Konami’sPower Prosis a Japanese series of baseball games, instantly recognizable for its adorable chibi-style legless players. Until the release ofWBSC eBaseball: Power Pros, the most recent English-language versions of the game were last made available in 2007-2010. Even with some versions featuring MLB players,Power Prosnever found its niche in the market with the ultra-popularMLB: The Showseries gaining popularity in the past 15 years. The upcoming World Baseball Classic tournament presented Konami with an opportunity to reintroduce the game to international audiences, with nations competing against each from all over the globe.
Related:MLB The Show 22: Pro Tips For Beginners
Despite its budget-friendly price and cartoony appearance,WBSC eBaseball: Power Prosis a surprisingly complex simulation. While there are modes that make it easy for novice players to jump right into the action, much of the fun comes from assembling or editing teams using a pool of start-game pitchers and position players. More players unlock after playing tournaments, but even the initial group ofPower Proshave a diverse range of abilities thatcan overwhelm team builders. Players will have to contend with a cost system that limits the number of star players they can acquire, sothese players are the best options to build a team around.
10Nodoka Yumeshiro 3B
Nodoka Yumeshiro is an excellent choice to start a team in theWBSC eBaseball: Power Prosgame that won’t break the bank with cost. A left-handed-hitting3rd baseman without much power, Yumeshiro has solid all-around ratings and should hit for a reasonably high average with a B rating for contact.
Yumeshiro won’t easily rattle when facing adversity with the player’s level-headed attribute and is a more than capable fielder with an A grade for catching and a B rating for arm strength. Given Yumeishiro’s distinctive pink locks, there is no mistaking the 3rd baseman for another player when on the diamond.
9Yujiro Shindoh SP
Yujiro Shindoh isn’t quite the most expensive player in KonamiPower Pros, but he ismore than capable of leading a rotation as an ace as one of the best pitchers in the game. With a max velocity of 94 mph, Shindoh throws a fastball, slider, and forkball, relying on a nasty-breaking slider as his signature pitch. Shindoh’s ability to spot pitches exactly where he wants them is reflected by an A rating for control.
The left-handed throwing Shindoh is reliable with his trusty attribute and also remains chill under pressure. Shindoh has a menacing face which matches his ability to pitch like a tyrant on the mound.
8Izuru Kanehara OF
When assembling a team in aPower Prosgame, Izuru Kanehara is a good candidate for a leadoff hitter. Kanehara has an impressive S rating for Hit, meaning the outfielder will hit for an extremely high batting average. The player can effectively set the stage for run-producing hitters further down in a lineup, with a good eye and talent for drawing walks.
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Kanehara hasbetter-than-average speed and an ability to steal bases successfully, but surprisingly is an average or worse fielder. Still, the blond-haired rosy cheeked Kanehara is a tempting choice for anyone who can spend 3 cost points.
7Yokan Ukami SS
Shortstop is a critical defensive positionin anyPower Prosgame, and Yokan Ukami is ready to assume a leadership role with an A rating for arm strength. Unfortunately, his range and speed are limited by the battle axe he insists on carrying around. Nevertheless, Ukami is a top-tier offensive threat, with an S grade for power and a B rating for hitting ability.
Konami is otherwise short on details for Ukami’s personality, so the warrior probably prefers to let his abilities on the field do the talking for him. Costing 4 points, Ukami offers the added versatility of playing an outfield position.
6Mamoru Ikari SP
Choosing a quality number one starting pitcher in a KonamiPower Prosgame is essential, as they are likely toimpact tournaments more than any other player. Mamoru Ikari has a balanced combination of control and velocity, and the pitcher’s tendency to stay posed with runners in scoring position limits damage when an opponent is rallying.
Costing 6 points, with a conventional fastball as a signature pitch, Ikari doesn’t attempt to get tricky when games are on the line. Even so, the pitcher throws an assortment of capable breaking pitchers including a slider, curveball, and forkball.
5Tansaku Iseki 2B
When assembling teams in theWBSC eBaseball: Power Prosgame,defense is often overlooked in favor of fireball-throwing starting pitchers and slugging cleanup hitters. However, Tansaku Iseki quickly reminds players of theimportance of having an elite glove with his ability to change the course of games playing 2nd base.
Wearing glasses, Iseki’s defensive prowess may result from studying the tendencies of batters off the field. The right-handed hitting 2nd baseman is definitely no slouch as a hitter either, as his 88 hit rating and breaker tendency allow him to come up clutch with runners in scoring position.
4Roseo Verrese SP
Roseo Verrese is a flame-throwing right-handed starting pitcher with a surprising amount of versatility. Although he has a B rating for stamina, he also can introduce his 96+ mph fastball at critical moments of games as a middle reliever or closer. Verrese pitches with a three-quarters delivery that fools right-handed batters, but doesn’t see him succeed in the same way against left-handers.
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Roseo is cleverly named after his red hair, and despite his blazing fastball, also keeps hitters off-balance with a splitter and a knuckle curveball. With a point cost of only 2, Verrese is one of the best values in a KonamiPower Prosgame, especially when utilized against right-handed heavy lineups.
3Kiwamu Sendoh 1B
Kiwamu Sendoh is athreat to win any homerun derby contest, but he is also one of the best overall hitters in any KonamiPower Prosgame. Sendoh has an irresistible combination of making contact and launching balls to the moon at high rates, with an S rating for both. However, defense is apparently optional for Sendoh, with an E grade for fielding making him more suitable as an everyday DH.
Sendoh has one of the most dynamic personalities inWSBC Baseball: Power Pros, and regularly shows his passion for the game on the field with a zealous attribute. Even with a point cost of 5, the switch-hitting Sendoh’s talent for hitting home runs from both sides of the plate makes him a top target when crafting a lineup.
2Susumu Ikari C
Many baseball experts would argue themost important position player on the field is the catcher. Although pitchers usually have the final say, it’s catchers who signal to the pitcher what pitch type and location to choose. Susumu Ikari is one of the best catchers in theWBSC eBaseball: Power Prosgame, with an S rating of 90 and a strong throwing arm to gun down potential base stealers.
Ikari is a decent but not spectacular hitter, though defense is definitely the priority among catchers. The younger brother of starting pitcher Mamoru Ikari, having family members on the same team as a battery can either lead to unmatched chemistry or the potential for sibling squabbles.
1Daisuke Suzumoto SP
Daisuke Suzumoto is one of the highest-rated pitchers and players in theWBSC eBaseball: Power Prosgame. Of course, apitcher’s greatness only shines when a player understands their unique strengths. Whether Suzumoto’s inspiration is Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka who also appeared in the major leagues, is anyone’s guess. The two pitchers certainly share many of the same characteristics, with a wide assortment of pitches including the shuuto, which oddly breaks down and in to right-handed batters.
Suzomoto and his S rating for control come at a steep cost of 7 for players putting together their custom teams. The right-hander’s value seems almost limitless however, with an onslaught of special traits including an ability to strike out left-handers and right-handers with equal success.
WBSC eBaseball: Power Prosis available now on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.
