It seems that everyone is capitalizing on the casual gaming market these days. With Wii Sports being such a worldwide phenomenon, 2K Sports figured they'd get in on the action. To that end, they're working on Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars exclusively for the DS. Yep, you heard right: a sports game is being developed specifically for Nintendo's best-selling handheld. Their ever-popular sim baseball game, MLB 2K8, is coming out for the PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, and PSP this year, but now DS owners will finally get some love.

From what I gathered by reading through the press release, MLB 2K8 FAS looks to be more of an arcade title along the lines of Midway's old MLB SlugFest series. In addition to the "fantasy" atmosphere, the game will also make extensive use of the touch-screen functionality of the DS. The press release mentions "specific gestures and intuitive usage of the stylus" and says that "all aspects of the game will be controlled on the Nintendo DS touch screen, including batting, pitching, fielding and baserunning." In other words, it hits on all the requisite casual gaming buzzwords.

It all certainly sounds intriguing -- the press release also touts three different gameplay modes, including All-Star Training, which will feature "a variety of fun and challenging mini-games." And really, isn't that what casual gaming is ostensibly all about? You'll be able to get your mini-game on with MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars this April, and you can hit up www.2ksports.com or the press release (after the jump) for more information.

2K Sports Puts Fans in Touch with the Action in Major League Baseball® 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars for Nintendo DS™

Never before has a baseball video game been so fun and addictively interactive

New York, NY – February 26, 2008 – 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), in partnership with Deep Fried Entertainment, today officially announced Major League Baseball® 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, an exciting new baseball title that will put fans into the action like never before. Available exclusively for Nintendo DS, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will offer fans of all ages a wildly fun experience featuring starting lineups from all 30 Major League Baseball clubs, a variety of exhibition and tournament modes, All-Star training mini-games, along with fantasy-themed baseball stadiums.

Utilizing the functionality of the Nintendo DS touch screen, Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars will provide fans the unique opportunity to control the power and technique of their swings and the speed and accuracy of their pitch by performing specific gestures and intuitive usage of the stylus. Fielding, baserunning and other controls will also utilize the DS touch screen, as players drag and trace lines to execute these specific baseball actions.

Adding to the addictive gameplay experience, players will also have the ability to obtain special “power ups” to complete incredible batting, pitching, and fielding performances. 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 amazing 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.

“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. “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.”

Some of the fun and exciting features included in Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars include:

• 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.

 

Major League Baseball 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, developed by Deep Fried Entertainment and published by 2K Sports, will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS™ this April and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information about this title, please visit: www.2Ksports.com.