System: Microsoft Xbox 360

Also available for: Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStations 2 and 3, Sony PSP

Publisher: 2K Sports

Reviewer’s rating: **1/2

ESRB rating: Everyone

Game type: Sports

Kind of like: “MLB 2K7”

Best features: Improved pitching and hitting controls; good indie-rock soundtrack

Worst features: So-so fielding controls; intimidating learning curve; Joe Morgan

The bottom line: Realistic baseball games tend to pride themselves on, well, their realism. “MLB 2K8” is no different, and the degree of realism manifests itself in a steep learning curve that could frustrate the impatient — kind of like real baseball.

Not much has changed graphically: lumpy player models, clunky movements, it’s all back for another go-round.

But where “MLB 2K8” excels is in its pitching and hitting. Pitching is a particular joy, where the entire process is simulated with the right control stick. A fastball is straight back and forward. A curve is done by snapping the stick in a circular motion, front to back. Mess up, and you throw meat. It’s pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it.

Fielding is about as basic as it can be, but a sloppy button layout makes things harder than they need to be.

Hitting is what you would expect from a real baseball game. It’s hard. Broken down into its basic elements — step and swing — trying to hit a baseball is an exercise in frustration as players struggle to stay above the Mendoza line.

Without a doubt, this game requires patience to appreciate, if only to grasp the controls. But like the real game, once you understand it, the payoff is great.