"We are excited to partner with GamesCampus in offering fans this interactive baseball gaming experience," said Alex Pigeon, VP of international at MLBAM. "The ability to utilize current or historical teams and ballparks along with simulated on-the-field management will be an engaging way for players to interact with the game."

The press release speaks of a casual online baseball experience with 3D, cartoon-rendered graphic style that allows you to create your own team and play against the computer or other players from around the country. Exciting news for baseball fans and people who just like hitting things with bats alike. I wonder how much they'll charge for hot dogs?

GAMESCAMPUS.COM AND MLB ADVANCED MEDIA SIGN LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR A FREE ONLINE BASEBALL GAME

MLB Dugout Heroes will include MLB Licensing with All Major League Clubs and Ballparks

San Jose, Calif. (November 18, 2008) - San Jose-based online game publisher, GamesCampus (www.gamescampus.com, run by OnNet USA), announced today that it has signed an online interactive licensing agreement with MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, granting it the right to incorporate official Major League Baseball league and club marks and logos, MLB ballpark images and more in its upcoming micro-transaction based online baseball game, MLB Dugout Heroes. It will be a free PC-based baseball game, expected to be available in North America for the 2009 baseball season. Interested parties can visit http://MLBDugoutHeroes.gamescampus.com for more information and to register to receive updates as they become available.

"It is an honor to be working with MLBAM to bring baseball fans a fully licensed online baseball experience," said David Chang, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, GamesCampus.
"Baseball fans are so passionate about the teams they enjoy following, and now they will have the opportunity to play as their favorite team in a high-quality online game experience.

The multi-year agreement gives GamesCampus the rights to all current and historical Major League teams, ballparks, All-Star teams and jewel events such as the home run derby. GamesCampus will also have rights to the official 2009 Major League Baseball regular season game schedule, enabling fans to simulate real seasons through actual game and series matchups.

Fans can expect a casual online baseball experience with a three-dimensional, cartoon-rendered graphic style and easy to pick up and play mouse-only controls. The game will offer four different modes of play for fans to choose from: tutorial, practice, single player and multi-player. Fans will be able to experience the fun of strategically managing a Major League Baseball club by forming a team, fostering its players and making all of the base-running, batting and pitching decisions - providing true interaction with on-the-field baseball play. With realistic character motions and unique verbal exchanges occurring between pitchers, batters, and color commentary, MLB Dugout Heroes will offer a truly unique and engrossing baseball game play experience - free of charge.

"We are excited to partner with GamesCampus in offering fans this interactive baseball gaming experience," said Alex Pigeon, VP of international at MLBAM. "The ability to utilize current or historical teams and ballparks along with simulated on-the-field management will be an engaging way for players to interact with the game."

For more information about GamesCampus or the upcoming baseball game, please visit www.gamescampus.com.

###

Rather than the boring old 'actual baseball' stance taken by so many baseball games, MLB Superstars is a series of mini games featuring Wii-ified versions of Major League players and teams.

The 'over half a dozen' (which I assume means 'seven') minigames include Baseball Pachinko, Baseball Golf and rhythm game Mascot Dance — featuring team mascots, er, dancing.

MLB Superstars will be out later this Fall from 2K games.

MLB Superstars Announced For Nintendo Wii [Yahoo! Games]

Whatever it is, ESPN has just won the rights to take its baseball 'content' and pump it out through new distribution channels. As well as the ESPN website and the obligatory voguish handhelds via the iTunes store, the sports network will also be bringing baseball footage to Xbox Live.

ESPN will be simulcasting Sunday/Monday/Wednesday Night Baseballl and special events as well as selected show footage and game highlights. The network is also committed to developing interactive services based around its baseball content.

ESPN gets digital rights to put baseball on more devices [USA Today]

EA Sports exits diamond, dropping NCAA Baseball game [Sports Business Journal, via MCV]

"Activision has captured the essence of what makes Little League so wonderful for players and spectators alike," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "We look forward to working with them in the upcoming months to help polish the game and bring it to Little Leaguers and fans."

