It seems as if a one kooky baseball title after another is announced for the Nintendo DS in Japan each week, although many of them will never receive a Western release. Take-Two, however, has today confirmed that Major League Baseball 2K8 will be swinging exclusively onto the handheld, featuring the star line-ups from all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs.

The Nintendo DS’ touch screen will be utilised to control the power and technique of a player’s swing and pitch, while specific gestures will make sure that the likes of fielding, baserunning and other actions are made as involving as possible.
All of these elements can be enhanced with special power-ups too, reveals Take-Two. Players can force their opponents to chase after the “chicken ball” that runs away from fielders once it’s on the ground, or confuse them with a “crazy ball” that takes an unpredictable flight path. Pitchers can throw new pitches such as a “super splitter” that splits the ball into two pieces to confuse the batter or a “fireball” that screams over the plate at rocket speeds while engulfed in flames. Fielders can join in the power up fun with the “brick wall” that causes a wall to instantly rise out of the ground to stop the ball in its tracks or the “super jump” that allows them to jump incredibly high toward the ball in flight. Crazy stuff, indeed.

Some of the features included in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars are:

• Unique Interactive Experience - All aspects of the game will be controlled on the Nintendo DS touch screen, including batting, pitching, fielding and baserunning.
• Exciting Gameplay Modes - Exhibition mode will allow players to quickly choose their favorite teams so they can immediately jump into the intense baseball action, while Fantasy Pennant mode will offer various tournaments to compete in. All-Star Training will assist players in learning the fundamental DS control functions wrapped up in a variety of fun and challenging mini-games.
• All-Star Lineups - Players can create their own unique baseball teams by choosing from the different starting lineups and putting together their favorite All-Stars.
• Uniquely Themed Stadiums - Set in extreme environments that portray the diverse North American environment, uniquely themed stadiums are in locations ranging from the Everglades in Florida to the Frozen North, locations that can only be mastered by the best.
• Multi-player - Supports two-player DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. For added competitiveness, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will utilize DS Wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connections so players can go head-to-head in intense worldwide multi-player gaming.

“It’s exciting to continue expanding our wide number of baseball offerings with Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. ,cite>“With all new fun and innovative gameplay features, fans will now have the great opportunity to step up to the plate and enjoy playing baseball like never before.“

“We’re proud to offer fans a unique and interactive baseball experience on Nintendo DS that is both fun and appealing for all ages,” said Brenda Bailey, chief operating officer of Deep Fried Entertainment. “With Spring Training™ right around the corner, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars comes at the perfect time to put players in touch with the action on a new level.”

Chock full of modes and variety, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars is looking like it could be - if its stylus control and gameplay is spot on - the Nintendo DS’ definitive baseball title.