Major League Baseball 2k11 is no better (if not worse) than others in the series

User Rating: 4 | Major League Baseball 2K11 X360
I've been a 2k Sports guy since the first titles were released. They have released many great sports games, however baseball has never really been one of them. Whenever a baseball game is released, 2k has always had to revamp the gameplay, modes, and graphics completely to generate interest. However for 2k11, no real changes were made. I mean, come on, 2k only highlighted "new player models" and "realistic plays." That was about all they promoted, and about all that changed... slightly. Honestly, I don't notice any difference in player models or a huge increase in batter stances and pitch deliveries. I've noticed that rather than expanding, they reuse the same styles for multiple players. I mean come on, Nomar Garciaparra's glove strap tinkering, foot movements and stance are pretty unique. Why does the Giant's Aubrey Huff have the exact gesture with no alterations whatsoever?

The Career Mode in this game is also a total let down. I almost feel as 2k didn't even touched this mode. Only differences I noticed was: 1. Annoying base-running slow down is fixed 2. Throw meter is actually important 3. Not every ball is hit directly at you and 4. The 2k guy's voice changed. Batting is definitely much harder. Seems like regardless of whether you do a Power Swing or Contact Swing the hit will almost always be a hit. Resulting in a much longer Minor League Career. Customization of your player is also very limited. No extra features were added, no additional names for the announcer; I think I could probably get more customization out of an old Nintendo game than this. All in all, career mode is basically the same as before.

Other modes are also pretty much unchanged. Nothing too exciting here.

As far as gameplay, well its very similar as well. One thing I noticed for sure, even in the demo, was the actual occurrence of errors. Unfortunately however, they occur far too often on routine plays. I became frustrated after having balls routine throws from short to 1st lead to an error, perfect throws on the meter and all. If the ball wasn't overthrown, the first baseman was just not on the bag when he caught the ball. Hitting is more difficult, which can be either good or bad depending on the player, and pitching is unchanged. The same pitching system returns, which I think is the best part of the 2k series. The game also tends to lag badly at times during foul outs and pop flies. If you don't care for it, more power to you, but just remember, lags never happened in last years game and this is supposed to be an improvement. Lags and glitches also plague online play the same as last year. You will continue to pull out your hair trying to make contact with fastballs down the center of the plate.

As far as presentation, nothing has really changed here either. I think over the last two games the graphics have been getting worse. New player models or not, graphics on both PS3 and Xbox 360 still look very cartoonish compared to its competition The Show. Stadiums have been copied to this game and left untouched as well. Even the sponsorships "like Pepsi and auto makers" seem to be gone in online play (which really shouldn't be a surprise). The game soundtrack is better, in that songs aren't badly edited or altered for no reason. Nothing too exciting here as well.

Now I rated this game a 4.0 just because it is a baseball game and is playable. However, I think 2k totally dropped the ball on this game. I know many have been hoping every year that 2k will finally get a baseball game right, but unfortunately it hasn't at all. This game seems to have taken a step backwards in its "improvements" and I feel poor sales will again plague 2k. I mean, as a precaution, I rented the game rather than wasting my money on another 2k disappointment as I have every year. Even then, I was ready to return the game way before the due date because it was such a let down. It's also because of this disappointment I will be finally jumping ship (as difficult as it may be) to The Show. I don't even own my own PS3, but after years of 2k letting me down in the baseball sector, I am going to purchase a new system just to play a great baseball game. (Of course the real thing is always the best)

If you like 2k10, I recommended not waisting your time with this game. They are pretty much the same thing. If you are an avid baseball fan and a 360 is all you possess, by all means play the game. It is totally playable and can pass the time. However, for the PS3 owners out there, The Show will definitely be the route to go for a great baseball sim and I shall look forward to playing you all soon online.