MLB Power Pros was a surprise hit last year, with its kid-centric look and shockingly brilliant gameplay. The 2008 edition is set to hit stores on the 29th and we sat in on a conference call with Robert Nelson, producer MLB Power Pros 2008 to glean some info about the game.

From the sound of it, the 2008 version is more of an update than a massive overhaul; the idea being if it’s not broke don’t fix it. That’s not to say that there aren’t any new features. The new MLB Life mode simulates the day to day grind of a professional baseball player (in a humorous and quirky sort of way) as he struggles to stay in the lineup, tend to his family/girlfriend and dealing with life on the road. This sounds more like a story mode than anything else but you can run through 20 seasons in this mode.

It’s not all about baseball, even though you do get to negotiate for better deals but the non baseball stuff is just as key; the example in the call being that you have to remember to pack your toiletries when going on the road. I really have no idea of baseball gamers are itching for a game where you need to remember your toothbrush when doing a 10 day west coast road swing, but I’ll hold off any judgment until actually seeing the game.

Success mode is back this year and is a continuation from the same mode from the previous game; this time you start in AA ball and try to get to The Show. The guts of this mode have been completely redone with new stories, new characters, and a cleaner interface.

As far as gameplay goes, Nelson didn’t mention too many specifics about what’s actually new. We are getting pre-pitch fielding adjustments, new play by play commentary, loads of new unlockables, and the ability to bring your Mii to a friend’s house on your Wiimote. The Power Pros team strives to provide hardcore fans a serious baseball game despite its cartoony look and last year the game certainly did that but we’re hoping for this version to take the next step and again – we’ll have to see it firsthand before making a determination.