Activision Steps to the Plate with 'Little League® World Series 2008' for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™

SANTA MONICA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today the upcoming release of Little League® World Series 2008 for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. Players will have the ability to bat, pitch and field using intuitive controls developed exclusively for Nintendo's platforms. Little League World Series is the perfect game to play with your friends and family. The game hits shelves August 5, 2008.

"Little League baseball fans, players and families simply haven't had a videogame made just for them, so our goal is to fill this niche," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Creating this game with the Little League organization has been a pleasure and we look forward to paying homage to the three million Little League players around the world today."

Little League World Series is the first officially licensed Little League video game to hit next-generation consoles. Bat, pitch and field your way from local sandlot slugger to Little League World Series Champion. Featuring eight U.S. and eight international teams, extraordinarily deep character customization, World Series Mode, and various skill based challenges, Little League World Series offers an exciting, authentic baseball experience. Motion-sensing controls on Wii make it accessible for Little League players and parents, while the DS version gives players the freedom to get on the diamond anywhere.

"Activision has captured the essence of what makes Little League so wonderful for players and spectators alike," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "We look forward to working with them in the upcoming months to help polish the game and bring it to Little Leaguers and fans."

Today Nintendo announced that the service is going to be free at home games this year. Gamers who bring their DS with them to Safeco will be able to wirelessly log into the Nintendo Fan Network. Features include access to player statistics, scores from other MLB games in progress, current team standings, chat with other fans and the ability to compete in trivia and other mini games. Additionally, fans can watch the in-stadium live broadcast video and use the Nintendo DS touch screen to order ballpark food and beverages delivered right to their seats.

New features are also being prepped for the service as well, though Nintendo was mum about them.

We strive to make Real Baseball the most authentic baseball video game it can be, and adding Cal to our team not only strengthens our brand, but connects us with a baseball legend that will take our video game and community to the next level.

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Signs Deal with Netamin Communication Corporation For CAL RIPKEN'S REAL BASEBALL

Completely Free Online Game is a Unique Sports Experience and Online Community For Baseball Fans Around the World

DIAMOND BAR, CALIF. - Mar 05, 2008 Netamin Corporation, announced today that baseball's all-time "Iron Man" and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cal Ripken, Jr. is the official spokesperson for Real Baseball, a free online computer game and community for sports enthusiasts around the world. Cal Ripken's Real Baseball is a brand new version of the community/computer game previously known as Ultimate Baseball Online or UBO. The new URL is PlayRealBaseball.com.

Cal Ripken's Real Baseball enables gamers to compete in a Massively Multiplayer Online Sport Game (MMOSG), meaning each position on the field is manned by a human player in a 3-D virtual stadium. Players can create their own characters and build their skill level (player stats) through successful play on the field against other real human players. Unlike current online games that aim to simulate professional sports, Real Baseball (RB) delivers a first-person perspective of a character, created and developed by the player, interacting online in real-time with teammates and opponents playing from numerous locations.
"Real Baseball is a fun game that provides the players with a unique perspective and delivers a one of a kind lifelike baseball experience," said Ripken. "The online baseball community reinforces baseball fundamentals and provides baseball fans and gamers with a challenging experience. It is a great destination for baseball fans of all ages."

Real Baseball was created by Andy Wang, founder and CEO of Netamin Communication Corporation, the first company in the world to develop the technology to build a Massively Multiplayer Online Sports Game (MMSOG). Netamin is headquartered in Diamond Bar, California with additional operations in Korea.

"We are very excited to partner with Cal in an effort to make our website and video game even better for baseball lovers across the globe," said Andy Wang, founder and CEO of Netamin. "We strive to make Real Baseball the most authentic baseball video game it can be, and adding Cal to our team not only strengthens our brand, but connects us with a baseball legend that will take our video game and community to the next level."

