Wikipedia
Nicktoons MLB
View on Wikipedia| Nicktoons MLB | |
|---|---|
North American cover for the Wii version | |
| Developer |
|
| Publisher | 2K |
| Platform | |
| Release | Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS
|
| Genre | Baseball game |
| Modes | Single-player, Multiplayer |
Nicktoons MLB is a baseball video game released for the Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3DS platforms. The game was developed by High Voltage Software and published by 2K in 2011. It features playable characters from Nickelodeon shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, Invader Zim, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Danny Phantom, Planet Sheen, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Fanboy & Chum Chum, T.U.F.F. Puppy, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. Two characters only are playable in the 3DS version. One of them is the titular character Jimmy Neutron, and the other is from the Nickelodeon game Monkey Quest. Characters from Rugrats, Rocko's Modern Life, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, Hey Arnold!, The Angry Beavers, CatDog, El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Back at the Barnyard, and The Mighty B! make cameo appearances in the game's loading screens. In addition to Nickelodeon characters and some fictional baseball teams, the game also features players from real Major League Baseball teams. The game's announcers are Perch Perkins from SpongeBob SquarePants and GIR from Invader Zim.
The Nintendo 3DS version also has more stadiums and modes.[2] Both console versions allow the player to choose between traditional pad-based controls or motion controls, with the Wii version implementing the former with the Classic Controller and the Xbox 360 version implementing the latter with the Kinect sensor.
Gameplay
[edit]Gameplay of all versions of the game is similar to The Bigs and The Bigs 2. The game contains all the MLB teams along with the all-star teams and fictional Nicktoons teams in standard quick play games. For quick play games, 5 Nicktoons characters that have special abilities can be selected by each side. A few realistic baseball players from the chosen team also take part at bat and on the field. The game contains 6 fictional Nicktoons ballparks (7 in the 3DS version) and 6 real-life MLB ballparks (8 in the 3DS version) compared to the full MLB ballpark lineups in both The Bigs games.
There is also a tournament mode, where the player plays as any MLB team or a full team of Nicktoons characters to win a best-of-three-game series against other teams.
One of the game's other modes is called Distance Derby. This takes place in one of the fictional Nicktoons stadiums. The player selects an MLB player or Nicktoons character and tries to score points by hitting targets above the outfield. After one player scores 100,000 points, a turbo hit is activated for a game-winning hit.
Once the player beats a certain team or does something important in a game or Distance Derby, a card is unlocked. All of the player's cards are in a collection. If the achievement is done twice, the card will turn from Bronze to Silver. Doing so again will make it gold.
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| GameRankings | Xbox 360: 65.00%[3] |
Nicktoons MLB has received mixed reviews from critics. Operation Sports gave the game 4 out of 10, stating "As it is, you should only buy this for the Nickelodeon characters or if you are dying to play a Kinect baseball game. Otherwise, just treat yourself and your kids to The Bigs 2, a game with more polish and much more to do. Then, when you are done, watch SpongeBob."[4] Official Xbox Magazine gave the game a score of 6.5 out of 10, saying "Nicktoons MLB is fun but frivolous, which should work just fine for kids and families". They also both praised and criticized the usage of Kinect, saying "having your arm angle determine the pitch type is downright genius — though sadly, occasional gaffes (such as seeing swings you didn't take) muddle the execution".[5]
However, there have been some positive reviews as well. 123Kinect said "If you are buying this for yourself and are older it's probably around a 6/10, you will notice the flaws, which is why I rated it at 7, it's one of those on the fence titles. It's by far no means a real MLB title, however, it's a step in the right direction."[6] Anime Courtyard also gave it a 7 out of 10, stating "At the end we can say that Nicktoons MLB is not spectacular but not a bad option if you want a baseball game without complications. For children, a good game if they like the Nicktoons. And of course for a grown up who wants a trip on memory lane with their favorite Nickelodeon characters."[7] Nintendo World Report's review gave the game an 8 out of 10, concluding with, "Nicktoons MLB is a simplified but very fun baseball game. Don't let the kid-focused presentation scare you off; this game is worth a look from anyone in the mood for an arcade baseball game.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Nicktoons MLB - Xbox 360". IGN. 2011. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ Deci, T.J. (2011). "Nicktoons MLB 3D - Overview - allgame". allgame. Archived from the original on 14 November 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ "Nicktoons MLB for Xbox 360". GameRankings. Archived from the original on 2014-05-10. Retrieved 2014-05-10.
