Major League Baseball 2K11

The bottom line is that 2K11 is better in the ways we wanted it to be, so it's a keeper.

2K chose to focus on the basics with Major League Baseball 2K11, without trying to innovate too much. But the result remains a simulation-oriented game that works really well, blessed with excellent production values, a great atmosphere, and an ergonomic management system for the teams. It still lacks the fresh and innovative ideas to become the definitive Baseball simulation that will shower your living-room with action-packed games.

Major League Baseball 2K11 is a fantastic game, a wonderful representation of the sport, if you know your stuff, then you will be in your element. It can be a daunting experience for newcomers, but if you do happen across a copy, then stick with it and you will be rewarded well.

The AI has gotten better but there are still obvious instances of stupidity, and while the visuals don't shine with unparalleled brightness, the detail and animations are markedly better.

A number of small changes make MLB 2K11 better on the field than its predecessor, although the majority of the new game is identical to the old game.

2K11's got game, but The Show is deeper, prettier, and more fun. [May 2011, p.79]

There's a lot to like about MLB 2K11. While the series is trending up it definitely needs a makeover and a whole lot of polish to break through the negative reputation tied to it. It's not an ace but it's a serviceable mid-rotation starter.

While we're having some fun with MLB 2K11, we can envision a scenario where the "new baseball game" sheen wears off and we lose steam quickly. It takes a special game to keep our interest over the long haul, and 2K11 may not have enough to grip us tightly and never let go.

It's not a bad baseball game, and has certainly made some improvements. Pitching and hitting are both fun, and the My Player mode has been expanded on to make it more accessible and engrossing. The glitches are fewer, but still noticeable, and the game does make some graphical improvements, though the game engine is looking tired.

As much as I liked about Major League Baseball 2K11 (playing online and playing through My Player), I found even more that I didn't like (commentary, menus, bugs and glitches, frustrating AI). I enjoy the promise of the MLB integration, whether it's the updated scores every time I log into the game or the DRPS affecting my in-game roster and stats. But ultimately, MLB 2K11 is its own worst enemy, keeping it from being a great sports game and, once again, second fiddle to the MLB: The Show franchise.

Last year's game showed promise and a commitment to getting this series back on track. This year's installment is a disaster. There's a decent game of baseball to be played here, but you are more likely to pitch a complete game than play through nine innings without a bug or glitch.