MLB 2k12: Why This Year's Game Is a Must Have

Video game lovers, rejoice—MLB 2k12 is almost here.

The next installment of the classic series will be released Tuesday, March 6, almost one month before Opening Day (April 4). It will be the last release for the PlayStation 2 and will also be featured on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and a variety of other platforms.

The game comes with a hefty price tag of $59.99, so you may be asking yourself if you really need the newest edition. Well, I'm here to tell you that you do. Here's why.

Cool New Features

MLB 2k12 can get you straight paid, thanks to a new twist in The Perfect Game Challenge.

Based on pitcher rating and quality of opponent, there will be a new worldwide leader board that ranks the top eight perfect games thrown in MLB 2k12. At the end of the competition, the players who rank in the top eight will battle each other in a live tournament, with a $1 million prize on the line.

2k12 also features a new game mode called MLB Today Season Mode. Basically, you play a full season at the same pace as the team of your choice. You can compare your record and stats to those of your real-life counterparts, then send smarmy Twitter messages to those who are better with you in control.

As always, 2k12 also features more realistic game-play than its predecessors. The duel between pitchers and hitters is very detailed, there's a wider variety of hits and players will have more precise options when throwing the ball.

Old Features They Kept

2k12 has some new features, but they didn't tinker too much with the basic formula that makes the game fun.

Franchise mode is still around, so you can run your favorite team for multiple seasons, signing free agents and trading players as you see fit.

My Player is still there as well. You can create and develop whatever style of player you want and simulate the ups and downs of an MLB career. I'm pretty sure you can't find him any PEDs or drink beer and eat chicken in the clubhouse, but other than that, it's quite detailed.

Commentary

Gary Thorne, Steve Phillips and John Kruk provide the commentary. Regardless of how you feel about those three, you can surely agree that they're better than Joe Buck and Tim McCarver.

Soundtrack

Dubstep is the bane of my existence, so with Pretty Lights and Skrillex on the soundtrack, I'll be playing this game on mute. If you're into that sort of thing, however, I guess you're in for a treat.

Even though I'm not a fan of the soundtrack, this game is still a must-have. If you consider yourself a true MLB fan and video game lover, find your way to a store on March 6, to pick up MLB 2k12.