MLB Power Pros
Encyclopedia
MLB Power Pros is a baseball
video game developed by Konami
for the Wii
and PlayStation 2
video game console
s. It is part of the traditionally Japan-only Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū series of video games, and is the first game in the series to be released outside of Japan. It was released on October 3, 2007, and is published by 2K Sports
. A sequel, MLB Power Pros 2008
, came out on July 29, 2008.
of a Major League Baseball
team, with the goal of winning the World Series
. The player will have control over all the aspects of the team, including training players, purchasing better equipment, and trading players between teams. Maximum playtime is 10 years, or the team points run out and you lose (game over).
elements with baseball scenarios, following the player as he starts from a college
baseball player with the goal of becoming a Major League player. The player will train their character in numerous games while dealing with other social situations such as the character's academics, Marvin, and gaining a part time
job. Unlike the Japanese installments, Mylife mode is not placed in this installment, but it has an ability editor which Japanese version never had, due to the importance and popularity of success mode in Japan. (Note: Success mode is the mode which Power Pro Series create original players).
Your character has three years to impress a scout so you will make it to the minor leagues. You will have to improve your character by practicing, studying, earning money in a part-time job, dating, and of course, playing baseball games. You can play any position such as a starting pitcher, reliever, closer, or fielder.
Also, you will be given Fate Cards to make a decision. These cards are challenge, no, yes and Marvin. During gameplay you can lose or gain more Fate Cards.
In the 2008 version of the game, Success Mode starts in AA baseball and gives the user two years to win a major league contract. There are no fate cards. Some character names re-occur (e.g. Marvin) but they do not appear to have any connection with their 2007 namesakes(This has been proven since your dad changes through the games[2007:Your dad was very slang and would charge you to play catch; 2008: You dad was the owner of the galaxy sharks.). Though you can not create a player without finishing success mode.
You will begin by choosing Major League mode or Expansion Mode. Major League mode is the 30 major league teams only, Expansion mode is 2 teams and the 30 major league teams. The 2 teams are teams which you can create. You can create their uniform, team name, etc.
Your main goal is to try to win the World Series.
You can also trade players, play games (or fast forward them) and more. After each season, you can try to negotiate contracts with your team. There is also Spring Training where your team can learn new skills (new pitches, etc.) and develop previously taught skills faster.
to play an Exhibition game or play Home Run Derby. In home run derby, you will try to hit home runs with any player (including pitchers) at any stadium in 10 swings. If you hit a home run on every one of those 10 swings, you get extra swings until you get out. You can try to beat your high score. Your high score includes how many home runs hit, the distance traveled, etc. You can also choose the difficulty. Same rules apply for the mode Home Run Derby, but you do not use the Wii Remote to swing. Same rules also apply to the Exhibition game using the Wii Remote, look at the Exhibition Mode heading to find the rules.
version, players are able to use Mii
s within the game.
Like other MLB games, there are some players that are not in the game although they played during the 2006 MLB season: Players not in the MLBPA cannot be put into the game without negotiating with the players themselves. Instead of Barry Bonds, the game contains Great Gonzales and several other "Great" players because they are not part of the association. They do not have the same season numbers, stats, or appearances.
In-game commentary is provided by Jack Merluzzi.
stars: Boston Red Sox
starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka
, New York Yankees
third baseman Alex Rodriguez
, then-Los Angeles Angels
outfielder Vladimir Guerrero
, then-Detroit Tigers
catcher Iván Rodríguez
, Philadelphia Phillies
first baseman Ryan Howard
, and Seattle Mariners
outfielder Ichiro Suzuki
.
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
video game developed by Konami
Konami
is a Japanese leading developer and publisher of numerous popular and strong-selling toys, trading cards, anime, tokusatsu, slot machines, arcade cabinets and video games...
for the Wii
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
and PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
s. It is part of the traditionally Japan-only Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū series of video games, and is the first game in the series to be released outside of Japan. It was released on October 3, 2007, and is published by 2K Sports
2K Sports
2K Sports is a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. It comprises a single development studio, Visual Concepts, which was purchased from Sega in the year 2005. 2K Sports mainly develops and publishes American sports video games such as NBA 2K series...
. A sequel, MLB Power Pros 2008
MLB Power Pros 2008
MLB Power Pros 2008 is the sequel to MLB Power Pros. It is a baseball video game developed by Konami for Nintendo's Wii and the Sony PlayStation 2 video game consoles, as well as the Nintendo DS handheld, and is part of the traditionally Japan-only Jikkyō Powerful Pro Yakyū series of video games....
, came out on July 29, 2008.
Gameplay
Gameplay within MLB Power Pros features "easy pick-up and play mechanics". The game contains over a dozen gameplay modes, including a Season Mode and a Success Mode. Within the former, the player takes the role of a General ManagerManager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of a Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
team, with the goal of winning the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
. The player will have control over all the aspects of the team, including training players, purchasing better equipment, and trading players between teams. Maximum playtime is 10 years, or the team points run out and you lose (game over).
