Related Video: Ryan Howard on MLB 08 The Show

MLB 08 The Show [Sony]
Overview: In the latest version of the The Show, you’ll experience a new blend of features and gameplay opportunities. Sony’s motion capture technology and personalized animations make the players as real as can be.
Systems: PS2, PS3, PSP

Best Features
Road to the Show: In career mode, you can bring one player up through the ranks to get him batting and fielding in the Big Leagues. You’re also responsible for positioning correctly for a cutoff, covering a double play and knowing your coaching signals. “You’re responsible to know what [each] sign means,” Cramm says. “We spoon-feed it to you at the beginning; but by the time you make it to the Majors, you have to know what those signs mean and [how] to act accordingly.”

MLB Player Motion Capture and Personalized Animations: Howard, as well as dozens more of the game’s greatest, had their moves captured and animated. “[I] just put myself in the mind-state of being in a game, thinking about being at the plate, looking at the pitcher...trying to hit a homerun,” Howard says.

Online League Play: Set up leagues of six to 30 teams with your boys. You get full stat tracking, point benefits and rewards.

Major League Baseball 2K8
[2K Sports]
Overview: In the fourth installment of their baseball series, 2K has overhauled its content and features for a new gaming experience. New pitching and batting systems give you more control of the speed and placement of the ball and bat for more realistic offense and defense. “Signature Style” adds to the realism by bringing specific animations to your favorite players.
Systems: Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii

Best Features
Swing Stick 2.0: Looking to hit a homerun, grounder or single? New batting controls, which provide a variety of timing, direction and pitch location options, give you truer ball-to-batexperiences.

Total Pitch Control [TPC]: Your execution and accuracy come into play with TPC. By matching specific gestures and releases with the joystick, as well as simulating the arm and wrist action required when throwing, you’ll experience the real motion of throwing a specific pitch.

2K Sports Online: Improve your on-screen and on-field gaming skills as you go head-to-head against more than a million online 2K gamers.