Major League Baseball 2K6 [PS2]

The baseball games from 2K sports have been among our favorites for years running. After securing a semi-exclusive license to MLB and the Player's Association, we expected this year's game to excel. And in some ways that's come to pass: with integrated scouting reports and great online features, Major League Baseball 2K6 has some of the best detail going. If it didn't occasionally feel generic, there wouldn't be much competition on the field.

The key to this year's game is the Inside Edge scouting report. For one, reams of real-life stat detail has been incorporated into the AI, theoretically allowing CPU players to make decisions in the game that they'd make in real life.

The immediate effect of Inside Edge is the availability of scouting reports for every player. Purchase a player's report and when he's at bat pitches will be suggested based on his real performance in that situation. Got Ichiro in a 2-2 count? Inside Edge might suggest a low inside changeup; the catcher will even move into position as the pitch reticule hovers over the target. The pitch suggestions might unbalance the difficulty for some, but the catcher's movement is great.

(Scouting reports also help batters predict what pitch will be thrown in a given situation.)

Without buying a report, you're limited to what is more or less an old-fashioned pitching setup, albeit with a simplified three-tap throw. There are a few new details there, too: the game models the morale boosts of payoff pitches by improving or slashing your pitcher's effectiveness based on how he throws in a 2-strike situation. Get the out and a stat boost can land which lingers for the rest of the game. Throw balls or generate a hit, and his morale and rating might go to the toilet.

Batting has also been thrown a curve with the addition of analog swinging. We loved this in EA's NCAA title, and it works just as well here. Pull back the right stick to load the swing, then push forward just as the pitcher is releasing the ball. Go easy for contact, or follow all the way through for power. It's an intuitive, accessible system that, despite a short learning curve, should become the standard. For those who prefer the purity of button-tapping, that option is available as well.

The additional detail and mechanics help the game come alive in a plethora of modes. The online features are excellent, with solid connectivity, 16-player tournaments and 30-player leagues with the option to trade players, a first.