MLB Showdown: Yes, they still make PS2 games…
Before I get back into the current-gen versions of MLB 10: The Show and MLB 2K10, let’s not forget the other platforms both games have been released on. One of them is the almighty PS2, which simply refuses to die (though the prospects look poor for it living much further outside of August’s Madden NFL 11 release).
I gave both games a shot on the PS2 and while in my limited play time I can’t quite say which one is more deserving of your money, I was able to form some solid early impressions. Read on for those as well as a hearty offering of gameplay video…
If your a PS2 gamer stuck in world of denial and believe you can still squeeze a current-gen experience out of the old box, well, initially I’d take a longer look at MLB 2K10. Why? Because it still offers the online play you know and love as well as 480p. MLB 10: The Show, developed by Sony no less, doesn’t include either (even though this version of the game used to include both).
The thing about MLB 2K10 is it’s fairly glitch-ridden. While none that I ran into are necessarily game-breaking (yet), they were nevertheless evidence of slapped together code and another example of sports games on last-gen consoles generally getting lowest priority treatment. If you watch my video of MLB 2K10 in action, I’m sure you’ll be able to count a handful of audio/visual glitches for yourself.
One thing about the last-gen 2K10 compared to the current-gen that I noticed is the general ease of scoring and an unbelievable ease of walking. As the Twins (against the Yankees) – as you’ll see in the vid, of course – C. C. Sabathia at one point threw ten straight balls (walking two guys on four pitches). He just doesn’t do that, does he? While usually it can be very hard to draw walks in baseball video games, I’d say this would be a bit exaggerated.
Skipping over to MLB 10: The Show I was happy that the game shares all of the basic mechanics from the solid current-gen game. It’s just as easy to pick up and play if your familiar with the PS3 controls. I really am stuck on the graphics and features – which seem to be lacking in comparison to 2K’s game. Yes, Road to the Show is there and Rivalry Mode gives players a chance to conduct a series of up to 83 games between each other (I can actually see such a set up being fun for two young siblings or a couple college dormmates on the cheap).
If you have any further questions on specific PS2 features, make sure to leave a note in the comments. Watch the comparison videos below of Yankees vs. Twins at Target Field and check out more videos on the channel.
Great site. I dont know man, The show i think is better. Mlb 2K10 is bringing me back to the old all star baseball 2005 days, it feels just like it. The show is much better, the graphics are better and the uniforms look tons better. The stadium looks nice in 2k10 but the crowd id horrific. The shows crowd isnt that good either but not as bad as 2k10.
I got 2k9 last year and I’m getting 2K10 this year. 2K sports continues to put out a first class game on all consoles and thats good for me as I have a Ps2 and Wii only.
Thanks for the input as the product info, reviews,previews,videos and actual screens are getting harder to find on the usual sites. Games look the same just about to me. Last year I bought both and 2k was fun at times but to much of a glitchfest to buy again. Looks like 2k changed the pitching some. The Show looks as good as its going to. The online don’t bug me one bit as last years had some noticeable lag.
I’m still surprised SCEA pulled progressive scan off of The Show, but I imagine they think that most people playing PS2’s aren’t playing on HD TV’s.
Thanks for your input about last year’s titles, I was basically reviewing these titles cold, I haven’t had experience with the PS2 games the last few years – but decided they were worth covering since no one else seems to be looking at them.
I’m still pretty even on these two, it all depends on what you like. I do agree that 2K is a bit glitchy for sure, but I still haven’t run across any gamebreakers. There are some major glitches in Road to the Show mode on MLB 10 for PSP that I’ll be detailing next. Haven’t checked to see if they are on the PS2 version yet.
Yeah I still play both versions of last years games quite a bit actually. I play 2k9 for the GM mode and I play the Show for Franchise and Road to the Show. Bummer they took online out and are closing down online on the Show 09 on the PS2.
Great site you have here by the way. I have been checking it a few times a week for your insights into upcoming sports games.
Nice write-up. It’s hard to find any info at all on the PS2 versions.
Can you answer this one question for me on MLB The Show: Is there adjustable difficulty for BOTH hitting and pitching? In the PS3 version, you can set hitting on one difficulty and pitching on another, based on your skill level. If that’s in the PS2 version, I’m sold.
yes you can change optiions for both