Major League Baseball 2K9

Gaming's reigning cross-platform baseball franchise plays through the 2009 pro season in the streamlined Major League Baseball 2K9. Overall, 2K9 is designed to be more accessible and easier to control than recent 2K baseball games. Compared to the previous year's game, pitching and batting controls have been simplified to rely more on accuracy than on timing. 2K9 also aims to provide a realistic ballpark experience, for gamers on any platform. Leading off the line-up of aesthetic enhancements is a "living world" presentation that allows players to move seamlessly from the dugout to the batter's box, as umpires, coaches, players, and other personnel perform their own actions naturally in the background. The in-game Topps brand trading card system returns with updates as well. In the broadcast booth, the team of Gary Thorne calling the action and Steve Phillips providing color commentary is new to the series in 2K9.

CONTROLS

MENU CONTROLS

Analog Stick = navigate menus
Square Button = help
X Button = select option
Triangle Button = go back to previous menu

GAME CONTROLS

BATTING PRE-PITCH

L Button = increase all leadoffs
R Button = decrease all leadoffs
X Button = practice swing
Circle Button = base runner
D-Pad = pitcher or batter display
Square Button + Analog Stick = steal
Triangle Button = bunt
Analog Stick = influence hit
Start Button = pause

BATTING

X Button = swing
Square Button + Analog Stick = steal
Triangle Button = sac bunt (before pitch)
Triangle Button = drag bunt (after pitch)
Analog Stick = influence hit

BASERUNNING

L Button = advance all runners
R Button = retreat all runners
X, Circle or Triangle Button = control runner
Analog Stick = sliding controls
D-Pad = select base
Start Button = pause

FIELDING (WITHOUT BALL)

L Button = change fielder, cutoffs
X Button = jump, dive
Square Button = call off fielders
D-Pad or Analog Stick = move fielders
Start Button = pause

FIELDING WITH BALL

L Button = throw to cutoff
R Button = smart throw
X Button = throw home
Circle Button = throw to first
Triangle Button = throw to second
Square Button = throw to third
D-Pad or Analog Stick = move fielder
Start Button = pause

PRECISION PITCHING

L Button + D-Pad = hold for pickoffs
R, X, Circle, Square or Triangle Button = throw pitch
D-Pad = batter or pitcher display
Analog Stick = aim pitch break point
Start Button = pause
Select Button = quick key

SPECIAL PITCHING

L Button = view pitch break
L Button + X Button = pitchout
L Button + Square Button = intentional walk
L Button + Triangle Button = view pitch frequency or ratings