Someone at 2K Sports slipped The Bigs' athletes some growth hormone or injected steroids into their keisters. That would explain the bulging biceps, tree trunk legs and barrel chests of all the players in the game. Everyone, from the designated hitter to the pitcher looks like the Incredible Hulk, yet despite their exaggerated muscles, no one punches holes in walls or slaps their wife. Instead, they dig in, take the field and play fun, arcade quality baseball, the likes of which will entertain gamers long after they run out of Big League Chew.
For the most part, The Bigs plays like 2K Sports' MLB 2K series, complete with homeruns, strikeouts and double plays. Gamers won't push someone off first base, nor will they run to home and slap the catcher. All of the traditional baseball rules apply. Real world physics on the other hand, don't matter. Especially when an outfielder leaps 20 feet into the air to snag a fly ball, or when the short stop makes an impossible, body-twisting grab and rockets the ball to first base. Then there's the thrilling button mashing sequence between the third baseman and catcher, the fastest fingers determining the outcome of the inevitable collision. Just don't expect a lot of number crunching. Gamers don't play The Bigs to obsess over stats. They play for the adrenaline rush, the chance to sit down and shove a few, five-inning games (as opposed to the traditional nine) in a lunch break. They love the low angled camera that capture's the feeling of being inside a 65,000 seat stadium, as well as the ability to smack homeruns into that stadium's billboards; watching sparks fly and damaging the ballpark till the game concludes. Finally, jealous Red Sox fans can obliterate Yankee Stadium, at least virtually.
Beyond exhibition games, players will enjoy the Career Mode, a 20 plus hour sports adventure that allows them to create a player and embark upon a professional career that takes them from the minors to the World Series. Along the way, they'll compete in a series of mini games and challenges (coming back from a deficit, for example). Over time, their wannabe superstar evolves, becoming more efficient at his position. They can even outfit him with gear, swapping out wristbands and bats.
Then there's Homerun Pinball, a mini game destined for greatness. 2K Sports drops players into a remarkably detailed Times Square in New York City, pitting them against a pitcher that never tires. Hitting the ball sends it into the environment's numerous billboards and taxi cabs, netting thousands of points and earning special power ups. It grows monotonous over time, but gamers will enjoy climbing the leader boards. Online play also extends The Bigs' replay value, as gamers can compete against challengers from around the world.
For the most part, the PlayStation 3 version looks identical to the Xbox 360 game and features the same content, minus the Xbox Live achievements and lack of rumble in the SIXAXIS controller. Deal breakers for some, especially considering the game's lack of content. Career will keep players busy, but not for long. With no franchise mode, The Bigs' appeal wears off, making it a party game and not much else. Before long, gamers will return to the more robust MLB 2K7 and Sony's MLB 07: The Show.
Taking that into consideration, 2K Sports designed The Bigs to complement its MLB franchise, not compete against it. They follow similar baseball rules, but both of them offer their own unique experience. Just don't spend $59.99 for it. Despite the off the wall shenanigans and gorgeous special effects, The Bigs doesn't have enough features to justify its high price. Wait for a price drop, or make it the perfect weekend rental.
Final Score: 8 (out of 10)
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