MLB 2K13
By Marc Saltzman,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Mediocre baseball game resembles last year's title.
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MLB 2K13
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What’s It About?
Similar to last year's version, MLB 2K13 is a baseball game designed to drop you in the excitement of Major League Baseball. All the teams, players, and stadiums have been digitally recreated for added authenticity. This new game offers a number of modes, including the fun My Player (customize your player and work your way up to the big leagues), along with Season mode, Franchise (build a dynasty), Postseason play, and a Home Run Derby challenge. For many of these modes, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gamers can play against the game's artificial intelligence (A.I.), beside a friend or sibling, or online against other human players (though online leagues have been removed).
Is It Any Good?
2K Sports’ game not only looks and play just like Major League Baseball 2K12 –- with the exception of updated rosters and refreshed uniforms –- but it also inherits the same issues that plagued last year’s game. Some of the problems that take away from the game include lackluster visuals and awkward animations, and a few random technical bugs that can mar the overall experience. In all fairness, MLB 2K13 still delivers a gripping pitcher-batter dynamic that bests MLB 13: The Show. From the pre-pitch decisions to the bat swing, players will enjoy this dance regardless of the side they’re on. The analog pitching and hitting controls remain unchanged from last year. And you’ve got access to tons of stats and other info to help you decide how to throw or hit the ball for maximum impact.
Delivering virtually the same game as last year -- which you can now buy for under $10 -- is a disappointment, to say the least. It’s too bad this is the only option for Xbox 360 owners as Sony’s MLB 13: The Show is a superior title. 2K Sports’ latest isn’t terrible, mind you, but those who bought last year’s mediocre game will no doubt experience deja vu shortly after booting it up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the making of annual sports games. MLB 2K13 is virtually unchanged from last year. Do players want something fresh or simply an updated roster, schedules, and uniforms? Should owners of last year's game have the ability to download new rosters, schedules and uniforms for free?
Families can also talk about whether playing a sports game makes you want to go out and actually play the game yourself.
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Subjects: Language & Reading: following directions, reading, using supporting evidence, Math: estimation, money, statistics, Hobbies: sports
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, applying information, prediction, Self-Direction: work to achieve goals
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: 2K Sports
- Release date: March 5, 2013
- Genre: Sports
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Great Boy Role Models
- ESRB rating: E for N/A
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
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