Major League Baseball 2K11
MLB-licensed baseball sim with dynamic player ratings.
2K published MLB 2K11, a baseball simulation game licensed by Major League Baseball. It was playable on Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS, and Wii. This title belongs to the 2K baseball series.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Visual Concepts; Wii: 2K China
- Publisher
- 2K
- Series
- MLB 2K
- Platforms
- Xbox 360
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Portable
- Wii
- Nintendo DS
- Windows
- Released
- March 8, 2011 (NA); June 24, 2011 (EU) (PS3, X360)
- Genre
- Sports (baseball)
- Modes
- Single-player, Multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
New features
The main version of MLB 2K11 builds on the features of Major League Baseball 2K10 while adding new content. A Dynamic Player Rating System (DPRS) updates a player's abilities based on the last four weeks of that real player's activity, including slumps and hot streaks; this system affects only hitting and pitching, not fielding. There is no option to disable the DPRS, and it does not affect trades because it represents short-term value. Franchise modes use franchise stats rather than real-life performance to reflect player values. The My Player career mode has also been improved. Umpires now have a more random strike zone, and pitch ratings influence the ability to locate pitches. The game includes more AI gameplay sliders than any previous MLB 2K title, and for the first time adjusting sliders does not affect achievements. Poor fielders are locked out of good animations, and the fielding rating determines how close to the ball a fielder must be to reach it. Base stealing has been revamped, accounting for variables such as runner speed, pitch type, lead, and catcher's arm. The Wii version features unique elements including Mini-Diamond, a new multiplayer mode set in fantasy venues like a low-gravity Space ballpark or a Circus environment, and uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk for Total Control Pitching and Hitting. It retains Franchise, Tournament, and Home Run Derby modes but lacks My Player and MLB Today career modes. The PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable versions are less feature-rich, being reskins of Major League Baseball 2K6; they include Franchise and Season play, Home Run Derby, and a Manager Showdown feature where the player sets a lineup and starting pitcher and manages the game strategically. The PSP version adds The Farm, allowing play in Minor League Baseball games. The Nintendo DS version offers Season Mode and Postseason Mode, uses the touch screen for Total Control Pitching and Hitting, and includes 250 collectible virtual trading cards.
Promotion
In early 2011, 2K Sports brought back a promotion from the year before, giving players a shot at one million dollars for achieving a perfect game in the Xbox 360 or PS3 versions of the game. The competition kicked off on April 1. This stirred up debate because former WWE wrestler Stevie Richards had already thrown a perfect game before the official start and tried to collect the money. Music teacher Brian Kingrey from Hammond, Louisiana, won the prize by pitching a perfect game with Roy Halladay less than two hours after the contest began.
Reception
Reception for MLB 2K11 was mixed. IGN rated both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions 7.0, while readers favored the 360 version with a 7.3 out of 10 compared to 6.5 for the PS3. Most reviews noted that the 360 version ran at a smoother frame rate. GameZone gave the game a 7/10, stating it remains a unique baseball experience but leaves the player wanting an improved product. GameSpot rated it 7.5/10, praising online mode improvements but criticizing the lack of significant changes from the previous year's version.
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