Real Baseball has been in existence for three years in a beta mode under the name Ultimate Baseball Online. Over the past three years Ultimate Baseball Online has seen strong participation in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, Korea, England, Italy, South Africa, Brazil and Australia.

Major League Baseball 2K8 executive producer Ben Brinkman did his best to make the best of the situation, saying "Jose Reyes is a multi-talented player - a great baserunner, fielder and hitter, making him the perfect spokesperson for Major League Baseball 2K8." Despite the sensitive nature of the out of the blue endorsement, 2K Sports plan to go ahead with the game's Spring 2008 release, which should arrive on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP. A press release follows after this moment of silence.

Jose Reyes Named Cover Athlete and Official Spokesman for Major League Baseball 2K8

New York, NY - December 6, 2007 - 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today that New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes will be the cover athlete and official spokesman for Major League Baseball® 2K8.

"This year we have signed one of the most exciting players in all of Major League Baseball® as our official cover athlete," said Ben Brinkman, Executive Producer, Major League Baseball® 2K8. "Jose Reyes is a multi-talented player - a great baserunner, fielder and hitter, making him the perfect spokesperson for Major League Baseball® 2K8."

"This is the first time I have ever been on the cover of a video game and it is very exciting to be a part of the best video game out there," said Jose Reyes.

Although he is best known for his speed and base-stealing ability, Jose Reyes is also one of the most well-rounded players in the game and is the first player in baseball history to have more than 63 steals, 120 runs, 192 hits, and 19 homers in a single season. Reyes led the Major League in 2006 with 17 triples and 64 stolen bases and set a new Mets club record with 104 hits at Shea Stadium. Also an avid video gamer and long time fan of 2K Sports' products, All-Star Shortstop Jose Reyes is a natural fit as the official spokesperson for this year's edition of the critically acclaimed Major League Baseball 2K series.

Major League Baseball® 2K8 will be available spring 2008 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the Wii™ home video game system.

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com

For us it's really just the initial stage. We didn't want to push it hard until we were sure the services were working. We're now to that point where we're like, 'Let's push it out further.' It has been a process.

Pujols has lead the major leagues in RBI, runs, bases, and extra bases since 2001, the first major leaguer to ever hit over 30 homeruns in each of his first six seasons, and the youngest player ever to hit 250 home runs. In short, he's the man.

"I'm honored to represent this revolutionary new baseball title from 2K Sports," said Albert Pujols. "I've been blessed to have played in some monumental baseball games in my career and it's amazing to see how The BIGS captures the most dramatic plays and brings them to life in a baseball video game."

2K Sports Names Albert Pujols Cover Athlete for The BIGS

New York, NY - May 3, 2007 - 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals All-Star first baseman and power hitter, will be the cover athlete for The BIGS. The BIGS is an innovative, action-packed pick-up-and-play MLB licensed video game that will be available this summer.

"The BIGS celebrates the heroes of Major League Baseball and the epic moments of professional baseball," said Erik Whiteford, Vice President of Marketing at 2K Sports. "Throughout his career, Albert Pujols has delivered unforgettable plays at the most amazing times. His larger-than-life abilities and flair for the dramatic embody the spirit we are striving to capture in this game, making Pujols the perfect cover athlete."

"I'm honored to represent this revolutionary new baseball title from 2K Sports," said Albert Pujols. "I've been blessed to have played in some monumental baseball games in my career and it's amazing to see how The BIGS captures the most dramatic plays and brings them to life in a baseball video game."

As the youngest MLB player to hit 250 home runs, Albert Pujols has garnered many accolades in his young career. With three Silver Slugger awards, Pujols added his first Gold Glove in 2006 playing for the 2006 World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. The bigger the moment, the greater Pujols performs, making him a natural choice as the official representative player for The BIGS.

The BIGS will be available this summer for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Nintendo's WiiTM.

Here's the full rundown, one that will have some sports fans going "What? Who?"

