Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this baseball simulation is a sanitized version of what you would see at a real ball park -- these players don't chew tobacco, spit, or scratch themselves. The purity and beauty of the sport that's on display here might even encourage a family trip to the ballpark. Kids will see some advertising in the simulated baseball parks. The game has an online mode; Common Sense Media doesn't recommend online play for anyone under 12.
Families can talk about baseball and sports. Why do you think athletes are considered role models? Is it because of how they play the game or how they live their lives? How is baseball different than other sports, and what makes it so popular with families? Families can also discuss how sports is linked with consumerism? Are ads in sports games just part of creating a realistic experience, or are gamemakers attempting to sell things to young players?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrew Bub
Baseball has a long and glorious history in video games. Each year, new games are produced. As long as you have the ball physics down, it's just a matter of rendering real-world players and stadiums and improving the controls and graphics. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K7 is a prime example of this. This 2007 version is better in every way than last year's version -- and on the Xbox 360 and PS3, it's better than gorgeous: It's realistic. Players look -- and even walk to the plate -- just like their real world counterparts!
The PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions play the same as those for the PS3 and Xbox 360; the only real difference is the better graphics on the newer systems. The game offers single play and online multiplayer options, as well as a full franchise mode that puts you in control of baseball as a business.
On offense, the pitching system is fairly intuitive. The catcher makes his suggestion; using the right stick on your controller, you aim at his glove. To simulate stress, things get shaky in crucial situations and it's harder to aim. And, of course, if you're playing with a star pitcher, you're going to have an easier time than with a less talented player.
Defense is a bit more problematic. It's thrilling to complete a defensive play, but the player will sometimes miss the ball inexplicably. This isn't an Error as scored in baseball, but rather a graphical glitch that causes a fielder to run toward a grounder but fail to even reach for it. It doesn't happen too often, but when it does, you might find yourself shutting the game off in frustration.
Another problem, depending on your perspective, is the stats. Real baseball involves a lot more strikes than hits. Video game baseball has traditionally made batting easier to keep the game moving smoothly and make it more fun for gamers who aren't obsessed with baseball stats. Major League Baseball '07 may have put too much emphasis on hitting, but most kids won't even notice.
For more baseball action, try Sony's MLB: The Show 07; or, for a more action-packed title, try The BIGS.
Platform Notes
PlayStation 3
While the game play is the same across the platforms, the graphics on the PlayStation 3 move the game from being gorgeous into being realistic.
Xbox 360
While the game play is the same across the platforms, the graphics on the Xbox 360 move the game from being gorgeous into being realistic.
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Sexual Content |
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Violence |
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Language |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorGood sportsmanship is encouraged overall, and, unlike the big leagues, no scratching or spitting here. |
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CommercialismBaseball teams, logos, sponsored stadiums, and a few ballpark billboards. |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
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Educational ValueTeaches about the game of baseball, as well as the strategy, the skill, the players, and the rivalries. |
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