(#8) / MLB 2K10 / by Nintendo / (Video Game)

Opening

Bibliographic Information:

MLB 2K10 / by Nintendo

ASIN: B002VB0XCQ / OCLC Number: 732328103

Format: Nintendo Wii

Release date: 2010 / $17.15 (Amazon)

Body of Content

Summary: This baseball game contains all the expectations of a baseball video game.  The gamer primarily plays as the batter (when on offense) and the pitcher (when on defense) – controlling base runners and fielders when appropriate.  From the dugout, the gamer also controls lineup and bullpen decisions.  Gamers can play as any official Major League Baseball team, within any stadium, and have access to all professional ballplayers – though the extent of minor league players is limited.  Franchise and season modes represent the core of the game; but gamers can also play a homerun derby or tournament mode.  The game includes announcers – and a decent amount of interesting camera angles when showing replays.  There are four levels of difficulty – the harder levels, in particular, make it difficult to outpitch and outsmart the computer opponents.  Given that the game is a Wii game, the Wii controller is part of the gameplay.  Swinging and moving it, the gamer uses it for batting swings and pitching throws (though not for defensive throws).     

Critique: Personally, the most enjoyable portion of the game is the drafting process – when starting a franchise mode.  A team starts with an empty bench – and over 30 rounds – the gamer drafts his team – one player at a time.  Because this is a franchise mode selection, the players (if you decide to re-sign them when their contracts expire) have the possibility of staying on your team for the entirety of their careers.  Particularly for the first five rounds, a gamer’s decisions form the core of their team for the next 10 seasons of baseball.  

Personally, I know that there is a dirge of talent (historically) at four key positions – in the order of hardest to secure offense-minded players – shortstop, second base, catcher, and centerfield.  Personally, I have performed these types of drafts a few times – and I try to vie for these positions – finding players who are younger.  In one draft, I selected Chase Utley (2B), Jose Reyes (SS), Brian McCann (C), and Mark Reynolds (3B) with my first four picks.  In another draft, with several players not available at my spot(s) in the draft, I drafted Troy Tulowitski (SS), Kevin Youkilis (3B), (Victor Martinez (C), and Dan Uggla (2B). 

Given the free-agent market at the conclusion of each season, over the next three to five seasons, I proceeded, then, to sign better outfielders and starting pitchers – to make my team more competitive.  In summary, if a gamer knows the players in the draft, and knows the depth of each position, and what trends occur over seasons regarding the availability of players, then the gamer should have the capacity for a success draft.

One of the shortcuts – which is not necessarily a cheat code – but still feels like one – is when the gamer knows this bit of information: the team salary is determined by the total salary of all players.  So, if you draft high salary contracts in the franchise mode, then your team salary after season one treats that amount as the budgeted amount available for each successive season.  Thus, if a gamer drafts expensive players in rounds 20-30 – to fill out their roster – with the intent of waiving them after one season – then the gamer has secured a large amount of money to sign pricey (and competent) players in the free-agent market.  For that reason, I drafted players at the end of their careers in the last couple of rounds – players like Jason Giambi (1B) and Bobby Crosby (SS) – who fetch millions of dollars.  At the conclusion of the season, when their contracts expired, I used the free money to pursue better players like Albert Pujois (1B).  

Teaser: You’ve started a franchise mode game – and with the first overall fantasy draft pick – which player will you select?  

Information about the Author: (See entry #7 – for information regarding Nintendo)

Supplemental Material

Genre: Sports / Baseball / Multiplayer   

Curriculum Ties: Mathematics – statistical analysis, sabermetrics, percentages

Booktalking Ideas: 1) You’re an AL team who made it to the World Series – but which of your star players do you bench without the DH rule when you play in a NL park? 2) It’s only a video game, but if sabermetrics tells us that a 70% success rate is needed for a positive impact – would you still attempt to steal bases often?

Reading Level: Sports games in general have a wide demographic – though mostly among males.  This game is easily playable for grade 5 and up.  With so few baseball games to select from – particularly on the Wii console – high school boys would still turn to such a title.  Interest level for this game could easily fall between ages 10-30.

Challenge Issues and Defense: With the E-rating, it would prove difficult to challenge.  The players do not even chew tobacco in this game.

Personal Reasons for Inclusion: I played Little League once upon a time – and I am avid fan of a more hardcore, analytic simulation game called Nostalgia Baseball.

Last Thoughts

References: n/a

Listening to (Music):

Artist – Skillet / Album – “Comatose”