Let's face it: the Wii was made for Baseball. Pitch, swing, even run if someone added balance board support--everything but the hot dogs. But in a sport plagued with controversy, 2KSports has chosen to take a traditional approach, but therein lies the scandal. How does this play out?

MLB Power Pros 2008 uses officially licensed teams, players, and stadiums but with a twist. The characters are short, almost Mii-like, with disconnected feet like Rayman, but still distinctly resemble their human counterparts. You can even work your Miis into the game and play your family against your favorite team. The cell-shaded graphics look great, as do the sounds and announcers. A screen full of different modes for both single player or 2-player offer promise, and additional compatibility with classic and GameCube controllers adds to the allure, making it easy to pick up, no matter what your controller preference.

But controls are the greatest weakness in the game. Don't get me wrong--the game controls great, and with different difficulty settings to allow more or less control over your team, you have lots of options. But this is a Wii baseball game. How do you think you'll pitch, throw, or bat? Put your hands down, because the game does not use the motion detection capabilities of the Wii in most modes. Were this a PS2 game, it would be excellent, but this is a Wii game. How do you do a Wii baseball game without having players swing the Wiimote like a bat?

That said, let me take you out to the rest of the ball game, since it's still worth a trip to the park, and we'll get back to the motion detection scandal later.

Modes

This game has more modes than you can shake a bat at, which really adds to its replay value.

Exhibition

This is the standard "pick up and play" mode for 1 or 2 players. You can even have the computer play against itself, so if you're feeling like a couch potato, you can watch a virtual representation of your favorite team play.

Success

Success mode allows you to create a player and work your way through the minor leagues through constant practice and playing games. The mode uses a lot of dialog that would be more interesting with actual voice actors and animation instead of animated stills, but the soap opera keeps things interesting. Yes, it's a baseball game with a love interest. I didn't quite get the point of "What are you going to do this week, practice or eat?" though.

Season

Season mode allows you to choose a team and work to become champions. This mode is for the hardcore baseball fans, as you play as the team's general manager, working through drafts, trades, and more. Emphasis is much more on the management than the gameplay, but you do play games as well. Don't expect most kids to gravitate to this mode. Think of it as single player fantasy baseball.

MLB Life

The other side of Season mode, you play a single player living as a major league player. Impress the coach for a chance to play, and make all kinds of decisions. This mode is a lot like Success Mode, but each has its own unique gameplay elements.

Home Run

This mode is an exercise in timing. Hit the ball at just the right time to knock it over the fence as many times as possible. Use different players in different ballparks to find the perfect combination.

League

League play allows 2-6 teams to compete. Because it has complex elements and can be drawn out a bit if you want, this could make for a great ongoing game between members of the family that could last for several weeks, depending how much time everyone has to play.

Practice

Practice fielding, pitching, base running, and batting, a great place for kids and adults alike to get used to the controls.

Shop/Baseball Cards

At the shop, you can use points you've earned playing the game to purchase new moves, equipment, and even stadiums. You can also buy baseball cards to get more information on the various players.

Arrange

Arrange mode allows you to create your own team from the entire MLB. Choose your Dream Team, and even tweak individual players to rule the MLB. These teams can be used in other modes as well.

Wii Remote

Here's the mode that most families will really enjoy. It's a pick-up-and-play mode and the only mode that actually uses the Wiimote for its intended purposes. It's simplified, probably too much for hardcore gamers, but for family fun, this mode is great. You can even bring Miis into the game and play your family against your favorite team. For a baseball-loving family, this mode alone makes the game worth getting. I just wish the motion-detection were available throughout the game modes.

Controls

We found that the Wii Remote mode is pretty easy to pick up, even for early elementary kids, once they get used to it. The regular controls were actually a bit more difficult, since it requires aiming. Being able to automate various team roles like fielding can make it a better experience for kids, though, since they can leave the most frustrating parts to the computer.

The Pennant?

I highly recommend this game to families who enjoy watching or playing baseball together. The learning curve is as steep or gradual as you want it to be, and with the plethora of modes, it'll appeal to the most casual or hardcore player. I wish Wiimote controls were available throughout the game, but that's my only complaint.