- ^ Roark, Caley (26 Sep 2011). "Nicktoons MLB Review (Xbox 360) - Operation Sports". Operation Sports. Archived from the original on 19 February 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ "Xbox Games, News & Reviews | GamesRadar+". Archived from the original on 2011-12-22.
- ^ Mike (22 Sep 2011). "Nicktoons MLB REVIEW | Kinect Game (XBOX 360)". 123 Kinect. Archived from the original on 26 June 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
- ^ Cybermario (26 Sep 2011). "Review: Nicktoons MLB (Xbox 360) - Anime Courtyard". Anime Courtyard. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ^ Corbran, J.P. (17 Oct 2011). "Nicktoons MLB Review - Review - Nintendo World Report". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on 26 June 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
External links
[edit]Grokipedia
Nicktoons MLB
View on GrokipediaDevelopment
Announcement and Concept
On May 2, 2011, 2K Play, in partnership with Nickelodeon, Major League Baseball Properties, and the Major League Baseball Players Association, announced the development of Nicktoons MLB, a crossover video game blending animated characters from Nickelodeon's popular cartoons with the sport of professional baseball.[9] The core concept of Nicktoons MLB centers on an arcade-style baseball experience where iconic Nicktoons characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Invader Zim, join forces with or compete against authentic Major League Baseball players, set against the backdrop of official MLB stadiums like Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium.[10] The game was positioned as a fun, accessible title that leverages official licenses for all 30 MLB teams and more than 300 real MLB players, including stars like Matt Holliday and Miguel Cabrera, to create immersive matchups.[11][6] Initial platforms announced included the Xbox 360 with Kinect motion control support for interactive gameplay, the Wii, and the Nintendo DS, broadening accessibility for console and handheld users.[9] Early promotional materials highlighted the game's family-friendly appeal, targeting younger audiences with its whimsical crossover of animated humor and baseball action; as Nickelodeon vice president of digital games and consumer products Shaan Kandawalla stated, “Our Nicktoons stars are taking the field and plan to 'go yard' against the best players in Major League Baseball.”[12] The title was led in development by High Voltage Software.[13]Production and Developers
High Voltage Software served as the lead developer for the console versions of Nicktoons MLB on Xbox 360 and Wii, drawing on their prior experience with arcade-style sports titles such as NBA Jam: Tournament Edition and NBA Hangtime.[14] The studio, founded in 1993, specialized in fast-paced, exaggerated gameplay mechanics suitable for the game's casual audience.[15] Black Lantern Studios handled the development of the Nintendo DS and 3DS versions, adapting the core gameplay for handheld platforms with touch-screen controls and simplified interfaces to accommodate portable play.[16] These ports retained the arcade mechanics while optimizing for the 3DS's stereoscopic 3D display and dual-screen functionality.[17] 2K Play acted as the publisher, overseeing the integration of official Nickelodeon character licenses and Major League Baseball authenticity, including licensed stadium models and player likenesses from all 30 MLB teams.[18] The production timeline spanned from the game's announcement on May 2, 2011, to its release on September 13, 2011, allowing for a focused development cycle.[18] Voice acting featured original Nicktoons cast members, including Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants and Richard Steven Horvitz as Invader Zim, with Douglas Carrigan directing the sessions produced by VoiceWorks Productions.[19] This ensured continuity in character portrayals across the roster of 25 Nicktoons. Technical features included optional motion controls for the Wii version using the Wii Remote for batting and pitching gestures, and full Kinect support on Xbox 360 for controller-free gameplay, emphasizing physical movements to enhance accessibility for family audiences.[20] The game employed simplified arcade mechanics, such as power-ups and exaggerated animations, to blend cartoonish flair with realistic MLB elements like authentic ballpark recreations.[21]Gameplay
Game Modes
