'MLB 12' is two swings - and a miss

"The Show" has dominated baseball gaming for a few years now, and although 2K's rival franchise closed the gap some in 2011, it has widened again in 2012.

What makes this year's offering from Sony more interesting, and more fun, is the way the game continues to detach itself from gaming and deliver a broadcast-like feel to what is happening.

The graphics are cleaned up, and the controls are simplified in ways that make the game rewarding to those who commit to mastering the national pastime.

The most noticeable addition is pulse pitching, a new throwing dynamic that, once mastered, allows you to mow down opposing batters in quick succession. More cutaways and new camera angles show stadiums teeming with activity instead of just being motionless backdrops.

This year's edition also features full use of the Move motion-control system. (Last year, it was usable only for "Home Run Derby.") There is some novelty in trying it, but considering the response lag and finicky nature of the motions, you'll probably give up after just a few innings.

Most of the game modes are unchanged except for a few tweaks here and there, although the new Diamond Dynasty will appeal to hard-core baseball gamers.

"Road to the Show" is still one of the best single-player sports campaigns on the market, with its depth and ability to keep you hooked on your player's progression for hours on end.

As far as "MLB 2K12," when I hit a home run in the demo and then again within my first three games, I knew something wasn't right. Considering the other problems in the game play, it is easy to see that 2K Sports has lost its feel of the franchise, as well.

Sure, the hitting is more dynamic (last year's version had you hitting to the same gap and spots in the outfield constantly), but subtle changes to the pitching mechanics hinder your success. The right analog stick used for pitching motions is too sensitive. Try as you may to master it, rarely do you feel as if you are controlling the game from the mound.

Also, the prompts and graphics are massive distractions from what is supposed to be a simulation-style baseball game (as opposed to 2K's old arcade version of baseball, "The Bigs"). Mix in glitchy animations when players field and throw a ball, and it gives you the sense that you are playing a stilted video game instead of an immersive baseball experience.