. Forget accurate waiver, F/A signings, or customization. I don't know who comes up with player contract information, but I have found several errors. For instance, Brian McCann starts a franchise in a walk year. In reality, McCann signed a six year contract in 2007 with a team option for a seventh. It would really awesome if somehow option contracts could make there way into the game. However, I would settle on 2k just getting the basics down first! Secondly, I've had several games where I've hit a homerun only to have the computer scale the wall for a catch. This is fine, but it ends up counting as a homerun and an out. Finally, one of the biggest complaints I have is in instant replay. This might just sound picky but the home plate umpire disappears. At first, I thought this was a glitch. However, every instant replay outside of swing analysis lacks the presence of a home plate umpire. Where does he go? 1.5/5.
I'll continue to play MLB 2K11 and hope for some patches to fix the flaws. However, I don't think they can't patch out all of the "lazy" efforts in the game. My numbers average out to 2.3, but I'm rounding up on the hope that 2K improves the game in the next few weeks. In conclusion, I truely believe if The Show was marketed to Xbox, 2K sports would up their efforts!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Major League Baseball 2K11


Major League Baseball 2K11 is multiplayer baseball game for play on the Xbox 360 gaming system that puts you in the jerseys of your favorite Big League players as you take the mound, swing for the fences and play defense at every position like never before. The game features include: an analog pitching and hitting controls, dynamic player ratings, a revamped fielding system, improved play modes, new player models and the $1 Million Perfect Game Challenge.


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Friday, May 11, 2012

NBA 2K10 Review

NBA 2K10
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This review is not about the game, it is about the Tenth Anniversary box set.
Pro's:
- The Box is massive, stands about 2ft tall.
- Packaging is top notch, outer packaging alone makes for a great display piece
- Locker itself is really cool, each locker is individually numbered out of 30,000
- Locker construction is solid, and made really well
- Access to the 2k10 Live Gold Room (haven't accessed it yet so I don't know how cool it is)
- Cool poster from Shepard Fairey's Studio No.1 (made on a high quality stock paper)
Cons:
- The Box is massive so it might be tough for you to display.
- I was disappointed with the Mcfarlane figure, I thought it would be a full size figure (should have read more, "it stands at 6" tall, not the figure is 6" tall)
Overall I was really happy with this purchase. Now that I look back I am not sure if I can justify paying $40 extra for this set. If they would have given you a normal size Mcfarlane figure this would have been well worth it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NBA 2K10

NBA 2K10 is ready to tip off another championship season. NBA 2K9, the #1 selling NBA video game set the standard for all basketball video games, and NBA 2K10 aims to surpass that that by delivering an even better basketball experience this year with all-new gameplay components, out-of-this-world graphics, even more realistic Signature Style animations, all-new presentation elements and an unrivaled online system -- this season you won't just play the NBA, you'll live it.

