MLB 2K12 Review: The Best Game Modes

MLB2K12 will be released on March 6th. Virtual baseball fans are patiently waiting, especially those who only own a XBOX360. 2K12 will be the only baseball simulation produced on that platform, so it's 2K or bust for 360 baseball fans.

2K has chosen to tighten up it's existing feature base without adding a ton of new things. Whether you're a fan of that approach or not, it should render a very polished game-play experience.

Here are the two best features and modes in 2K's new baseball title:

Franchise Mode

Without a tight franchise mode, a sports game isn't worth much to me. 2K has taken some steps to tighten their franchise mode this year. They are leaning on Stats Inc and Insider's Edge even more to provide realistic statistics and player tendency data.

These two things will change and evolve throughout your franchise mode and it adds to the overall experience of playing through an entire season.

My Player Mode

My Player is back, and for those that aren't familiar with that mode, here is an explanation. It is similar to a franchise mode, as you play through an entire season, but there are some key differences:

You only control one player (one you create). You choose his position, physical attributes, etc. When he's in the field, you control only him. You don't bat for any other player.

Another difference from franchise mode is that you begin in the minors and you have to work your way up to the majors.

This year, when you create your player, you must assign him a role such as Ace Starter, Slugger, etc. This carves a path for your player with specific benchmarks to attain, with the goal of becoming the best player under your chosen classification.

It offers a more pointed game-play experience, and in this type of mode, direction is a good thing.

Download the new demo now on XBOX Live or PSN to give the game a try before its full release on March 6th.