MLB vets Joe Morgan and Jon Miller once again return to the commentary booth, and rarely miss an opportunity to talk up a great game of baseball. The two work quite well together, giving praise when necessary (during a home run) and offering concern for a slumping player. Jeanne Zelasko and Steve Physioc cover the pre-game show, and a PR announcer keeps the crowd informed between on-field actions. The game also features authentic organ music, a decent alternative rock soundtrack (for player introductions and menus) and decent baseball-themed sound effects.
2K Games has also done some fine work with MLB 2K7's modes. Quick Game and Home Run Derby will have ball-players swinging for the fences, complete with a number of variations and on-screen tips. Players can also hop into Franchise Mode and balance the difficulties of handling a professional ball team, complete with trades, revenue and so much more. GM Career Mode lets gamers build up a pro player from scratch, aiming for the big leagues. All of these modes give the game some heft, probably enough to carry people throughout the regular baseball season. Achievements can be unlocked over the course of the game as well, with over thirty in all.
Finally, Major League Baseball 2K7 boasts Xbox Live support, although it doesn't always work efficiently. The support includes online tournaments, league set-up (for up to 30 teams) and the ability to hop into a ranked or unranked match. However, the online play runs into hitches, making it slightly difficult to read a pitch or time a base run. Hopefully, 2K Sports fixes this quickly -- or at least before the start of the regular season.
Major League Baseball 2K7 doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of baseball glory that MLB 2K5 achieved two years ago on the Xbox, but forward progress certainly beats no progress at all. Last year's screw-up has been wiped away in favor of an improved game with sharp visuals, solid audio support and fun game play. If 2K can fix up the little things, it'll return to World Series glory in no time.
Final Score: 8 (out of 10)
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