* 311 "Down"
* Bishop Allen "Middle Management"
* Cities in Dust "Emergency"
* Death From Above 1979 "Little Girl"
* Dixie Witch "Set the Speed"
* Editors "Munich"
* Five Horse Johnson "I Can't Shake It"
* Greatdayforup "Man's Ruin"
* Les Savy Fav "Hold On To Your Genre"
* Nerf Herder "High Five Anxiety"
* Nirvana "Breed"
* Sublime "Summertime"
* Tapes 'n Tapes "Insistor"
* The Jealous Sound "Na ve"
* The M's "Plan Of The Man"
* The Pixies "Mr. Grieves"
* The Specials "A Message to you Rudy"
* The Stooges "I Feel Alright"
* The Thermals "A Passing Feeling"
* The Walkmen "The Rat"
* Wolfmother "Woman"

Crazy, but any video game soundtrack that features both The Pixies and The Stooges can't be faulted for its choices. Oh wait, I forgot about 311. Shame about that. Michael McWhertor

2K Sports Rocks the Mound with Full Spectrum Soundtrack for Major League Baseball 2K7

The Stooges, Nirvana, Sublime, The Specials, The Pixies, Wolfmother and more redefine the sound of the sport for today's gamers

New York, NY - February 22, 2007 — 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), today announced details regarding the soundtrack for Major League Baseball 2K7. Combing the best of the new breed of rockers from Wolfmother to The Walkmen, with some of the music industry's greatest alternative rock luminaries, the soundtrack brings a new sound to baseball for today's gamers. The soundtrack will be available exclusively in the game and streaming online at www.2ksports.com/mlb2k7.

"Producing this soundtrack was like making a mix tape for a friend, especially considering the profile of the artists and the quality of the songs," said Tim Rosa, 2K Sports Director of Brand and Lifestyle Marketing. "We always seek to provide the sports gaming community with a soundtrack that makes sense for the game they are playing, while also showcasing great artists above and below the fringe. We achieved that goal with Major League Baseball 2K7, so I'm really proud of this one."

Marking the first appearance on a video game soundtrack is Sublime's "Summertime," with the band joining other rock royalty such as Nirvana, The Pixies, The Specials and The Stooges. Also featured is a slew of burgeoning indie rock artists, including XL Records' Tapes 'n Tapes, who will be headlining the 2K Sports Hit-n-Run Tour that kicks off on April 16 to promote Major League Baseball 2K7.

Track Listing for Major League Baseball 2K7:

* 311 "Down"

* Bishop Allen "Middle Management"

* Cities in Dust "Emergency"

* Death From Above 1979 "Little Girl"

* Dixie Witch "Set the Speed"

* Editors "Munich"

* Five Horse Johnson "I Can't Shake It"

* Greatdayforup "Man's Ruin"

* Les Savy Fav "Hold On To Your Genre"

* Nerf Herder "High Five Anxiety"

* Nirvana "Breed"

* Sublime "Summertime"

* Tapes 'n Tapes "Insistor"

* The Jealous Sound "Na ve"

* The M's "Plan Of The Man"

* The Pixies "Mr. Grieves"

* The Specials "A Message to you Rudy"

* The Stooges "I Feel Alright"

* The Thermals "A Passing Feeling"

* The Walkmen "The Rat"

* Wolfmother "Woman"

Major League Baseball 2K7, rated "E" for Everyone, will be in stores on February 27, 2007 for the Xbox 360 and Xbox video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Major League Baseball 2K7 will be available for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance this spring.

For more information log onto: www.2ksports.com

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation game console, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Xbox and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii , Nintendo GameCube , Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K and 2K Sports, and Global Star Software; and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

"PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", the "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo may be required (sold separately).

Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

, , Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. 2004 Nintendo.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit the official Major League Baseball website at MLB.com MLBPA-Official Licensee, Major League Baseball Players Association. Visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com, the Players Choice on the web.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

New York Yankee's captain and the most marketable player in Major League Baseball, Derek Jeter has once again been signed on to be the cover athlete for 2K Sports' MLB game. He was already the cover athlete for the 2K5 and 2K6 games, as well as Acclaim's All-Star Baseball series, which ended in 2005.

The 2K Sports hat trick makes a total of 8 console baseball game covers he has appeared on, making him one of if not the most featured baseball player in the history of console game covers.

"It is a real privilege to represent the premier MLB title in the video game industry," stated Derek Jeter. "Just as I am always striving to improve my game, 2K Sports is constantly improving theirs, and this dedication has made Major League Baseball 2K7 the best MLB video game ever."

Press release follows.

2K Sports Announces Derek Jeter as Official Spokesman and Cover Athlete for Major League Baseball 2K7

New York Yankees' Captain Derek Jeter to Return as Cover Athlete of the Premier Major League Baseball Video Game

NEW YORK, NY - January 4, 2007 - 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), proudly announced today the return of New York Yankees' All-Star Shortstop Derek Jeter as cover athlete and official spokesperson for Major League Baseball 2K7.

"We strive with every 2K Sports product to bring the most entertaining and realistic sports experience possible. With Major League Baseball 2K7 we listened to our fans, redesigning the game by strengthening the core gameplay and incorporating new, innovative features," stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. "When Major League Baseball 2K7 is released later this winter, fans will experience the most authentic and exciting MLB video game experience on any platform."

"It is a real privilege to represent the premier MLB title in the video game industry," stated Derek Jeter. "Just as I am always striving to improve my game, 2K Sports is constantly improving theirs, and this dedication has made Major League Baseball 2K7 the best MLB video game ever."

Jeter, a seven-time All-Star, had a spectacular 2006 season, finishing with a .343 batting average that ranked second overall in the American League. Additionally in 2006, Jeter won his third straight Gold Glove award as well as winning the Hank Aaron Award for best overall offensive performer for the American League. As the New York Yankees' team captain, Jeter's talent, leadership, and determined attitude have earned him numerous accolades, cementing him as one of the greatest players to wear the Yankee pinstripes.

Major League Baseball 2K7 will be available for the Xbox 360 and Xbox video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, and the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Additional features and enhancements that take the virtual Major League Baseball experience to the next level will be announced in advance of the release of Major League Baseball 2K7 in late winter.

For more information, log onto http://www.2ksports.com

Flynn De Marco

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Joel Zumaya missed three games of the American League Championship Series thanks inflammation of the forearm and right wrist, something everyone assumed was brought on by his pitches.

But it turns out that like yours truly, Zumaya is a Guitar Hero addict and the prolonged gaming was what actually brought on the injury.

Club president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said that team trainers discovered that the injuries to 22-year-old Zumaya's arm, was more consistent with the action of a guitar player than a baseball pitcher.

So the team told him to stop playing the game and he was able to pitch pain-free during the World Series.

Oh noes! How do you choose between the World Series and Guitar Hero? Brian Crecente

HUMMIN' SLOWED BY STRUMMIN': Guitar video game hurt Zumaya's arm [Free Press]

Why sink money into this surely doomed venture, instead of some other pro-athlete funded doomed venture? Well, Curt has obviously done his homework!

A lot of people don't realize that video games are already bigger than the movie industry now.

Wow! Didn't know that, Mr. Schilling. Oh wait, I did know that... is not actually true.

Green Monster Games plans to ship their first game, a fantasy MMO targeted at casual players, within the next 2-10 years and will feature the artistic talents of baseball fan Todd McFarlane (who previously did work for Ultima Online) and R.A. Salvatore. So what will Schilling bring to the table, outside of a bundle of cash?

I'm making the game, in my mind.