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Monday, April 23, 2012

Major League Baseball 2K8 Review

Major League Baseball 2K8
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'll admit that I was a bit wary before I purchased MLB 2K8 after witnessing a slew of Chicken Littles running around internet message boards, crying about frame rate and other issues, and watching a herd of self-proclaimed ex-fans of 2K Sports jumping ship to the PS3 and MLB: The Show. Nevertheless, as an avid follower of Major League Baseball and 360-owner I knew I would have to give the game a shot, and on a hunch that many of those shouting, "the sky is falling" were overreacting and/or trolls trying to start trouble, I bought the newest offering from 2K Sports and stuck it in my Xbox. After a bit of playing around I was able to confirm my suspicions. Don't listen to sheep--MLB 2K8 is a solid baseball experience, boasting several innovative gameplay features that outweigh the flaws.
2K8 introduces Precision Control Pitching, a system of pitching that allows players to imitate the movement of each pitch using the right control stick. Pitching is a three-step process: first, the player must choose a pitch by pointing the right control stick in one of five directions; second, the player slides the right control stick around in its axis for a breaking pitch or jolts the right control stick upwards or downwards for a fastball or change-up, respectively; third, the player releases the right control stick at the correct time to throw the pitch. This complicated procedure takes some getting used to and may turn off the more casual gamer, so thankfully 2K8 has included the option to use 2K7's more classic pitching technique. But those who are patient enough to figure out Precision Control will be rewarded with an authentic gaming experience that is also a lot of fun. When your in-game pitcher hangs a meat ball over the plate that is smashed against the centerfield wall, you'll know you legitimately screwed up the procedure instead of feeling as if you got jipped by crappy gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, when your pitcher drops a filthy 12-6 curve that retires the side, you'll have earned it.
Hitting has gone through some refurbishing in 2K8, resulting in the new and improved Swing Stick 2.0. Now, instead of pulling back on the right control stick and releasing to initiate a contact swing, and pushing the right control stick upward to initiate a power swing, the latter method is used for a contact swing; in fact, the power swing has been removed completely in order to reduce the amount of home runs from last year (in 2K7, big flies were more common than singles). Just like the pitching, the Swing Stick 2.0 requires some adjustment, so don't be surprised if you hit a lot of ground ball outs in your first game--timing is key. But after you get the timing down you should be pretty happy with the hitting in 2K8. It still has its issues, such as it being very difficult to discern whether an oncoming pitch is going to be a ball or a strike, but the movement of the right control stick in correlation with the gameplay is very accurate. And players who have trouble with the Swing Stick 2.0 can turn on the regular Swing Stick from 2K7 or "classic batting" (simply press `A' to swing) via the option menu.
The right control stick is also incorporated in fielding (surprise, surprise), as the player must hold the stick in the cardinal direction of a base (right for 1st base, up for 2nd base, etc.) and release to initiate the throw. But this too requires timing, as after the control stick is moved toward the direction of the base, a meter pops up by the fielder with the ball and quickly fills up. The meter will go from red to yellow to red again, and the most accurate throw will come in the yellow area. This makes fielding more fun and rewarding than simple button-mashing.
In terms of graphics, the character models are passable, although the faces for most players are badly-done and don't seem to fit with the rest of the body. Even if the faces are a bit off, the movements and quirks that each player brings to the plate or to the mound are captured brilliantly, helping the on-field action look and feel like a real game. 2K Sports worked hard to represent each stadium to great detail, and the aerial and inside views of the venues before the game are a nice touch.
Perhaps the biggest complaint by 2K8 critics is its choppy frame rate, which seems to affect only those playing on HD TV's. The game will often freeze momentarily and cause difficulties in gameplay. There are plans to release a patch in the near future that will fix this issue, and there are other unofficial methods of handling the problem in the mean time.
Online play is a disappointment for those with slow connections because lag throws off the timing and screws up the gameplay mechanics, so hopefully a patch will be released soon to fix that. The card system is a fun add-on for those looking for more than franchise mode, and it's always exciting to see which cards you earned after playing a game. I haven't toyed with the Player Beats or Stadium Beats yet, but as far as I know it allows the user to give walk-up songs to his in-game players, something that I've always wanted from a baseball game. The song choice for 2K8's menus is a bit odd; a lot of indie rock mixed with some more alternative stuff, but after an hour or two you'll be used to it.
All in all, 2K Sports did an excellent job with its third-party exclusivity this year, even if many critics will disagree. I have yet to play MLB 08: The Show, so I cannot say whether 2K8 is the better baseball game, but I can assure you that if you have the patience to figure out the new pitching, hitting and fielding mechanics and can look past the frame rate issues, you will be rewarded with a genuine baseball experience.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Major League Baseball 2K8

Product InformationIt's 2008 and it's time to hit home runs as 2KG Major League Baseball 2K8 bringsyou your best season ever. Thrilling features have been added to make thisseason more exciting. Are you out or in? Joe Morgan is announcing 2K8! Playball!Team play is more expansive as there are 90 minor-league teams added to thegame including authentic uniforms many authentic minor-league stadiums and afew generic ones as well. 2K8 also features a new baseball-card system in whichyou can earn players' cards by completing certain tasks. You can then sellduplicate cards for credits to buy new card packs which consist of 10 cards andmay include a stadium or special team. But by far the coolest part of the cardsystem is the online card battles. When you have enough player cards to fulfillthe requirements of a full team you can then combine your cards to create ateam and take head-to-head against other gamers' card teams online. An entirelynew and unique pitching interface which is unlike anything that's been donebefore. The main input comes from the right analog stick. The execution involvesmatching a gesture to throw the desired pitch. This enables a lot moregranularity from the input than a digital face-button approach.Revolutionizing your control of the 5 tools in baseball are brand new pitchingfielding and base running controls and completely overhauled batting interface.Featuring a totally unique trading card mode robust Minor League systemall-new Signature Style animations for 2008 and more! 90 Minor League teamsavailable in both Franchise and Exhibition modes Over 1 MILLION online gamers inthe 2K community for head-to-head gamesProduct FeaturesGM Career Mode - Control up to 4 different franchisessimultaneously. Achieve goals set by franchise owners simulateseasons and attempt to bring home a World Series championship.Updated Rosters - Capitalize on the past winter's bi