Nicktoons MLB offers several game modes that blend Nickelodeon characters with Major League Baseball elements, allowing players to compete in exhibition matches, challenges, and extended competitions.[22] Quick Play mode enables single exhibition games where users can assemble custom teams consisting of up to five Nicktoons characters and four MLB players, including a pitcher, to simulate casual baseball contests.[22] These matches take place in a variety of stadiums, incorporating the crossover theme by pitting hybrid teams against each other or full rosters of one type.[22] Showdown mode features a head-to-head matchup between a team of MLB All-Stars and a team of Nicktoons characters, emphasizing direct competition in a full baseball game.[22] Tournament mode is a single-player bracket tournament featuring seven best-of-three series against opponents, allowing players to select an MLB team or a full team of Nicktoons characters.[22] Distance Derby is a home run derby mode where players compete to hit the ball as far as possible, aiming for targets in the outfield to score points, supporting single-player or multiplayer.[22] All modes adhere to a five-inning game structure by default, designed to maintain short, accessible sessions while preserving core baseball rules.[22] The crossover theme is enhanced through integrated power-ups and special abilities tied to Nicktoons characters, such as SpongeBob's bubble pitches that surround the ball in bubbles for visual and gameplay flair during throws.[23] A central Turbo Meter mechanic fills through successful plays like home runs or steals, enabling power-ups such as Turbo Swing for massive hits or Turbo Pitch for difficult strikes, adding arcade-style excitement to the realistic MLB foundation.[22] Multiplayer options support local co-op and versus play, accommodating up to two players across modes for shared control of teams.[22]Controls and Features
Nicktoons MLB employs arcade-style controls designed for accessibility, simplifying traditional baseball mechanics with timing-based meters for pitching and hitting to appeal to casual players across platforms. On the Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS versions, players use button-based inputs for core actions, such as selecting pitch types with face buttons (A, B, X, Y) and releasing at the optimal point on a power meter to determine speed and accuracy, while hitting involves pressing A for contact swings or B for power swings, with additional options like bunting via X. Fielding is streamlined with auto-targeting that locks onto the nearest base for throws using corresponding buttons, and a dive action triggered by A before the ball arrives, incorporating exaggerated animations for playful engagement.[22][24] The Xbox 360 version uniquely supports Kinect for controller-free, full-body motion controls, where players mimic real gestures: pitching involves arm throws at varying angles (e.g., overhand for fastballs, underarm for balls), batting requires a swinging motion while holding an imaginary bat, and fielding uses jumps for dives and targeted throws to bases, with turbo boosts activated by raising arms overhead to fill a shared power meter for enhanced performance. Wii players can opt for motion controls using the Wii Remote to swing for hits or throw pitches by flicking the remote like a bat, supplemented by optional pointer aiming for precise targeting, or switch to traditional button schemes with the Classic Controller or Nunchuk for similar meter-based inputs as on other platforms. These adaptations prioritize intuitive, exaggerated actions over simulation realism, such as turbo running by pointing the analog stick and pressing X when the meter allows.[22][20][5] Key features enhance the casual baseball simulation, including recreations of authentic MLB stadiums like Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium, overlaid with cartoonish Nickelodeon elements such as vibrant colors and themed obstacles, alongside original venues like Frosty Freeze Field for variety in 12 total ballparks. Fielding mechanics further support accessibility with automatic fielder switching via the right bumper and context-sensitive throws, ensuring dives and catches feel responsive without complex timing. Audio elements include customizable commentary voiced by Nicktoons characters Perch Perkins from SpongeBob SquarePants and GIR from Invader Zim, providing humorous play-by-play calls adjustable from off to high volume, integrated with standard sound effects for an immersive, lighthearted atmosphere.[22]Characters
Nicktoons Roster
