2K Responding to MLB 2K8 Framerate Issues

MLB 2K8 Screen

Looks like 2K has heard the cries of the pissed off baseball fans out there. Does this seem like deju-vu to anyone else? It seems like each of the past 3 years, 2K has had to backtrack on their MLB game for a major issue right after release. Speaking to 1up, a spokesperson from 2K had this to say:

“It has come our attention that there are a few technical issues within Major League Baseball 2K8 that may effect gameplay enjoyment for some players. 2K Sports is currently working on several downloadable updates that will correct these issues for both the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 console versions. Specifically, the Xbox 360 update will alleviate reported concerns with the framerate to greatly improve the in-game playability, while a patch for both the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 will correct an error in Franchise mode when playing as the San Diego Padres and attempting to move players to and from their minor league rosters. These updates are currently undergoing technical review, and will be available to download shortly, free of charge.”

Wait, so they’re only fixing the framerate issues on the Xbox 360? I guess PS3 owners are getting screwed here. From what I understand, the framerate is pretty bad on both versions of the game. Either way, I’m sticking to playing MLB 08 The Show. Maybe next year, 2K. Maybe next year.

2K Sports Bringing MLB 2K8 to the DS

MLB 2K8 Screen

The DS is left out on a lot with console ports of sports games. 2K Sports is looking to rectify that with Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars for the Nintendo DS.

Adding to the addictive gameplay experience, players will also have the ability to obtain special “power ups” to complete incredible batting, pitching, and fielding performances. Players can force their opponents to chase after the “chicken ball” that runs away from fielders once it’s on the ground, or confuse them with a “crazy ball” that takes an unpredictable flight path. Pitchers can throw amazing new pitches such as a “super splitter” that splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter or a “fireball” that screams over the plate at rocket speeds while engulfed in flames. Fielders can join in the power up fun with the “brick wall” that causes a wall to instantly rise out of the ground to stop the ball in its tracks or the “super jump” that allows them to jump incredibly high toward the ball in flight.

The game sounds like a mix between the full MLB 2K8 and The Bigs. Could work really well on the handheld. It’s set to ship in April, so charge up your DS batteries from playing too much Professor Layton.

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Top Spin 3 Lineup Announced

Boris Becker Top Spin 3

2K sent over a press release with the full star-packed lineup for Top Spin 3. From the previous titles, this is one of the best tennis franchises I’ve played. The gameplay has always been extremely solid.

Some of the big names you’ll be able to play in the game include Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal (on PS3 only), Mark Philippoussis, and Maria Sharapova. If classic players are your thing, strap on as Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, or Monica Seles.

There will be over 40 venues in the game when it’s released this Spring. If you enjoy tennis, I’m gonna peg this as a must buy already.

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MLB 2K8 Dontrelle Willis Interviews

MLB 2K8 is coming out in two weeks with a brand new pitching interface. From the looks of things, the game is going to give MLB 08 The Show a serious run for its money. From our hands out experiences and all footage we’ve seen, the games look neck and neck right now.

Check out this three part interview with one of the best young pitchers in the game, Dontrelle Willis.

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

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Don King Presents: Prizefighter Coming to 360, Wii and DS

Don King Picture

Everyone’s favorite crazy haired boxing promoter is getting his own video game thanks to 2K Sports. The game, Don King Presents: Prizefighter, is coming to the Xbox 360, Wii, and DS in Spring 2008. No PS3 love?

“The combination of real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics will set this title apart from the competition,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “Our goal has always been to deliver the most engaging and realistic titles, and Don King Presents: Prizefighter will exceed these expectations. Based on the game’s innovative features and high-profile fighters, this title will be a ‘must have’ for any sports gamer.”

It’s going to be a real task to overtake the infamous Fight Night Round 3, which many consider to be the best boxing game ever. I guess we’ll see what happens in the Spring when this is released.

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NHL 2K8 Soundtrack Announced

nhl2k8.jpg

With this year’s hockey season underway, and their video game counterparts hitting stores shelves, 2K Sports has announced the soundtrack to accompany NHL 2K8. Each song was chosen to “reflect the spirit of the sport and the enthusiasm of its fans”.

“For the NHL 2K8 soundtrack, we wanted music that resonates with today’s hockey gamer whose tastes draw from both the mainstream and underground scenes,” said Tim Rosa, Director of Brand and Lifestyle Marketing for 2K Sports. “The high quality and energy level of the music delivers the full experience our fans have come to expect from a 2K Sports game.”

I’m liking the Korn track they put in here. Hit the jump for the full track list and press release.

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NBA 2K8 Screens and Video

NBA 2K8 Screen

We got word today from 2K Sports about their new Media Player which showcases some pretty screenshots and a gameplay trailer for NBA 2K8. The game is set to drop October 2nd in the US for most major consoles.

The game looks more polished than last year’s title with more details in the uniforms and smoother animations. Word on the street is the game runs at a blazing 60fps on all platforms. I think the coolest feature of the game is in the inclusion of the Slam Dunk Contest as a playable mode.

Hit the jump to check out the Media Player. Sorry we can’t embed it for you on the homepage… it makes things go a bit haywire around here.

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2K Sports Announces More Gameplay Features for NHL® 2K8

nhl2k8.jpg2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced more standard-setting features for NHL® 2K8. Superstar Moves, which highlight the well known moves of NHL greats, and the all-new goaltending features, go hand-in-hand to make this latest edition of NHL 2K, the top rated NHL video game series*, one of the most exciting hockey gaming experiences to date.

“Complementing our new ProStick™ feature, which gives users precision stick control, Superstar Moves bring an added layer of depth to the gameplay in NHL 2K8 by allowing gamers to execute some of the most legendary moves performed by actual NHL players,” said Graeme Bayless, President of Kush Games, a 2K Sports studio.

Captured with the help of NHL legend Igor Larionov, Superstar Moves add a new dimension of skill and excitement to breakaways and shootouts by giving users the ability to perform 12 unique combo-based moves. This feature is true to life – not every player is capable of performing each move. With success hinging on your player’s skill level, lighting the lamp with a Superstar Move becomes a rewarding experience balanced with authenticity.

Rounding out the wide array of gameplay features, NHL 2K8 showcases completely revamped goalies. Under the guidance of star NHL goalie Marty Turco, the all-new goaltending includes significant enhancements to goalie logic and decision making. Goalies will now realistically come out and challenge, guard the posts, and perform spectacular butterfly saves. Bolstered by hundreds of new animations, these improvements make goaltenders in NHL 2K8 the most realistic yet.

NHL 2K8 will be available in September 2007 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems.

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com.

All Pro Football 2K8 Demo Available for Xbox 360

All Pro Football 2K8 Image

In case you’re on the fence about picking up All Pro Football 2K8 because it doesn’t have an NFL license, you now have a demo to play around with and see if you want to drop your cold hard cash on this game.

The demo is out on the Xbox Live Marketplace and weighs in at 681.90 MB, so prepare to wait a bit once you start your download.

There’s also a Nascar 08 demo available for the 360, so if you prefer making left turns for 3 hours instead of fast paced football action, feel free to download that demo as well.

All-Pro Football 2K8 Gameplay Footage

Here’s some gameplay footage from the Xbox 360 version of the new All-Pro Football 2K8.

I’m really not sold on this game. It looks like a very slightly better looking version of NFL 2K5. Yes, we all loved 2K5 when it came out, but it’s 3 years later. There needs to be some innovation and graphical upgrades here.