PlayStation 3

Major League Baseball 2K7

Sure, there are quirks and hiccups - for example, handling your outfielders is more adventurous than it should be, players can meld into each other on occasion, sometimes it's tough to see the ball when fielding - but randomness coupled with the human condition makes baseball the toughest of all sports to represent well in a video game. MLB 2K7 is a stellar title that'll keep baseball fans happy all season long.

MLB 2K7 is certainly a better game, but most of the new content is of the visual variety. I can’t stress enough how impressive this aspect of the game is. It captures the look, sound, and feel of the game better than anything that you’ve seen before.

With so many options to choose from baseball fans will no doubt find something to love here. While there are a few quirks left over from last year the game is a huge improvement over its predecessor. The visuals, outside of a few frame issues, are absolutely stunning and really add to the overall appeal of the game. If you are in the market for a new baseball game this year you will be hard pressed to find a more robust package. Fantastic online options round out the complete package making this the must own baseball game for the next-generation.

In the end, this game's stunning details should keep you engaged all summer long, and the potential tendon injury from hitting is enticing. The Sixaxis swinging is a good acquisition, but the absence of rumble and the general lack of defensive and pitching innovation keep this from making the All-Star team.

While its debut on the PS3 isn't a bad one, this isn't what you'd expect when the title is supposed to erase the bad taste from the previous year's game. MLB 2K6 was hamstrung by fielding and baserunning issues that hampered play. This year, some of those problems were addressed in MLB 2K7, but others have cropped up to replace them: Odd fielding choices, hesitation steps around bases and tons of slowdown that randomly assaults the game. That's also excluding the un-updated rosters, repetitive dialogue and other issues that crop up. Finally, the SIXAXIS control scheme, while creative, just doesn't get the job done as much as you'd hope it would. 2K7 is still fun, but a number of its issues hamper the enjoyment of this title.

MLB 2K7 is a good game that shows a lot of improvement over its predecessor. The presentation is excellent and really stands out when compared to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions of the game. The gameplay is enjoyable, though there's still plenty of room for improvement. Even the 33 achievements in the Xbox 360 version are better than the five from last year, rewarding you for hitting and pitching prowess, online success, and for reaching secret objectives such as hitting for the cycle. If you're trying to decide between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, the PS3's tilt-control swing mechanic isn't enough to make up for a frame rate that often makes the game difficult to play. The 360 version is the way to go thanks to a better--but not great--frame rate.

The game does a good job of cleaning up the mistakes from last year’s version and provides an overall much cleaner baseball game. Unfortunately, the buggy SIXAXIS support and some technical flaws open up a whole new can of worms.

Visually it's disappointing, as the field detail and the framerate are the worst offenders. Lastly, the commentary is just barely acceptable, but may get repetitive sooner than you think. Go out and give MLB 2K7 a rental and see if you like what you're playing. If not, then wait for Sony to release MLB 07: The Show in April, or pick up the PS2 version now.

Major League Baseball 2K7 has plenty of different modes to explore, from your franchise, season mode, and GM options to a variety of different home run derbies. The old standbys are here as well, like unlockable games of darts, shuffleboard, and a simplistic baseball trivia game. The best reason to pick up this game isn't in the extra content that it delivers over 2K6, which was itself a feature-rich game, but instead in that your money will be well-spent on what is a much better-looking and better-playing version of baseball than we had last year. While it's up to you to determine what your favorite baseball game will be this year, it's a safe bet to say that you'll have a good time playing this one. If you own a PS3 and an Xbox 360, then go ahead and opt for the 360 version. It has better online support, sharper visuals and richer colors. But if you only own a PlayStation 3, rest assured that you'll enjoy this version anyways.

All in all, Major League Baseball 2K7 is a pretty good baseball game with a few noticeable flaws. It hasn't quite caught up to its 2K Sports brothers, but it is definitely a step in the right direction. Lovers of America's favorite pastime may enjoy picking up this title, but for others, it may be a hit or miss situation.