Top Three Console Baseball Games of This Generation - CPRoark's Blog

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Top Three Console Baseball Games of This Generation Stuck

Posted on February 20, 2013 at 05:50 PM.

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It wasn't too long ago that choosing a baseball game each year was a tough decision. MVP, High Heat, All Star, World Series, and even Home Run King brought individual strengths and features to the field.

I'd like to say that this generation replaced quantity with quality, but that's not entirely the case. The MVP series still has an active following on the PC, and if you ask those that only own a 360, I'm sure they'd welcome other options.

Here are my three picks for the best console baseball games for this generation:

3. The Bigs 2

This game does what any good arcade sports game should: reduce the sport to it's most exciting elements without losing the strategy that makes it interesting in the first place.

The Bigs 2 mixes some flair and style into heart-pounding moments without sacrificing tactical elements, such as crafting the perfect line up or knowing when to steal. It goes over the top without going crazy, and the story mode plays out like a lengthy sports movie.

Here's the original review.

2. MLB PowerPros 2008

It's odd seeing a Wii game on this list, but MLB PowerPros 2008 is a great baseball game.True, it doesn't look like one; but if you've ever played it, you'll be rewarded with a simulation-style experience, just wrapped in arcade trappings.

Like the Bigs 2, MLB PowerPros doesn't sacrifice the essence of baseball for the sake of a quick thrill. In fact, quite the opposite: MLB PowerPros is a very slow game, focusing on executing every pitch and making solid contact with every swing. There are some great physics at work here, though you wouldn't know it from the cover.

Our original review.

1. MLB: The Show 12

For some series, like Madden or NCAA, the newest title isn't always the best. However, MLB: The Show has continued to slowly improve each year. Last year's version contained the most refinements and features the series has seen, from Pulse Pitching to Diamond Dynasty to a reworked physics engine.

In fact, if I were writing this list a month from now, I think it would be a safe bet to name MLB: The Show 13 as the best console baseball game of this generation (though we'll see on March 5th).

Last year's Show review.

Comments

# 1 jhendricks316 @ Feb 20

I loved MLB Power Pros, even though I put up ridiculous stats in the career mode.

# 2 jyoung @ Feb 20

I think you could make the argument that baseball was the best sport this generation.

Power Pros
The BIGS
The Show
Pro Yakyuu Spirts
Out of The Park

That's five awesome baseball franchises from four different developers. No other sport this generation had that much diversity or awesomeness.

# 3 inkcil @ Feb 20

I guess Power Pros 08 is being counted because it came out on the Wii, but I would replace it with MLB 10...which introduced classic stadiums, had legends players and did a lot of things right with the broadcast and presentation elements. Oh yeah, gameplay was tight too,

# 4 CPRoark @ Feb 21

Quote:


	List should be: 1. MLB The Show 12 2. MLB The Show 11 3. MLB The Show 09 Nothing against those others but do they really even compare to any of The Show's?

True enough, but I wanted some diversity in my list. Plus, I was thinking in current terms, as in "if you could buy any three baseball games from this generation right now, what would they be?"

I love the Show, but in terms of fun, those other two change things up enough to make them worth a look.

# 5 chi_hawks @ Feb 21

MLB The Show 09 for me. Absolutely loved that game. Solid pitching, the hitting was far more accessible for an "average" guy like me than the last couple games. With that said, 12' was awesome as well, just really difficult to score any runs.

# 6 gigadkc @ Feb 21

no love for PYS? Sad, it's truly the most realistic baseball game.

# 7 CPRoark @ Feb 21

Quote:


	no love for PYS? Sad, it's truly the most realistic baseball game.

That would be #4 on my list. I rank it slightly below, partly because the MLB license adds a lot of appeal for me. Love the way it plays.

# 8 LucianoJJ @ Feb 21

In spite of the obvious language barrier, PYS deserves the number two slot behind MLB: The Show. Muka's Spirits Translation website is a great resource. The gameplay and the chance to discover the way the Japanese play the sport makes PYS worthy. Years ago, the vast majority of the US population was clueless about Euro soccer. Now, it's a part of the mainstream, partially because of FIFA and PES. PYS could have the same effect for the NPB, in the gaming community.

# 9 speels @ Feb 21

While I agree that PYS is great, I can understand why it is not on the list. Who, other than diehard baseball fans, would want to have a website open while they play the game just to understand what everything means. If PYS came out with an English version, I don't know if I would have any other games than that and the Show!!

# 10 buckeyedawgtribe @ Feb 21

what about 2K baseball 13..It still has a chance to be the best baseball game of all time. Have you seen all the material they released on this game so far. It must be a secret because it is going to incredible...Just kidding