MLB 2K12: Intriguing New Features That Enhance Realism

I love great audio commentary in sports games, but very few games actually deliver in this area. 2K has established themselves as the exception to that rule, and it appears this year will be no different with MLB 2K12.

I also love realism in sports video games, so any tweak game developers add to make the game play like a simulation is welcomed.

I will breakdown how MLB 2K12 addresses both of those aspects of sports gaming in the franchise's newest baseball title.

Talk That Talk

If you take a listen to the commentary in NBA 2K12, you will notice the freshness of the catch phrases and variety of speech from Clark Kellogg, Steve Kerr and Kevin Harlan is unrivaled. The audio aspect of the game has a conversational value that seems natural.

The MLB 2K series is taking a huge step in that direction with MLB 2K12. 

This year, over 80 hours of dialog has been recorded by Gary Thorne, Steve Phillips and John Kruk to add unparalleled variety to the commentary. Not only do they have more to say, the content is evolving as the game, series and season goes on.

This means, the comments will be relevant to your current season or game. If you're playing with my beloved Chicago Cubs and Alfonso Soriano has struck out three times already in the current series, the announcers will make reference to that.

It may seem like a subtle add, but it's the difference in turning the sound off and getting a better, more authentic sports gaming experience. 

I love the idea and thought behind that.

New Throw Meter

There is also a new throw meter in place. This allows you to set up the type of throw your fielders will make before they catch a fly ball or field a grounder.

You can choose whether you'll be making a quick, possibly less accurate throw, or loading up to get it over to it's destination with power and concentration.

When you hold the button, a meter will appear, your player will posture according to where you relinquish the button, and deliver a throw that you chose to fit the situation.

It presents a new risk/reward conundrum that real players face, and the decision must be made in little time.

As I said, anything that brings more realism is positive in my book, and this feature definitely qualifies.