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Major League Baseball 2K8

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Innovative baseball title with choppy action.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    It's a good tool for learning baseball strategies.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Any profanity would be heard online by fellow gamers. None exists within the title itself.
  • Consumerism:

    Quite a few ads are scattered throughout stadiums, including Chevy and Majestic.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Major League Baseball 2K8 was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that this is a straightforward simulation of Major League Baseball. None of the baseball controversies dominating recent headlines are present. The game is playable online, so kids playing online could hear language that might not be appropriate. Common Sense Media recommends that children under the age of 12 not play online without supervision.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how the new game mechanics affect this year's title. Do these make the game too complicated? Is it better to simplify the controls to incorporate less experienced players?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

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More on Major League Baseball 2K8

What’s the Story?

Spring means the start of the baseball season, both real and virtual. MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K8 is the latest iteration of 2K Sports simulation devoted to the national pastime. While filled with innovative elements, choppy animation becomes too large a distraction.

The biggest -- and most welcome -- overhaul is in pitching. Instead of buttons, players utilize the right analog stick. Pitching is a two-step process. You execute one action during the wind-up, then a second move during delivery. It's far more challenging, yet more gratifying once you've mastered your arsenal of pitches. Hitting remains the same. Pull down to step in and push up to swing. The right analog is mapped to the baseball diamond for throws. A quick flick of the stick to the proper base executes your toss. Base-running is similar. Use the right analog to pick a player, then select one of the four face buttons matching the diamond.

Is It Any Good?

Expect many of the standard baseball modes, from franchise to home run derby. If you prefer to avoid the major leagues, you have the choice of 90 minor-league teams at your disposal. Atmosphere is captured effectively through vibrant stadiums and impressively-detailed players. The game's greatest weakness is the lack of smooth action. Plays consistently look choppy. Even a simple throw from the second baseman to first stutters along clumsily. As great as the innovations in MLB 2K8 are, they're difficult to enjoy with such sloppy on-field action.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: 2K Sports
Released on: 03/04/2008, Price: $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    a very fun game.

    this game is a very fun baseball simulation.

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