The Bigs 2
| The Bigs 2 | |
|---|---|
 North American cover for the Xbox 360 | |
| Developer(s) | Blue Castle Games |
| Publisher(s) | 2K Sports |
| Series | The Bigs |
| Platform(s) | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation Portable |
| Genre(s) | Sports Baseball |
The Bigs 2 is a baseball sports video game developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K Sports for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii, PlayStation Portable. The game performs as the direct sequel to The Bigs[1] On March 3, 2009, the first trailer for the game was released revealing that players like Ozzie Smith, Wade Boggs, Roberto Clemente, and Reggie Jackson and a number of other Hall of Famers would be playable in the game.[2] On April 7, 2009, the Milwaukee Brewers All-Star first baseman Prince Fielder was announced as the cover athlete chosen by 2K Sports and at the same time, it was released on July 7, 2009.[3]
Gameplay
The BIGS 2 features an over-the-top playing style, like the first game established. Unlike the first game, The BIGS 2 allows players to play through the full 162 game season and will allow the player to act both as general manager and as the players on the field by allowing the player to trade, draft, and manage other front office activities. The game also, includes new game modes called Power, Glove, and Contact. The Bigs 2 will not support the Wii MotionPlus, which allows for more precise control.[4]
At bat, the game also gives the player a new hitting system that consists of a "wheelhouse". Pitches thrown into the wheelhouse can be hit more efficiently by the batter or gain more turbo if taken for a strike. Strikes in the wheelhouse also shrink the radius of the wheelhouse. For some hitters, the circle will be bigger based on stats.
The game will also include real-time sequences where the player can quickly tap a button to catch a ball speeding quickly past a fielder's head. Like the original game, each button (e.g., the A button) will stand for a different base. When the button is pressed, the ball would be thrown to the selected base.
The new "Big Slam" mechanic allows the player to bring four consecutive batters up. If the first batter misses the pitch, but if contact is made, a single will automatically register. This will continue until the 4th batter is reached. If the first three players reached base by making contact, the 4th batter, upon making contact, will automatically hit a grand slam.
Become a Legend in a mode where the player creates a character who enters the league, eventually is drafted, and then tried to reach "Legendary Status".[5]
A demo for the game has been released in the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace, but the only playable teams are the NL and AL All Star Teams. The games only last 3 innings. Also, an intro to the mini game "Home run pinball" is included.
The Bigs 2 will be released in the UK on 29th July 2009 (date subject to change). It will be the first Baseball game to be released in the UK on Xbox 360. It is being released as a budget game with many retailers listing the pre-order for less than £20.00.(dandoc2)
References
- ^ Goldstein, Hilary (March 3, 2009). "The Bigs 2 this Summer". IGN. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ "The Bigs 2 Xbox 360Trailer - Announcement Trailer". IGN. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ "Prince Fielder Named Cover Athlete For The Bigs 2". IGN. April 7, 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-02.
- ^ "The Bigs 2 Preview". Retrieved 2009-06-28.
- ^ Ahearn, Nate (April 30, 2009). "The Bigs 2 Hands-on". IGN. p. 1. Retrieved 2009-05-02.