The Armchair Empire - PC Reviews: MVP Baseball 2003


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- Great 3D graphics, replays and menus - All new and improved pitching & batting interface, easy to learn - New play modes and player stats for more interesting, involving baseball action

- Some likeness issues - Missing some of the interest and options of the more arcade style simulations

Review: High Heat Baseball 2003 (PS2) Review: Out of the Park 4 (PC) Review: MVP Baseball 2003 (XB)
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MVP Baseball 2003

Score: 8.5 / 10

New for the 2003 season, EA Sports' MVP Baseball 2003 is a welcome addition to PC baseball games, boasting some of the finest baseball action on a platform to date.

Starting with all of the opening videos and music, this game is an official MLB game, so it's got all the extras - actual player videos, lots of music, those little things that make the package extra sweet. With the game on, simply pick a team and you're off to the big leagues.

I was originally annoyed that the game lacked a tutorial, but as I played, the learning curve was surprisingly short. I was soon hitting home runs like the big leaguers. The game lets the player pick from all the authentic teams (I couldn't make my own which was a little disappointing, but never mind) and go to a whole

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range of real stadiums. The detail on the stadiums is impressive, which can be played at night, dusk and day. In the game, you take on the roles as the pitcher, fielder, batter, everyone with the simple control scheme.

The pitching interface, as boasted on the box, involves the player more than ever and makes the game all the more sweet. Unlike the most of the game, pitching takes a little while to get used to but it involves the player much more than previous arcade-style baseball games, really getting down and dirty with the feel of real baseball.

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The graphics are mostly impressive, from the great 3D players on the feel with fluid, lifelike movement, to the astoundingly cool replays, almost everything works. There are some minor issues, like the poor crowds and the occasionally likeness problem, but it's overcome by the fun of the game.

There are a few different modes of play in MVP Baseball 2003 - the Franchise mode takes the game a step further adding in player contracts and manager roles. Although not as deep as Sega's World Series Baseball 2K3, Franchise still carries a level of realism for those who want to manage a MLB team with lots of interesting options and possibilities. For a simpler game, you can step up to bat and take on an opposing team in a Home Run Showdown, aiming to smack as many balls out of the park as possible for the most points. Other play modes, like Tournament and Season, don't offer anything new but round out the package.

Overall, MVP Baseball 2003 is a solid addition to the EA Sports line. Normally I'm not big on sports games, but I picked up MVP Baseball 2003 with an open mind and was pleasantly surprised – a must-own for MLB fans.

- Shocka

(July 13, 2003)