The war between 2K and EA Sports continues. First EA buys the NFL license, which is followed by 2K buying Baseball (Third party omissions only). Then EA buys College Football and left the world wondering what sports franchise would be next. As of this review, no one yet has the sole rights to the NBA or NHL. Which leads us to the latest acquisition of College Baseball purchased by EA. And while these players may not seem too familiar if at all, that does not take away from EA producing one fine hardball title.

MVP 06 NCAA Baseball continues the same solid control and precision that they made famous in their pro baseball series. What's more, this is not just a new college paint job splashed onto an old engine. EA has made some new and innovative strides in creating the most involving and inventive baseball game to date for the company. Even though the game has been completed in less than a year, EA didn't pull the old rush job and release the game featureless. Sure, the package may not give fans everything, but there are plenty of teams, features, and even online play to give gamers a full year of college baseball gaming until next season.

Visually EA has created the college atmosphere, but due to the availability of actual players, the game does come off rather bland more times than not. Expect to see similar if not identical players even on the same team, as the player selection is rather weak. With baseball, it seems more evident as there are no helmets or masks to distinguish one from the other. Even so, the player models themselves are small in stature and give gamers pre-roided players and typical physical structure much like today's college athletes. Animations are fantastic, and since these aren't pro level players, you'll get even more animations due to bobbles, errors, and missed plays. The stadiums look authentic, but there isn't a large selection of them to choose from. With over 120 teams, only 19 stadiums are available, which doesn't give off a home field advantage atmosphere. The presentation is good, but there is a lack of the ESPN license that EA made such a big deal about acquiring. Sure there is glimpses of it, but the overlays, screen wipes, etc. are standard EA fluff. If you look quickly, you will see it in the sports ticker and ESPN Radio Sports Center, but unfortunately not much else. I really hope to see EA integrate the license better in the future.