Exhibition mode
In this mode, players may play a baseball game against a Major League team. There are options for a day game or night game, number of innings, what stadium to play at, lineup selection etc. Players may also play exhibition mode with two players, or can watch a game against two teams with the computer controlling both teams and take the role of a spectator.Success mode
The story-based Success Mode, which has been a regular element in the Japanese Series (Main Series) since the third release, mixes traditional role playingRole-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
elements with baseball scenarios, following the player as he starts from a college
College
A college is an educational institution or a constituent part of an educational institution. Usage varies in English-speaking nations...
baseball player with the goal of becoming a Major League player. The player will train their character in numerous games while dealing with other social situations such as the character's academics, Marvin, and gaining a part time
Part time
A part-time job is a form of employment that carries fewer hours per week than a full-time job. Workers are considered to be part time if they commonly work fewer than 30 or 35 hours per week...
job. Unlike the Japanese installments, Mylife mode is not placed in this installment, but it has an ability editor which Japanese version never had, due to the importance and popularity of success mode in Japan. (Note: Success mode is the mode which Power Pro Series create original players).
Your character has three years to impress a scout so you will make it to the minor leagues. You will have to improve your character by practicing, studying, earning money in a part-time job, dating, and of course, playing baseball games. You can play any position such as a starting pitcher, reliever, closer, or fielder.
Also, you will be given Fate Cards to make a decision. These cards are challenge, no, yes and Marvin. During gameplay you can lose or gain more Fate Cards.
In the 2008 version of the game, Success Mode starts in AA baseball and gives the user two years to win a major league contract. There are no fate cards. Some character names re-occur (e.g. Marvin) but they do not appear to have any connection with their 2007 namesakes(This has been proven since your dad changes through the games[2007:Your dad was very slang and would charge you to play catch; 2008: You dad was the owner of the galaxy sharks.). Though you can not create a player without finishing success mode.
Season mode
In season mode, you play a General Manager (GM) for ten years (game time), that is, unless you run out of money by the beginning of the year.You will begin by choosing Major League mode or Expansion Mode. Major League mode is the 30 major league teams only, Expansion mode is 2 teams and the 30 major league teams. The 2 teams are teams which you can create. You can create their uniform, team name, etc.
Your main goal is to try to win the World Series.
You can also trade players, play games (or fast forward them) and more. After each season, you can try to negotiate contracts with your team. There is also Spring Training where your team can learn new skills (new pitches, etc.) and develop previously taught skills faster.
Arrange Team
You can create your own fantasy team and/or fill it with your own created players. Be warned however that in order to use an arrange team in season mode you must complete Success mode at least once and earn 100,000 in game shop points. This usually requires several days to several weeks of gameplay.Wii Remote and Home Run Derby mode
You can use the Wii RemoteWii Remote
The , also known as the Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendo's Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and...
to play an Exhibition game or play Home Run Derby. In home run derby, you will try to hit home runs with any player (including pitchers) at any stadium in 10 swings. If you hit a home run on every one of those 10 swings, you get extra swings until you get out. You can try to beat your high score. Your high score includes how many home runs hit, the distance traveled, etc. You can also choose the difficulty. Same rules apply for the mode Home Run Derby, but you do not use the Wii Remote to swing. Same rules also apply to the Exhibition game using the Wii Remote, look at the Exhibition Mode heading to find the rules.
Game Appearances
Every Major League Baseball player is recreated within MLB Power Pros. Every Major League Baseball player is also represented in traditional Power Pro style: a short character with a large head and detached feet. As an additional feature made by 2K sports, further appearance customization can be made in American version, including hair and facial hair. (while Japanese version are all in traditional style other than skin color). In the WiiWii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
version, players are able to use Mii
Mii
A is a digital avatar used in Nintendo's Wii and Nintendo 3DS gaming consoles. They allow users to capture a likeness of themselves and others. After creating one using the Wii's Mii Channel or the Nintendo 3DS's Mii Maker, they can be used as playable characters in various titles for the...
s within the game.
Like other MLB games, there are some players that are not in the game although they played during the 2006 MLB season: Players not in the MLBPA cannot be put into the game without negotiating with the players themselves. Instead of Barry Bonds, the game contains Great Gonzales and several other "Great" players because they are not part of the association. They do not have the same season numbers, stats, or appearances.
In-game commentary is provided by Jack Merluzzi.
Community
There is a growing community of support for MLB Power Pros, expanding on the sparsely documented Success Mode and other facets of the game. The community-run forums are located here and the Wiki page is located here.Cover
The cover features 6 MLBMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
stars: Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka
Daisuke Matsuzaka
is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball in the United States. He previously played for the Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. He was selected the MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze...
, New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
third baseman Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez
Alexander Emmanuel "Alex" Rodriguez is an American professional baseball third baseman with the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. Known popularly by his nickname A-Rod, he previously played shortstop for the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers.Rodriguez is considered one of the best...
, then-Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
outfielder Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
, then-Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
catcher Iván Rodríguez
Iván Rodríguez
Iván Rodríguez Torres , nicknamed "Pudge" and "I-Rod", is a Major League Baseball catcher...
, Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
first baseman Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard
Ryan James Howard is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies. Nicknamed "The Big Piece", Howard stands and weighs . He bats and throws left-handed....
, and Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
outfielder Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki
, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
.