Holding a semi-exclusive license for Major League Baseball and boasting a number of new innovations, you’d expect 2K Sports' MLB 2K6 to be a grand slam, but an unpolished fielding engine and a bland presentation limit this year’s entry to an infield double.
The strength of the game is its simulation engine - the depth of management options is simply staggering. You are responsible for everything from roster selection to keeping your players happy. On the field, you can even argue a call; just don’t get ejected.
One of the most important new features is the Inside Edge scouting system. Purchase reports on every player in the game, then use that data to reveal a batter’s weakness when on the mound and prepare you for likely pitches in the batting box. It’s a brilliant way to convey a massive amount of information to a casual player while at the same time adding another level of depth for the sim junkies.
Analog batting makes its debut this year. Pull back on the right analog stick and then release for a standard swing, or push forward on the follow through to channel the Babe and hit it out of the park. The standard button system is still here for those that prefer it.
Things start to get rough out on the field due to the new, sluggishphysics system.In the past you could easily correct for an overshot fly ball, but here even Barry Bonds turns like a Buick.
