Going with the so-obvious-it-has-to-be-MLB 08: The Show logic, the 2008 Operation Sports Baseball Game of the Year is indeed MLB 08: The Show. In fact, outside of a few stray votes for Out of the Park Baseball 9, MLB 08: The Show was the overwhelming choice among the staff here at Operation Sports.

MLB 08: The Show could be the best baseball game to come around since MVP Baseball 2005. For those a little rusty at math, that means MLB 08: The Show is the best baseball game in nearly four years. That is the type of game that could be a challenger for the Game of the Year Award that will be given out in the near future.

Operation Sports Baseball Game of the Year: MLB 08: The Show

Staff Thoughts

Christian McLeod: This category was not even close for me this year -- The Show was king, and rightfully so. 2K8 was a complete disaster, but even so, The Show deserved this award on its merits alone.

As a baseball junkie, this game gave me everything I could ever want in a baseball title. Great graphics, check. Great fielding gameplay, check. A simple, yet deep pitching mechanic, check. Great bat on ball physics, check. Superior career mode, check. Dynasty full of options to keep me busy through 10-plus seasons, check.

This game was the single reason why I dropped $500 on a PS3, and I have not regretted that decision because of this game.

I have been waiting for a baseball game to dethrone MVP 05 as the best baseball title ever made for four years now. It makes me very happy to finally be able to say that SCEA has given us a game that is almost deserving of the crown. The only thing holding The Show back from stealing the title from MVP was offseason player progression, minor league prospect progression and some quirks with the left-stick directional-hitting mechanics.

I fully expect The Show 09 to finally pass MVP 05 because of the more than solid foundation The Show 08 has paved. This is a franchise that is destined for true sports-gaming greatness.

Jack Hoeffel: While MLB 08: The Show did not incorporate unique or difficult controls, it succeeded by offering the most realistic playing game of baseball to date. For this reason, it was a baseball fanatic's dream game, allowing a user to run a franchise, take a player through the minors to the hall of fame, or simply play a quick game to pass the time. Everything in the game was polished and fun to play, and the presentation was second-to-none.

Caley Roark: I do not think many will disagree with this winner. MLB 08: The Show was an altogether more complete, polished and fun package than its main competitor, MLB 2K8. Despite 2K8's attempt at innovating pitching, it cannot measure up to one of the best reasons to own a PS3.

That said, if you have not tried Power Pros, you owe it to yourself to experience a radical alternative to traditional baseball games. While it may never challenge The Show's authenticity, this unique little game is a lot of fun. It could be even better with more integrated Wii controls.

In any case, The Show is currently the pinnacle of console baseball.

Matthew DiStaulo: MLB 08: The Show was surely a great achievement, and I agree with the nod for game of the year. However, I think 2K really has something special with MLB Power Pros 2008, and I would love to see 2K expand on the series and incorporate some of the essential missing components that are standards in the sports genre, such as online play and roster updates. The on-the-field game is right on par with MLB 08: The Show, and the Road To the Show mode could really take some ideas from Power Pros' Success and MLB Life modes in terms of the off-the-field antics. For those that have given MLB Power Pros 2008 a spin, they know this race was not as much of a landslide victory as some would think.

Richard Chavez: When the competition this year is from MLB 2K8, this award does not seem to have much merit. However, MLB 08: The Show is far and away the best baseball game in years. While its straightforward as can be, there is still enough for serious baseball fans to enjoy. The original Road To the Show mode is deep enough that you would want to play as both a pitcher and hitter, as both sides are completely different. The weekly roster updates assured this game a spot in the rotation at least through September. 2009 can only get better, since Sony will be adding more bells and whistles to an already tight game. Along with Metal Gear Solid 4 and LittleBigPlanet, MLB 08: The Show is really an experience you can only find on the PS3. I feel bad for Xbox 360- and Wii-owning baseball fans.


Bryan Estrella: Man, you guys are killing me here. No offense to LBP and MSG4, but MLB: The Show has been the ONLY reason why I have been interested in purchasing a PS3. Unfortunately, the price has still been a bit too rich for my blood. Maybe this year's version will change things.

Personally, my baseball GotY was OOTP 9, as I am more of a text-simmer and it was an incredible game. However, Power Pros was also a great game that managed to improve upon its previous iteration and provided the type of simplicity meets depth gameplay that I adore.

That being said, I cannot argue with the choice, and I hope to soon join in on the MLB: The Show fun.

Steven Bartlett: I think MLB 08: The Show is the best sports simulation in any genre on any console.

The Show’s business management and marketing features in the Owner Mode provide gamers a look into the side to sports we all love to mess around with -- and that is the intricacy of the sports business world and its many dynamics. The idea of truly engineering your baseball franchise from a business-management standpoint is intriguing and in demand by hardcore sports gamers.

We want more control. We want more innovation from developers. The Show delivers. I believe the Owner mode in this title is unrivaled and is the standard by which sports titles should build their franchise modes around.

Patrick Williams: Totally agree with the winner in this instance. MLB 08: The Show was by far the best baseball product out on the market. This game prompted me, along with many others, to purchase a PS3 last spring. That is some strong word of mouth.

The Show was just the most comprehensive and immersive baseball game on the market. I know we all know how I feel about 2K's product, but I went into this season a Take Two fan because of last year's game, and came out with a new system and new favorite baseball game.

The little things that occur in this game capture baseball in its purest form. The weekly roster updates and patches that fine tuned this game's biggest downfalls are to be commended for sure as well.

Readers' Choice

Winner: MLB 08: The Show

Voting Results: MLB 08: The Show (86.07%), Major League Baseball 2K8 (6.56%), Out of the Park Baseball 9 (3.55%)

Readers' Thoughts: Really, we need a poll for this? -- K_Gun

If MLB 2K8 even gets one vote, that person should be bludgeoned to death with a blunt object. No-brainer here, The Show gets my vote. -- Funky_Chicken

I am another one who purchased a PS3 just for The Show. I bought 2K8 for my 360, played it one night, and then sold the 360 on eBay and bought the PS3 with The Show the next day. -- adam42381