Along with some of the new features, 2K11 has many similar aspects to its predecessor that keeps the franchise in good stead for gamers. The many modes are still available, including the quick mode of Play Ball, Franchise, and Home Run Derby. All of these modes are consistently with what one has expected in versions past.
The My Player mode continues to give users an entertaining chance to start a new ballplayer at the Double-A level and move up the ranks through gameplay and at bat goals. Given the length of a baseball season it can be a bit tedious to play every game for just a few segments of active play, but to each their own. As in 2K10, perhaps it is best to play as a pitcher to accelerate the season a little more quickly than as an every day batter.
The controls, as usual, are widely varied depending on the situation. Batting is simple in design with a typical choice of a regular swing versus a power swing. However, it is the timing of connecting with pitches that will prove to be the most challenging for gamers. A general tip is that if the ball looks like it is just about over the plate it is still too early to swing. Otherwise, one will find oneself ahead of too many 90+ mph fastballs.
Pitching, on the other hand, is much more complicated in its demands for a perfect pitch. One has to first select a pitch by following a particular stick maneuver. After this is accomplished as best as possible, one is then asked to time the strength of their pitch with a sort of expanding polygon. During these pitch setups, the user is asked to keep the baseball cursor in the correct section of the catcher’s mitt to make sure that the pitch is spotted accurately. Needless to say, a new player of the game will likely be lit up for repeatedly before getting pitching down effectively.
Article comments
1 - Charles D.
2K is really working hard to be a major name in sports gaming. Nice review.