Why do I suspect that's where the game will remain? Best of luck, GMG. With World of Warcraft dominating the crowded market, you're going to need it! Michael McWhertor

Gaming passion leads to Schilling's second career [ESPN]

New features include a Road to The Show mode, which will allow gamers to create a rookie and try to play him up through the ranks to the Big Leagues, a new Adaptive Pitching Intelligence, a Pitch Command System, an Umpire Personalities feature. Whoa, whoa, whoa, umpires don't have personalities. That's crazy talk.

The game will also include Online League Play, letting gamers set up leagues with up to 30 teams and run the league with full statistics, point benefits and full customization.

"In 2006, the MLB franchise was the best-selling baseball videogame on the market across all gaming platforms, and dominated the PlayStation platforms. This year, MLB 07 The Show looks to continue its reign as the most valuable player in the category by delivering unsurpassed realism," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, SCEA. "We are committed to continually looking for ways to add new and improved gameplay features in order to provide fans with the closest experience to actually playing in the Big Leagues."

Hit the jump for the full release and all of the details. Brian Crecente

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. (SCEA) officially announced today that MLB 07 The Show(TM) will
be available in Spring 2007, exclusively for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM))
computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system
and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system. Building on
the history of the MLB(R) franchise, as the longest running officially
licensed baseball videogame on the PlayStation(R) platforms and already widely
considered the most authentic baseball videogame available, MLB 07 The Show is
set to deliver all-new features and continue its reign as the market leader.
As the only first party videogame officially licensed by Major League
Baseball Properties (MLBP), Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and
the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), MLB 07 The Show will
unveil new core features across all three PlayStation platforms. The
innovative Road to The Show mode will enable fans to play solely as a
custom-created rookie on both offense and defense while attempting to rise
through the ranks and make a starting line-up in the Big Leagues.
Adding to its already robust online feature set, the MLB franchise will
now include Online League Play, which gives gamers the ability to set up
leagues with up to 30 teams, complete statistical tracking, point benefits and
full customization, while the My Sliders feature allows users to create their
perfect game settings and upload them to the MLB 07 The Show server for others
to try out.
For fans attempting to master the timeless art of pitching, MLB 07 The
Show introduces some innovative new features such as Adaptive Pitching
Intelligence (API), which allows users to either shake off the catcher, or
trust the calls he makes which are based on batter tendencies and the
pitcher's strengths. Additionally, the Pitch Command System (PCS) delivers
authenticity and strategy to pitch selection by offering players a
predetermined pitch comfort level based on a best to worst pitch scenario.
Providing an even more authentic feel to the game, the new Umpire
Personalities feature provides a new challenge to pitchers as each umpire has
their own version of the strike zone, unique tendencies and animations.
"In 2006, the MLB franchise was the best-selling baseball videogame on the
market across all gaming platforms, and dominated the PlayStation platforms.
This year, MLB 07 The Show looks to continue its reign as the most valuable
player in the category by delivering unsurpassed realism," said Scott Rohde,
director, sports product development, SCEA. "We are committed to continually
looking for ways to add new and improved gameplay features in order to provide
fans with the closest experience to actually playing in the Big Leagues."
As developers begin to harness the power and potential found within PS3,
MLB 07 The Show showcases its abilities with additional innovative features
such as crowd interaction, which can be seen like never before with a vast
array of new ambient elements including fans reaching for foul balls, the
seventh inning stretch, the wave, standing ovations and much more. Also
making the game more realistic, gamers will now be able to detail the
different pitch grips and arm angles that a pitcher has when throwing each
pitch. Scouting these details in Replay Mode shows players what to look for in
release point and pitch arm angle from 15 different pitches. These new
subtleties deliver an unrivaled virtual experience on PS3.
Returning key features for the MLB franchise include the popular Career
and Season Modes, Career Spotlight and Exhibition Mode. In addition, MLB 07
The Show provides fans with the features they expect in an unrivaled
simulation, such as advanced batting and base running controls, interactive
hot and cold zones, player-scaled strike zones, release point pitching and the
most comprehensive commentary ever produced for a sports video game, featuring
the three-man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell.
Along with all the key franchise features, returning gameplay favorites
for PlayStation 2 include Rivalry Mode, which allows fans to set-up, track and
maintain heated rivalries, King of the Diamond Mode, the classic playground
duel where a pitcher and batter from opposing teams will square off
head-to-head, Franchise mode, where players take control of the entire team,
the Home Run Derby and EyeToy(TM) functionality. MLB 07 The Show for the PSP
system continues to be a fan favorite with its core features and ability to
play anytime, anywhere, on the go. Plus, sports fanatics can utilize the PSP
system's online news service to get the latest MLB news feeds online or save
them to the Memory Stick Duo(TM) and review them offline at their convenience.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for MLB
07 The Show is "RP" for "Rating Pending." For more information about the ESRB
visit www.esrb.org .

