Tools for this page
Print

Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars

(2008, Video Games - Sports, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    A good start, but this game is still minor league.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    You'll learn to pitch, hit, field, and run bases.
  • Messages:

    You'll be playing coop modes via WiFi.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    You will see real team logos.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars was written by Harold Goldberg

Parents need to know that while this E-rated game can be fun, it can also be frustrating for kids. The fun part comes with the comic book-like graphics and the over-the-top arcade play. The frustration comes with the touchscreen controls which are difficult to master -- especially pitching and fielding.

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 cool the players look as caricatures. Do you think it would be hard to draw someone as a cartoon? What characteristics would you exaggerate if you drew yourself as a cartoon? Did you find the controls in this game frustrating? Why? Why would a game company create a game with so many glitches in the game controls?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars

What’s the Story?

There are some admirable qualities to MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2K8 FANTASY ALL-STARS, a new baseball simulation from 2K Sports. The renderings of baseball superstars are kooky and fun. And the idea of playing a baseball simulation game using the touchscreen for everything from pitching to batting is ambitious.

But it's the way the touchscreen controls are made that's make this a minor league game, not a major league one. Yes, you can play a season. You can play a quick game, too. And you can even play online without a lot of lag time. Yet when it comes to drawing some of the pitches on the touchscreen, the game proves daunting and difficult. A fastball is easy: just draw a straight line. It's curves and screwballs that a nearly impossible to get right. And accuracy in fielding can be even worse. While it's not too hard to learn to throw to first, third, and home, throwing from center field to second base is a nightmare. It just can't be done well most of the time. Close

Is It Any Good?

The highlights of the game is its attention to detail in environments and in arcade-like powerups. You'll play in locations that are based on everything from Halloween to Alcatraz to the Florida Everglades. And powerups include everything from a fiery pitch that no one can hit to a chicken pitch, one that starts running away when a fielder tries to grab it.

While there's some intriguing gameplay within this baseball offering, you should rent before you buy to see if you can handle all the glitches. Your best bet? As they say in sports, "Wait 'til next year." If 2K Sports comes out with a sequel, by then, the errors should be fixed. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 04/14/2008, price $29.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for Everyone)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name