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Baseball 2004 Round-Up: Part II

Welcome back with Part 2 of our exclusive baseball preview. Last week we looked at the cream of the crop in baseball videogames, with MVP, ESPN, and ASB, all trying to impress us with their Spring Training preview.

This week, however, will not be a watered down version of last week. Instead, we have two underdogs who will undoubtedly please us come April, but how sure can we be. Without further a due, let’s put our lids on and see how MLB 2005 and MLB Slugfest: Loaded are doing.

MLB 2005

Publisher: Sony

Platform: Playstation 2

2003 Performance: Unlike Sega and EA Sports, 989 has virtually kept its franchise the same over the past three years. Last year we saw a vast improvement in both graphics and gameplay, but still felt as if 989 were on their last breath. The graphics were still aren’t quite up to the competition’s and the gameplay innovation was still premature and filled with quite a few errors.

Best New Addition: Better graphics, presentation, and gameplay changes that are remarkable. Looking at the series is no longer an eye sore as the graphics have finally stepped up to the other games, maybe even beyond. The presentation is loaded this year with a three-man booth delivering the play-by-play and commentary with Vin Scully (Los Angeles Dodgers’ legendary commentator) leading the way. As for the Gameplay, we can expect a revamped pitching and batting interface as well as pressure sensitive fielding to deliver accurate representation on the mound, plate, and field.

Worst Purchase: Keeping under the same name. the MLB series has been scathed from past performances and unlike ESPN or MVP, decided to keep the name the same. Not that it’s that big of a deal, but when major changes are made a new name should go along to interest gamers into believing this isn’t the “old” MLB. Other than that there aren’t any major criticisms I can think of.

2004 Prediction: Although the good outweighs the bad by a long shot, gamers might feel distanced from the franchise after seeing the many half-effort MLB series games hit the shelves year after year. With ESPN and MVP both offering online support, MLB’s online might not be enough to pull itself out of the dugout thanks to past games. For those loyal to the series, this version might be the catalyst that will lead the franchise to the top.

MLB Slugfest: Loaded

Publisher: Midway

Platform: PS2, XB

2003 Performance: Burning bats, punches across the face, and pitches that break the laws of physics. If that isn’t the best way to sum up MLB Slugfest then I have yet to find it. MLB Slugfest did offer us with an “imaginative” world of baseball similar to NBA Jam’s take on baseball. The easy batting system and fast paced action made baseball gaming lighthearted. Sure it wasn’t as technically advanced as the others and the graphics weren’t as smooth as J.Lo’s backside, but it was still a lot of fun.

Best New Addition: Adding a bit of strategy to the game. Last year, Slugfest was great for some friends piling into a room and knocking some deep homers. This year, you might notice some adjustments that won’t take away from last year’s experience, but might certainly make it more enjoyable. Midway’s new lineup of

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sport games have changed, Slugfest along with it. They all seem to hold on to their roots while updating graphics and gameplay mechanics to compete with top market games. This year, we can expect some huge blasts as well as smooth double plays. To add on to the depth an all-new franchise mode has been added to ensure those of us who enjoy more than a couple quick games will have a stab at running a team.

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Worst Purchase: Keeping the same graphics engine. From the preliminary versions of the game, the graphics still feel premature (as last years version was). Sloppy player faces, awkward motion capturing, and jagged edges are sure to be found in this year’s game as the graphical advancements appear to be minimal.

2004 Prediction: Unfortunately, a last place finish. With Sony, EA Sports, Sega, and Acclaim all making leaps towards a perfect baseball game, Midway is still taking baby steps. Not to worry, this year’s version will be “loads” of fun; just don’t expect to be swept away by the eye candy.

That wraps it up for Armchair Empires look inside the baseball games of 2004. Hopefully you feel more enlightened than before reading this article, and if you aren’t, send your arguments to George Steinbrenner (I’m sure he’ll buy us out and put us in AAA). Good luck on finding the game that suits you best, for we know every gamer has their own preferences. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to take the Texas Rangers to the World Series (not likely).

- Eric Lahiji

(March 14, 2004)

comments@armchairempire.com


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