PSone REVIEW:
Upon receiving our review of MLB 2001 for the PSOne the first thing to go through my head was the old Who tune, Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…I just had to wonder to myself, did 989 just pump out an updated roster version of MLB or did they go that extra mile and end the series on the PSOne on a high note. Let\'s see…
For those that have played the MLB series you are already aware of the ups and downs that this franchise has been through. The gameplay has waffled from a good sim to a relatively bad arcade game and then last year settled somewhere in between. This year\'s version presents gamers with all of the updated rosters of course. Also there are the new stadiums, the face lifted stadiums, etc. In addition to the normal updates, MLB2002 has added a few new gameplay options.
Gamers can now play the game in Manager mode where you sit back and manhandle your players. Better still is the General Manager mode where you get to sit in the drivers seat as owner of the franchise. Both modes give players a whole new perspective on the game and prove to be an interesting and worthwhile addition to the series.
Spring Training mode is very cool and gives AAA players the chance to make the cut onto a major league team or get sent back to the minors.
The MLB series I felt always contained a nice batter / pitcher interface that captured the timeless battle between hitter and pitcher quite well. This version is equally as challenging and enjoyable. With MLB\'s Total Control Pitching/Batting and Fielding, players can really experience the thrill of armchair baseball without fear of pulling a hamstring.
To coincide with the Total Control interfaces, the animation has been beefed up so sliding, jumping batting, running, etc. all look quite realistic and believable. To further compliment the package, there is a wonderful television style presentation to the whole game. From the game announcers to the camera pans, MLB does a fantastic job of getting players into the game.
Batting stances can be adjusted in a myriad of different ways with gamers able to shift left or right, move within the batters box and open or close your stance. There are also many signature style stances for the major leaguers that accurately mimic their real life counterparts.
This version of MLB is certainly more rooted in the sim category this year and well it should…that\'s where it began its history and it is fitting that it should end this way. The real drawback though is that the game does not move along at quite a fast clip as say the TP games do. For me this was just fine and an acceptable trade-off, but it may put off those that have weak attention spans.
The graphics are about the best this series has seen with smooth animation, nice camera views and seamless controls. The character models have been pumped up to about as far as you are going to see on the PSOne and the stadiums are very nicely represented and modeled as well.
On the sound side of the house, there is great announcing by Vin Scully and to take a cue from the EA book, MLB has some fine color analyzing by Dave Scully.
The sound effects and music are what you would expect from watching a BB game on TV. Nice bat/ball connecting sounds, crowd noise and a cheesy organ or good rock music.
FEATURES:
· TV-Style Presentation - Along with more commentary from the two-man booth of Hall of Famer, Vin Scully and color analyst Dave Campbell, all new camera angles provide the authentic telecast.
· Professionally Consulted AI - Batting AI has been designed with Tony Gwynn. Pitching AI has been improved with input from nearly a dozen top hurlers in the game including, Trevor Hoffman. Defensive and strategic AI have been enhanced with input from top MLB Managers.
· Stadium Graphics - Play at the all-new PNC Park in Pittsburgh or one of the newer stadiums in the league including; Safeco Field in Seattle, Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco and Comerica Park in Detroit. Player Models & Animations - More than 300 authentic Major League motion-captured animations with 250 personalized moves.
· Player models featuring actual player faces, right down to their facial hair.
· Multiple Gameplay Modes - Exhibition Mode delivers on the fly match-ups to scratch that itch for MLB action. Spring Training Mode tests your skills to see if you have what it takes to earn a spot in the show. In Season Mode, pace yourself through the challenge of 162 games in your quest to win the World Series™ title. Can\'t wait a full season for the glory? Skip ahead to the All-Star game, Playoffs or World Series™. If power hitting is your game, Home Run Derby will determine the modern day Sultan of Swat. Franchise Mode forces you to use your gaming skills and scouting ability to win games, earn points, purchase contracts of big name players and build your team from a doormat to a dynasty!
OPTIONS:
• 1 Disk(s)
• CD Media
• 6 Block required on Memory card per save (min)
• Up to 2 Players (without Multi-tap)
• Uses Dual Shock Pad Buttons
• Uses Dual Shock Pad Analog Sticks
• Uses Dual Shock Pad Vibration facility |
