Little League World Series Baseball 2008 (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Little League World Series 2008


developer = Activision
publisher =
platforms = Wii, Nintendo DS
released = vgrelease|NA=August 5, 2008
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=E

"Little League World Series 2008" is a 2008 video game based off the Little League World Series. Released on August 5, 2008 for the Wii and the Nintendo DS by Activision, it is the first game in history to be officially licensed by Little League baseball. [cite web| url=http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2008stories/Activision_to_Release__Little_League_Baseball_World_Series_2008__Video_Game_for_Wii_and_Nintendo_DS_Game_Systems.htm| title=Activision to Release “Little League Baseball World Series 2008” Video Game for Wii and Nintendo DS Game Systems| publisher=Little League Online| date=2008-04-24| accessdate=2008-08-20] Its design mirrors "MLB Power Pros" and its sequel "MLB Power Pros 2008". The gameplay is also similar to the baseball game in "Wii Sports".

Gameplay and modes

The game begins when a player is taken to a main menu. They there can choose several different options, including World Series mode, exhibition mode and minigames.

World Series mode

In World Series mode, a player chooses one of the 16 different regions, and tries to reach the Little League World Series by making it through pool play, then winning in the playoffs.

Exhibition

In the Exhibition mode, a player can pit any two teams in the game against each other for a faster, less-complicated experience.

Minigames (Skill Challenges)

The game has an extensive array of minigames, which range from the power-hitting home run tourney to the accuracy-important Tic-tac-toe.

Home Run Tourney

In Home Run Tourney, a player sets the number of pitches, then trys to hit as many home runs as possible out of that number. Extra points are awarded when a player hits a hot-air balloon in the outfield, or when they hit consecutive home runs.

Tic-Tac-Toe

In Tic-Tac Toe, a Tic-Tac-Toe board is at the plate, and it's separate squares chage color. Depending on the color of the square, a player must throw a fastball(red), change-up(yellow), curveball(green), or slider(blue) as accurately as possible. If the pitch hits a same-colored square as it's color, it will make a mark there. If a pitch hits the incorrect color, play will pass to the next player.

Pitching Bowling

In Pitching bowling, a player is simply bowling from the pitchers mound. In ten frames, the player(s) must try to get as many pins as they can by pitching at them.

HORSE

Similar to Home Run Tourney, the point of the game is to hit the ball as far as you can. However, it is similar to the basketball game H-O-R-S-E- in the sense that a player must hit the ball to a target area of the field, or they get a letter of the word horse. They must get as many points as they can before they miss five times. They get bonus points for hitting the ball further, and are eliminated when they spell out the word horse.

Teams

All 16 regions are featured in the game.
*New England
*Mid-Atlantic
*Southeast
*Northwest
*Southwest
*Great Lakes
*West
*Midwest
*Latin America
*Mexico
*Europe
*Canada
*MEA
*Japan
*Asia-Pacific
*Caribbean

Reception

Both the Wii and DS games have received very separate reactions from critics. Some call the game "Simple, yet tough to master." [cite web | url=http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=959252&popup=1 | title=Little League World Series 2008 Review | last=Venter | first=Jason | date=2008-08-16 | accessdate=2008-08-30 | publisher=HonestGamers] While others say it's "...best for the younger players."

Wii

Critisism

One of the main critisisms of the game, especially from it's online gamers, has been it's lack of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. [cite web | url=http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/Little-League-World-Series.html | title=Little League World Series Baseball 2008 - Video Game Review | last=Goldberg | first=Harold | date= | accessdate=2008-08-31 | publisher=Common Sense Media]

References

External links

* [http://www.activision.com/index.html#gamepage|en_US|gameId:Little%20League%20World%20Series%202008&brandId:LittleLeague Official "Little League World Series Baseball 2008" site] at Activision