Major League Baseball 2K5 (xbx: 2005): Reviews

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Major League Baseball 2K5


7.8

based on 25 reviews
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How did we calculate this?

based on 16 votes
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GAMES:

ESPN Major League Baseball

Cheat Code Central

Major League Baseball 2K5 debuts On Command Baserunning, that includes active picture-in-picture baserunning, and new gameplay features called Maximum Sliding and Baseburner Mode. Active picture-in-picture baserunning delivers both an exciting presentation style and an intuitive method to precisely control runners. The new baserunning mechanic utilizes the right analog thumbstick to choose how baserunners slide -- head or feet first -- in conjunction with hook sliding left or right of the base. Players will be able to reach a base quicker, get up more quickly from a slide, or avoid being tagged out with the new freedom found in Maximum Sliding. Baseburner Mode allows the gamer to play any 'at-bat' through the perspective of any baserunner, delivering precision control to gamers. [2K Games]

PUBLISHER:	2K Games
DEVELOPER:	Visual Concepts / Kush Games
GENRE(S):	Sports, Baseball
PLAYERS:	2
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	February 23, 2005

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Game Over Online

Even with the limited franchise feature, 2K5 is still one of the better sports titles on the market today, and extremely affordable for any baseball fans.

Talk Xbox

Everything from the graphics to the gameplay to the sound, it’s just great!

GamePro

The game was number three in a field of three last year, but this season it looks great and has dramatic gameplay improvements for all skill levels. [Apr 2005, p.97]

GamerFeed

Looks and plays wonderfully in almost every area, and backs up the action with a huge Skybox to play around with, numerous modes, and Xbox Live support.

GameSpy

Speaking of online, MLB 2K5 is one step closer to what we dreamed about for online sports games. You can play a full 162 game season in an online league, or stick to tournaments or single-game contests.

Next Level Gaming

Reminds me of what I loved about the older Sega Sports games. Despite a couple of things that should have been taken care of before it was released, the game is more than solid, and to me one of the better all-around Baseball games I've played in a long time.

Team Xbox

Most of MLB 2K5 feels next generation; only small bits of the AI and physics engine need any pine tar.

GameZone

Simplicity is what MLB 2K5 shoots for and it’s simplicity the game achieves, and - for the most part - it works well enough.

Sports Gaming Network

MLB 2K5 is not the best baseball video game on the market, but that does not mean its bad. The presentation, graphics, and audio, as well as improvements in the online mode help overcome the game’s weaknesses.

XGP Gaming

I don't know how Kush Games could have implemented their use of the ESPN license any more, because the presentation in this game is unprecedented

netjak

By no means perfect, but the exciting gameplay and the multitude of features clearly overshadow any minor imperfections, making this a must-have game this season.

Game Informer

Questionable fielding holds it back from capturing the Golden Glove. "MVP" still holds that honor, but Major Leauge's innovative techniques make it this year's most exciting baseball game. [March 2005, p.118]

IGN

The addition of online leagues is a huge plus. However, MLB 2K5 still has a ways to go if it intends to compete with the memory of "MVP" next year. The animations need a complete overhaul, the AI definitely needs a reworking, and the Franchise Mode has to see significant innovation outside of a nicer interface.

Xbox Evolved

A great baseball game but I felt some things were unnecessary and the developers could of use some time to work on old concepts of the game like the General Manager mode.

GameSpot

The franchise modes are comprehensive enough, the selection of different online play options is extensive, and the whole game almost looks and sounds just as good as a broadcast on ESPN HD.

Play Magazine

The 2K series is back where it needs to be. [Apr 2005, p.76]

Stuff

This game features the best hecklers of all time. When Boston's hirsute Johnny Damon steps to the plate, someone in the crowd shouts, "Cut your hair, you hippie!" Amen to that, brother!

1UP

And unlike previous baseball video games MLB 2K5 moves at a nice pace.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

2K5's fielding - which was well balanced last year - has become too slick. It still feels great and moves fast, but unless you adjust some of the gameplay sliders, expect plenty of web gems - to many to be realistic. [April 2005, p.113]

G4 TV

This is the first baseball release in years that smartly walks the line between reality and fantasy.

Game Revolution

Despite its better delivery, though, Major League Baseball 2K5 is not a better baseball game than "MVP 2005." Its offline content is simply not as deep and its play mechanics are broadly inferior.

Official Xbox Magazine

While the exterior looks great, within is a flawed baseball game that needs a good bit of work. [Apr 2005, p.85]

Operation Sports

The multiple bugs and lack of multiple fielding camera angles hurt this game severely and simply can’t be forgiven. [*Note: original score posted by Operation Sports as 3/5 = 60. Current score on their redesigned site is inaccurate.]

Gaming Age

What can’t be fixed are the statistical glitches that really keep the game from being fun. Things such as shortstops getting saves, games not counting, etc. are commonplace. There is nothing more frustrating than having a good baseball game with a terrible stat bug.

Computer Games Magazine

A first-rate baseball title, assuming you can ignore the shocking number of bugs that ruin the single-player. [June 2005, p.91]

The average user rating for this game is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 16 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Bill W. gave it a9:
Solid.

Derek W. gave it a10:
This game is possibly the best baseball game I have ever played...so I dont know why some of you gave it such a low score! I mean the graphics are great...the game play is incredible...and to top it all off its got the skybox with all the extra features and that alone is worth buying this game! Major Leauge Baseball 2K5 would have been worth $50 easy...but no it is only $20 and that is another great reason for purchasing this game!!!

Tom M. gave it a7:
7 might seem like a mediocre score but this is actually, imo, the best baseball game ever made. It's just that the industry has had such a difficult time making baseball games for some reason. I alos have EA's new game and this one, imo, is head and shoulders above it. Things to fix for next years game... the stat tracking and the pinpoint accuracy of the pithers (human players never walk cpu players), as well as please lose the button mashing features. The onfield commentary is fantastic except for when it makes no sense at all to what is happening on the field. Bottom line though is that this is a fun and addictive game that looks great. it WILL give you the feel of watching a live broadcast. If you are a baseball fan you don't need to look at any other games.

Paul P. gave it a7:
It's a solid game, but the bugs I've run across terribly detract from the game as a whole. In particular, AI baserunning can't be trusted, neither can AI fielders. There are tons of innovative features, especially the Home Run Inning type of stuff. Definitely worth buying for 20 bucks.

Jimmy K. gave it a10:
Who or what review wrote glitch and took the point out of it are idiots. Look at the things. The graphics are gorgeous, the new gameplay features are good. It's very addicting game to everyone including ex-All Star or ex-High Heat fans.

Jim A. gave it a9:
Although you can tell it's a first year game and some areas need improvement, bottom line is it's a blast to play. Graphics are awesome as well. Hopefully next year's version will address some of the bugs and include more cut scenes so fouls don't allows go to same place, etc. The only really annoying bug for me - the excessive wild pitches can be eliminated by setting the AI Fielding Errors slider to 50. So with that problem gone, it's a very addicting game.

Leonard B. gave it a10:
Awesome graphics, the baseball fans dream come true! play so realistic, you'll need some pine tar!