A comic book dude. A sci-fi writer. And a baseball pitcher. All three have joined forces to create "industry-changing games." Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, author R.A. Salvatore and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling have formed Green Monster Games, named after the huge left field wall at Fenway Park. Schilling is a diehard MMORPG player and has appeared at EverQuest conventions. Details are scant, but McFarlane will be the company's lead artist, Salvatore will be creative director and Schilling will be Schilling. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Gamasutra] Thanks, Chilly!

No. There's only one single thing you need to know about the Wii: That it's sheer, unadulterated, peerless and incalculable FUN - for kids of all ages... and we mean that right up to those grown-up kids with mortgages and half-pints of their own.

And thus begins a glowing review of all the Wii games the reviewer could get his hands on: Wii Sports Tennis, Baseball and Golf; Warioware: Smooth Moves; a Duckhunt-like shooter; and Orchestra.

While these reviews are solidly positive, the absence of Red Steel from the list is glaring, and it's really the only one I'm interested in hearing about at the moment.

UPDATE! A buddy writes in to report:

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for good news on it. What I saw at E3 was undelicious. "Streamlined" sword combat means that the useful motions are pretty constrained. I've heard that the consoles weren't really set up appropriately there, but still - it was pretty underwhelming.

i've heard they've taken a lot of the E3 commentary to heart though,
so who knows what we'll get on Oct. 2nd, or whenever it is released.

Poop. Look, I just want to hit stuff with swords, okay? Shooting is good too. I guess tennis is okay for some people, but I anticipate playing Wii Baseball for exactly zero hours. Eliza Gauger

Whole buncha reviews [Game.co.uk]

The '86 World Series final game re-enacted in R.B.I. Baseball in which the New York Mets defeated the Boston Red Sox, thanks to dumb luck and a lengthy curse. By final game, we mean the last inning of Game Six, pitch-for-pitch. Even in 8-bit, Bill Buckner's error is still a heartbreaker.

More Here [Infendo]

Here's Rick's pick for star pitcher of his NES All Stars.

Samus Aran from Metroid

Yes, she's a woman. Yes, her history as a bounty hunter causes others to distrust her. Yes, her body suit might not be legal. But it's all worth it. She has a fucking arm cannon built in. Literally.

Right on, Rick! Let's hope the team uniform will accommodate her bikini. His first baseman?

Dog from Duck Hunt, 1B

Despite having the reputation as a "clubhouse cancer" one gotten from always laughing at others, no matter how serious the issue the large canine is an annual Gold Glove recipient. However, his batting leaves much to be desired, as he continues to ignore the advice from the batting instructor to grow opposable digits.

Fantasy Baseball: Irrefutable Roster of Characters from Classic Nintendo Games [McSweeney's]

The game hits PS2s this Spring. The video is after the jump.

The first ever college baseball game has gone gold, according to EA PR. The college baseball title, MVP 2006 NCAA should hit store shelves on January 17 and EA is hoping it turns the college world series into something other than being one of the highlight packages on Sportscenter that give a you a chance to go get another beer.