Publisher: 3DO
Ages: seven and up.
Parental
Advisory:
None
For sports-minded families, life doesn't get much better than a day at the ballpark-real or virtual. In this regard, 3DO's High Heat Major League Baseball 2004 delivers the games of summer.
The title covers the bases with in-depth statistical-based gameplay that offers lots of action, management options and great graphics, and does everything as well as a Triple Crown winner. It lets players get into deep, ongoing games that go season after season with an emphasis on team management, or play a fast game in a Two on Two Showdown that pits batter against pitcher in a single-inning. The game offers some 30 different pitches, and players can customize games, from the difficulty, to the runner speed, frequency of foul balls, pitch speed and more.
The game's 11 modes include Home Run Derby, Fantasy Draft, Create-A-Player, Player Editor, Career, Franchise, Exhibition, All-Star Game, Playoffs, Two On Two Showdown, and Batting Practice. New to the game is a complete Minor League system (AAA, AA, A) with player contracts and free agency. Players can modify stats and team members and create up to 48 custom players. High Heat 2004 can download roster updates through Microsoft's Xbox Live service. For die-hard fans, this is a worthy feature.
The game's graphics and sound are impressive. The players move in realistic ways and the stadiums look great. The audio include first rate announcing, as well as the sounds of hecklers, vendors, crowds, and a stadium announcer. The game even features elements such as umpire arguments, player ejections, dropped third strikes and catcher snap throws.
At the end of the season, High Heat Major League Baseball 2004 makes the playoffs. It tends to emphasize statistics more than some of its competitors, but delivers a satisfying, authentic baseball experience.
3/26/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