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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

NBA 2K10 Review

NBA 2K10
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Well I waited awhile to review this game until I got a real feel for it.
I must say it took me about a week to really appreciate the subtle changes that 2k10 has made.
1) The oops off the glass to a team mate or to yourself is a plus... and the Put back Slams are nuts.
2) The ratings of team are no longer high so there is no 1 dominant team, every team can be a threat.
3) Smoother Online play.
4) Improved defense... and the stamina meter makes is so people can't run around all day with KOBE, LEBRON and D WADE all game like in 2k9.
5) Smarter AI this year it actually feels like you're playing a real person... The computer ain't dumb no more they'll make the extra pass to the open man or make you pay for a blown defensive cover.
6) My player mode gives the game more playability no longer just a season or online game and it actually improves your basketball IQ for playing in Crews mode or Team Matches.
7) Being able to use your created player online is also a plus .
8) The dribbling is crazy you can literally break defenders down, make them slip trip and everything else and it looks real not all arcadish.
Cons:
1) GLITCHES... you got a fast break going in for the stuff and your dude takes the slowest 2 steps to the basket in the world... Not all the time but it takes away from the smoothness of the game.
2) There are other delays here in there sometime the Ref and the Person taking the ball out tend to play Catch back in forth for like 30 of 40 seconds.. whats that all about. And there are a few other things that can affect game play here and there.All in all I like this game it just feels more real to me than other B-Ball games. In my opinion it provides for the most realistic NBA experience. The game play is spot on. All though there are Glitches they are not a deal breaker plus 2K is releasing a PATCH for it soon so this game will be the Premiere game it is always been.

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NBA 2K10 is ready to tip off another championship season. NBA 2K9, the #1 selling NBA video game set the standard for all basketball video games, and NBA 2K10 aims to surpass that that by delivering an even better basketball experience this year with all-new gameplay components, out-of-this-world graphics, even more realistic Signature Style animations, all-new presentation elements and an unrivaled online system -- this season you won't just play the NBA, you'll live it.

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 Review

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Okay, first things first. The gameplay in Tiger Woods PGA Tour doesn't change all that much from year to year, and the 2008 edition is no exception. Sure, there are some new features and more golfers to choose from, but the improvements in gameplay itself might not be worth upgrading if you've already got Tiger 2007. Where this game does come through, however, is in the online options. The ability to play a match online is great, and Gamernet, which allows you to post challenges for other people to attempt and beat, is a lot of fun.
THE GOOD:
-If you're a fan of the franchise you'll enjoy the gameplay in Tiger 2008
-The inclusion of more LPGA golfers is a nice development for female players
-Gameface, when/if it works (the site seems to be unstable and many people haven't been able to make it work), allows you to use a picture of yourself to customize your golfer's face!
-online options are great, and the Gamernet challenges should appeal to people seeking producer points for posting difficult challenges, and those who want to earn player points by beating or "busting" those challenges.
THE BAD:
-New features are, for the most part, good, but Tiger Woods '08 is still basically the same game. Some more innovation would be nice.
-Gameface doesn't work very well for a lot of people, and I've found Gamernet to be pretty buggy as well. You can only have 3 clips up at a time, and taking down your old challenges so you can post new ones can be frustrating. EA seems to offer little to no support for anything related to the online portion of the game.
-The game is STILL buggy. EA released an update that fixed a bug preventing the Tiger Challenge from being completed, but the game still freezes up at times and some of the animations don't work. I've played entire rounds where my opponent didn't have a ball--he was just swinging at the ground and launching nothing into the air.
Overall, Tiger Woods 2008 is probably worth picking up if you don't own any of the recent titles. If you're thinking of upgrading from '07, however, you might want to rent this one first and see if the new stuff is really worth the price of a new game. Personally, if it weren't for the online aspect of the game I'd recommend buying '07 and saving the money, but if you like to play online this one might be worthwhile.

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Take on the world in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08. For the first time, every portion of your game is recorded—from your opening drive on the first hole in Play Now mode to your final putt in the FedEx Cup Championship. Post your most amazing—and unthinkable—performances on EA SPORTS GamerNet, a revolutionary interactive gaming hub that hosts user-created content online. Set the bar high by posting your top moments, and take on challenges set by others, to determine the world's greatest golfer once and for all. Whether you're uploading an unbeatable round or the craziest shot, take the world by storm with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 08.

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