Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars (whew, that’s a mouthful) shipped today for the Nintendo DS. The game includes starting lineups from all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, a variety of exhibition and tournament modes, All-Star training mini-games and fantasy-themed baseball stadiums.
With the Nintendo DS touch screen, players can control the power and technique of their swings and the speed and accuracy of their pitch. This is done via specific gestures with the stylus. Fielding, baserunning and other controls also use the DS touch screen, as players drag and trace lines to execute these specific actions.
Probably the most compelling part of the game, at least for arcade-lovin’ gamers like us, is the inclusion of special power ups for batting, pitching and fielding. For instance, 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.
When on the mound, pitchers can use a power-up to throw pitches such as a “super splitter” that splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter, or a “fireball” that blasts over the plate while engulfed in flames. On the fielding side of things, players can unleash 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 high toward the ball in flight.
Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars also supports two-player multiplayer via DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
The game carries a retail price of $29.99.