Let's get one thing straight right away. Little League World Series Baseball 2008 has enough depth, strategy, and pure fun for everyone from the most casual baseball fan/gamer to even some more hardcore fans/gamers. It doesn't exactly match up against baseball simulations in terms of depth, but it has enough, and what it lacks in that department, it makes up for in terms of sheer arcade-style fun and enjoyment.
I absolutely love the overall presentation of this game--from the graphics, to the easily navigable menus, it's all very polished and well put together. Now that doesn't mean these graphics are going to compete with any of the high-budget blockbusters. But taken for what they are, which is a cross between cartoon and reality, they're great. They absolutely create the perfect atmosphere for a fun-first baseball game. Speaking of fun-first, in addition to the standard modes (Exhibition, World Series) there are plenty of side attractions, including Homerun Derby, Horse, and even Pitching Darts and Pitching Bowling! These served as enjoyable diversions from the main attraction for me: World Series mode!
World Series mode is what this game is all about. The chance to play in the tournament and win it all! And to do so, you'll have to master all of the gameplay elements, including batting, pitching, throwing, and running. Surprisingly, there is enough depth in each of these elements that a training mode was included to teach you the ropes. It's not absolutely necessary, but it will get you off to a running start if you want to understand how the game works. The batting mechanics are usually of most interest, so I'll start with those. First of all, you can swing at three different angles, downward, upward, or level. This will affect how the ball comes off of the bat, and will lead to either a groundball, flyball, or line drive, and it all depends on the angle at which you swing the Wiimote. Secondly, you can perform either a power swing or a controlled swing based on how hard you swing the Wiimote. Now, either I'm incredibly strong or there's a gameplay issue here, because no matter how lightly I tried to swing, I had a lot of difficulty performing "controlled" swings.
The pitching mechanics are nearly as fun as the batting, which is a good sign for a baseball game. The most exciting part of the pitching is the fact that to throw a curveball, you actually have to spin the Wiimote as you throw. This adds a level of immersion and realism that I certainly appreciate. Now if only there were some way for the Wiimote to detect different grips on the ball... OK maybe that's a bit down the road. Overall, the gameplay doesn't really hit any lulls or snags, and is consistently fun from the time you're at the plate, to the time you're pitching. My one gripe is that I found myself wishing that I could turn off automatic fielding, but that wasn't an option. But once your fielders do reach the ball, it's up to you to throw it to the correct base.
In addition to the basic gameplay mechanics, you can also perform "Talents" by earning points to pump up your talent meter. These talents range from making diving catches, to powering up your batter, to absurdly high-jumping over the catcher. I must say, that last one was not a welcome sight. That's just something you would never see in a baseball game at any level, and it takes the game away from baseball sim perhaps a bit too far. Each team also has one "Star Player" whose talents are above and beyond those of his teammates. The batter for example, when fully charged, can blast a homerun with the greatest of ease. I almost placed this in the "too far" category with jumping over defenders, but I let it slide. It can be somewhat fun knowing that your big bopper is coming up and has the potential to save the day, and it's also somewhat balanced out by the pitcher's talents. Pitchers can throw "The Heat" and Star pitchers can throw an even faster version of this pitch. So when it's clutch time, the pitchers have something up their sleeves as well.
When all is said and done, you'll need those aces up your sleeve, because this game can be tough. Of course, it all depends on which difficulty level you choose to play at (Little, Junior, Senior, Big), but try playing in Senior or Big and you're in for a challenge. This was somewhat surprising, since the game is seemingly targeted towards a younger audience, but I was glad to see a challenge. It only adds to the game's overall worth and replay value when you need to actually improve your skills in order to beat the highest difficulty level.
All in all, Little League World Series Baseball 2008 should provide you with hours of fun. It has enough variety, challenge, and depth to keep you playing, and it's easy enough to pick up and play for just an hour at a time. And perhaps the biggest incentive to keep you playing are the record books and unlockable awards and trophies that you can earn for your clubhouse by dominating the Little League World Series! So swing for the Little League fences and start setting some records!
| Review Scoring Details for Little League World Series Baseball 2008 |
Gameplay: 7.9
Batting, pitching, and throwing are all executed well, leaving almost no dull moments. Details such as the angle of your swing, and the ability to add spin the ball (to throw a curve or slider while pitching) add variety and a new level of depth. That's saying something, because generally we know what to expect from a baseball game. The special abilities are generally interesting and fun, with the exception of high-jumping over the catcher to score a run.
Graphics: 8.5
A semi-cartoonish art style makes this game approachable by everyone from young kids and casual gamers to avid baseball fans and hardcore gamers. It's well done, and while the graphics are not awe-inspiring by any means, they are polished and well executed.
Sound: 7.5
The music, (especially in the training mode!) is upbeat and almost anthemic, and really gets you in the mood for a good game of baseball. The sound effects, particularly the sound of the aluminum bats, are well done and will certainly bring you back to your days on the Little League field.
There are four difficulty levels in World Series mode: Little, Junior, Senior, and Big. Venture into Senior or Big territory, and you're asking for a whooping. That should be enough to let you know that this game is no joke. Luckily, the developers allow you to pick your difficulty level, or I might have never made it out of the first inning.
Concept: 7.5
A great idea for a baseball game targeted towards younger gamers/baseball fans. What's not such a great idea is releasing the game AFTER the completion of the actual Little League World Series. This title probably would have benefited from the surrounding hype.
Overall: 7.8
What I love about Little League World Series Baseball 2008 is that the games are short enough (6 innings, true to Little League) and fun enough that you can pick this game up and play it time and time again. There are also a variety of modes and unlockable awards that will keep you entertained and provide incentive to kick some Little League butt for a long time to come.
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