MLB Power Pros review

Oct 10, 2007

If baseball is a game of inches, what then is MLB Power Pros, a game of fate, love, loss, friendship, loan sharks and pizza delivery? It's probably the most creative sports game to be released in some time, and a nice addition to any baseball fan's library.

Developed by Konami, Power Pros is the Americanized version of Jikkyou Pawafuru Major League 2, the madly popular Japanese baseball game. As you can see from the oh-so-cute player models that lack legs, Power Pros is targeted toward the kids, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty for the baseball fan that doesn't hold birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese.

First, there's the control, a perfectly-simple setup that's a throwback to classics like Baseball Stars and RBI Baseball. To hit, you simply aim a reticule over the pitch and swing. To pitch, simply aim and throw. Easy, right? It's amazing how such a simple formula continues to work great 20 years later. The important thing is that control is easy, and diving to rob a base hit is just as satisfying as it is in MLB 2K7. Batters can choose between a power swing and contact swing depending on the situation. Pitchers that give up big innings will get rattled and start to see stars, also known as Armando Benitez mode. Pitchers that are tired will huff and puff before the next pitch, like David Wells after 20 sit-ups. The gameplay and atmosphere is perfect for the kids as well as us grown ups that love to play with our favorite pros.