MLB 2K10

Review by Chuck for MLB 2K10
Rating:
I really like this game. I spent the time to tweek 2k9 and finally got it fun but 2k10 is all around much better. Right away I configured the controller buttons and scaled down the video (had to go to 800×600 with x2 antialiasing because I have an older video card, geforce 6800 GTO). I recommend doing these two steps before playing. After that it was game on. The graphics are smoother, pitching is better, load times are faster, and it has not crashed on me yet. The announcers are good, hitting is tough as it should be, and this is just an all around fun game. I know 2k has struggled to produce a great baseball game and has taken a lot of criticism in the past. I am greatfull for their continued efforts and their commitment to produce the game for the PC. My days of mourning the loss of the EA sports MVP series are finally over… This game is fun and tough in all the right areas.

The graphics do not seem quite as detailed as 2k9 but I much prefer the faster load times and smoother game play of 2k10. Even with my lower settings the graphics are very good. There are a few quirks as sometimes players don’t do what they should and seem confused. This is rare, however, and hasn’t taken away from my enjoyment. I play hardball in a 35+ league and see players much more confused than this in real life. Baseball is one of my passions yet I am willing to overlook a few quirks as long as they don’t interfere with my enjoyment of the game. My $29.99 was well spent and I’m glad I went and bought it on openning day. Thank you 2k Sports!

(I have not tried out the network play yet so I can’t comment on that)

Review by Scooby for MLB 2K10
Rating:
I’ll be the first to admit that I suck at MLB 2K10 for the PC. This is my first baseball video game and while it looks great, the learning curve is extremely steep, to the point where it’s not fun.

The pitching and batting mechanics (using a Xbox360 controller with the PC) are interesting, but you have to be so perfect in the timing and execution that it’s a killjoy. While hardcore fans or someone used to the mechanics from a previous MLB 2K not have problems with this, you’re going to feel lost if you’re a newcomer. Like I said, everything’s about timing and execution and the game’s drills are very poor in helping you hone your skills. For example, in a pitching drill, every time you throw the ball (a total of fifteen times or so before you need to re-load the drill) you’re supposed to do a different pitch. How is that going to teach you anything? It should be set up so if you want to throw a fastball, you can try throwing 200 or so fastballs in a row until you get it right.

My other gripe is the fact that a Xbox360 controller doesn’t seem to be 100% compatible with the game. The game mostly works with the Xbox360 controller (mostly, that is; sometimes you can’t advance to the next event like pitching the ball because the “A” button doesn’t register, although you can drop back to the menus where “A” works fine. This is with a wired Xbox360 controller, btw), but “C” and “D” buttons? Why can’t they display “X” and “Y” on the screen? Or have an “Xbox360 mapping setup” config screen where they show a picture of the controller? I’m being nit-picky but you’d think with an Xbox360 controller, controls should be plug-and-play flawless, and they’re not.

I’m hoping MLB 2K10 is like typing, a pain to learn but resulting in great rewards if I stick with it.

Review by John Hogan for MLB 2K10
Rating:
This is one of the worst sport games that I have ever bought. The so-called manual leaves much to be desired. No detailed explanations on how the game is to be played, and after calling support they directed me to the website to get answers when I clicked manual – ah the same one that comes with the game. Little info on how to pitch, and no info on how to get online. When I did find a tab for online you are supposed to put in your CD ID which I tried many times, and got the invalid message. If I couldn’t write a better manual than this I would get out of the business.

Review by M. Choquette for MLB 2K10
Rating:
Update: Forget the PC version of this game if you intend to play using keyboard controls, like we did. This games works with the x-box-style game controller. The Amazon price for this game is a reasonable $20, but add $50 or more if you, like us, did not have a game controller. So…get the game AND a controller. Then prepare to spend time in the game’s tutorials learning how to pitch and hit. Once you are struggle the big learning curve, you will enjoy the game. However (original review for keyboard version of game): Lousy manual, no indication of how to start, no tutorial or instructions within the game menu — at least on any screen/menu we can access. And as a previous reviewer stated, you get easily sucked into a cycle of menus/screens from which there is no escape. Many of the controls and keys that are defined in the hugely inadequate manual (pamphlet?) do not operate. Poor troubleshooting in the pamphlet. Big disappointment. Graphics are much better than those on Backyard Baseball, but at least Backyard Baseball runs easily on Vista and XP. Final Conclusion: Avoid the experiences listed in our original review by getting a good controller. Then … Play ball!