The Bigs developed and published by 2k sports continues the trend of 2k
delivering high quality sports games. The Bigs is a different game than
anything else that 2k has published, and they did a fantastic job.
The overall gameplay is both arcade style and sim style. The game is
fairly easy which adds to its arcade appeal, and the player can hop
right into the game and have a fun time. The game is classified as
arcade due to a few gameplay differences than a mlb 2k game. First is
that after every good play a power meter fills up and when full the
player can unleash a devastating home run power blast or a super
fastball. The player can also make wall climbing catches and barrel
into home plate based on their performance in short button mashing
mini-games. The game is also part sim due to the precision of making a
perfect pitch and hitting the ball with the right timing.
The main career mode in the game is known as rookie challenge. Here you
will create a player and customize his abilities. After creating a
player you must pass a few spring training challenges. After that the
players team will travel across the united states playing other teams
and also completing certain objectives in games. For instance a three
game series against lets say the St Louis Cardinals would consist of
three objectives:
Game 1: Beat the Cardinals in a 5 inning game
Game 2: Hit 2 HomeRuns with your rookie in a 9 inning game
Game 3: Throw 5 strikeouts with your team in a 5 inning game
I was surprised at the depth and length the career had to offer with one playthrough lasting about 18 hours.
The graphics in the Bigs are very good, but I do not think they are as
good as the regular mlb 2k games. The big draw here is the amazing
lighting effects during daytime games and some neat ball effects( when
making a perfect pitch ect.) The sound is also good in the game with
cool sound effects such as the one heard when a runner and a defender
collide. The commentary is only ok, as again 2k has put out better.
The game also offers a few other modes such as home run derby and home
run pinball. Home run pinball is pretty cool, as you try to smash
objects and building in time square. The Home Run Pinball is both
addicting yet frustrating due to its difficulty.
Just as a note for achievement lovers the bigs will offer a fairly easy
600 points in about 20 hours, but in order to get the rest you have to
be outstanding at the game. Difficulty 7/10
Overall I had a great time with the Bigs and am currently on my 2nd
play through to get more achievements. Personally this is the best
arcade baseball game I have played.
