Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this casual baseball game is much easier to play than other baseball simulations on the market. The emphasis is on action, not stats. Kids will see some advertising banners in the simulated baseball parks. The game does have an online mode; Common Sense doesn't recommend online play for anyone under 12.
Families can talk about baseball strategy. How are offense and defense different in baseball than in other sports? This game focuses on the pure essence of baseball, without the bells and whistles and multiple game modes of more sophisticated baseball sims. Which do you like better? Why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
Video game baseball used to be so simple. Swing the bat, throw the ball, tag the runner out. Nowadays, since controllers have multiple buttons and combinations, gameplay has gotten more complicated.
THE BIGS is a return to a simpler time. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions look best, but given the intriguing baseball action experienced in Wii Sports, we were most curious about the Wii version. And, lo and behold, with its motion controls, the Wii makes the game even easier.
The BIGS isn't a hardcore baseball game that crunches stats, physics, and other baseball variables into an realistic simulation. Instead, it plays baseball the old-fashioned video game way: throw, hit, tag, yer outta there!
Pitching on the Wii works much like it does when playing baseball in Wii Sports, in that you push a button and fling the remote forward. Twisting the remote lets the player "break" the pitch, and overshooting the onscreen pitching meter can make the throw go wild.
Batting isn't as satisfying. Players can hold the remote two-handed like a bat, but the game uses the nunchuk for base running, creating an awkward switch. It's better to bat one-handed. But everything else works great.
Games are brisk and fun; expect lots of scoring, the occasional home-run, and even a double play or two.
If you're interested in more sophisticated baseball simulation games, try Major League Baseball 2K7 (also from 2K Sports) and MLB: The Show.
Platform Notes
Nintendo Wii
Wii has motion controls. The batting is a little strange, since you have to switch to the nunchuck to run. Try batting one-handed.
PlayStation 3
PS3 has gorgeous graphics but is more expensive than the Wii.
Xbox 360
Xbox 360 has gorgeous graphics but is more expensive than the Wii.
Reviewed: 08/03/2007
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CommercialismBaseball teams, logos, sponsored stadiums. |
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Educational ValueEmphasizes and-eye coordination, baseball knowledge, strategy, and skills. |
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