The Nicktoons Roster in Nicktoons MLB comprises 23 playable characters drawn from prominent Nickelodeon animated series, with the Nintendo 3DS version expanding it to 25 by adding Jimmy Neutron from The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Hiro Mightypaw from Monkey Quest.[25] These selections emphasize iconic figures from the network's 1990s and 2000s output, blending humor, action, and adventure elements to create a diverse lineup that appeals to fans across generations. Characters retain traits from their original shows, translated into baseball mechanics like enhanced pitching, fielding, or base-running through special abilities activated via a turbo meter.[26] Voice acting features many original performers, preserving the authenticity of the cartoons, such as Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants and Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star. Other credits include Keith Ferguson as Danny Phantom, Richard Steven Horvitz as Invader Zim, and Eric Bauza as Stimpy.[27][19] The following table lists the base roster, their originating series, key traits adapted for gameplay, and voice actors where applicable:| Character | Originating Series | Key Traits and Abilities | Voice Actor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpongeBob SquarePants | SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) | Optimistic sea sponge; uses bubble-blowing for deceptive pitches and field distractions. | Tom Kenny |
| Patrick Star | SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) | Laid-back starfish; delivers powerful, slow swings for home runs. | Bill Fagerbakke |
| Sandy Cheeks | SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) | Texan squirrel scientist; karate chops for strong hits and agile fielding. | Carolyn Lawrence |
| Larry the Lobster | SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) | Muscular lifeguard; excels in speed and strength for steals and throws. | Mr. Lawrence |
| Flying Dutchman | SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) | Ghostly pirate; spectral phasing allows intangible base-running. | Brian Doyle-Murray |
| Aang | Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) | Airbender avatar; generates wind gusts for curving pitches and evasive glides. | Ben Helms |
| Katara | Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) | Waterbender; uses water whips for precise throws and slippery fields. | Jessie Flower |
| Toph Beifong | Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) | Earthbender; seismic senses for superior fielding and earth tremors to disrupt pitches. | Jessie Flower |
| Zuko | Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) | Fire Nation prince; fire blasts for fast pitches and aggressive base running. | Dante Basco |
| Danny Phantom | Danny Phantom (2004) | Half-ghost teen; ghost intangibility aids steals and phasing through tags. | Keith Ferguson |
| Fanboy | Fanboy & Chum Chum (2009) | Superhero-obsessed boy; gadget-assisted swings for trick plays. | Tim Dadabo |
| Chum Chum | Fanboy & Chum Chum (2009) | Energetic sidekick; quick reflexes for base steals and distractions. | Nika Futterman |
| Jimmy Neutron | The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002) | Boy genius inventor; deploys robotic enhancements for precise pitches. (3DS exclusive) | Debi Derryberry |
| Sheen Estevez | The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002) / Planet Sheen (2010) | Hyperactive enthusiast; Ultra Lord-inspired power hits. | Jeffrey Garcia |
| Mr. Nesmith | Planet Sheen (2010) | Chimpanzee leader; agile climbing for outfield plays and banana distractions. | Kevin McDonald |
| Ultra Lord | The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2002) | Superhero idol; laser eyes for stunning fielders and powerful swings. | Jim Cummings |
| Invader Zim | Invader Zim (2001) | Alien invader; laser distractions disorient fielders during plays. | Richard Steven Horvitz |
| Gaz Membrane | Invader Zim (2001) | Goth girl; dark energy for curveballs and intimidating stares to freeze runners. | Melissa Fahn |
| Ren Höek | The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991) | Hyper chihuahua; speedy base running and yips to distract opponents. | Chris Edgerly |
| Stimpy J. Cat | The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991) | Naive cat; joyful bounces for high jumps in fielding. | Eric Bauza |
| Powdered Toast Man | The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991) | Superhero with toast powers; flies for spectacular catches and rapid pitches. | Corey Burton |
| Shaven Yak | The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991) | Mystical yak; endurance for long at-bats (non-verbal). | Billy West (sounds) |
| Dudley Puppy | T.U.F.F. Puppy (2010) | Secret agent dog; gadget paws for enhanced throwing accuracy. | Jerry Trainor |
| Kitty Katswell | T.U.F.F. Puppy (2010) | Secret agent cat; laser lipstick for precise hits and stealthy steals. | Grey DeLisle |
| Hiro Mightypaw | Monkey Quest (2010) | Heroic monkey; vine swings for fast base running and banana peels for slips. (3DS exclusive) | N/A (non-speaking) |