Reviewed
07.10.2003
Publisher
Microsoft
Developer
Microsoft
Game Studios
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Domestic
Available
May,
2003 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
3rd
Person
Genre
Sports
/ Baseball
Player(s)
1~2
Options
Backup
Custom
Music
Vibration
Xbox
Live
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> Microsoft's first baseball game finally hits home and its out of the
park. This Xbox exclusive's real draw is its the only baseball game out
with Xbox Live support. I've always been a big fan of baseball and baseball
games and this game really does it justice. |
| Graphics |
|
> The baseball fields are brilliantly done with all the details right down
to either astro turf or regular grass. Not all the players had their images
digitally scanned, as some come off looking like clones of everyone else.
The ones that were digitally scanned look great though. The fans look like
a bunch of paper dolls sitting in the bleachers which is a real turnoff.
Don't get discouraged if your a graphics junky this game has lots of graphical
high points. |
| Control |
|
> The control is good at best. You can change your throwing controls from
either using the regular buttons or the left analog stick which is nice.
Fielding with the D pad can be slow and tedious at times but you eventually
get used to it. Batting and running the bases is the same as any other
baseball game so you'll get the feel for it right away if you've played
any before. |
| Sound |
> The sound effects are nice and the commentators get annoying at times
but you can always turn them off. The only music is at the opening titles
which is a pretty good rock version of "Take me out to the ball game".
Another nice feature is the customizable
soundtracks
which you can also take online, but there has been reports of extra lag
when using them online. |
| Fun |
|
> Offline this game is fun and addicting with many different gameplay options.
The bad thing is that they didn't include a franchise mode which really
takes away from the "real" baseball experience. Online this game is great,
with content dl right out of the package, scoreboards for all inning games
and great multiplayer action. Like I stated earlier the biggest draw is
the online multiplayer action. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Microsoft's first attempt at a console baseball was a success. This game
is great fun offline and even better online, just watch out for the dreaded
plug pullers and quitters when someone starts to lose a game. "It's Game
Time!" |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.3 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 8.5 | Sound: 9.5 | Fun: 10 |
~
Cloud ~
|
