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Madden NFL 2007
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Pub.: EA
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Dev.:
EA
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Score: 8.6 |
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All Star Baseball 2004 Review
by 007
With spring closely approaching, Major League Baseball (MLB) has rushed out of the gates with pre-season action already beginning. As all eyes focus on the 2002 World Series champions the Anaheim Angels, a new season is about to come forward with new opportunities and a new chance for glory.
There’s a slim chance that anyone would have guess what the Xbox would have in store for Baseball gamers. This year the Xbox will add six different Baseball titles onto the shelf:
-Inside Pitch 2003 (Microsoft Game Studios)
-World Series Baseball 2K3 (Sega Sports)
-MVP Baseball 2003 (EA Sports)
-All-Star Baseball 2004 (Acclaim Sports)
-MLB Slugfest 20-04 (Midway)
-High Heat Baseball 2004 (3DO)
Stiff competition? You better believe it. Never before have I seen something like where six different developers battled it out to see who hits the grand slam. There’s significance between all six titles as each has something the other doesn’t making it a tough decision to…well pick one of them.
To make things even more interesting, this year marks the rookie season of 3DO’s High Heat Baseball, making it the developer’s first title supporting the Xbox. EA Sports decided to ditch the “Triple Play” license and reveal MVP Baseball 2003. MLB Slugfest 20-04 offers the more physical side of baseball and looks to deliver again this year. The most expected of all news was Microsoft developing Inside Pitch 2003 and making it the only Baseball title this year with full online support.
Getting back to Acclaim’s latest Baseball title in the series, All-Star Baseball 2003 has a production year but didn’t have the finishing touches that would have taken it all the way. This year’s version seems to have the touch up’s and upgrades that were previously lacking, but can it steal the show even with the high heated competition?
Features:
-Downloadable Content VIA Xbox Live
-Scenario, Rookie, and Pick up Game mode join the already vast amount of gameplay
-New motion captured animations, AI logic, and gameplay features
-Official player trading cards
-Multimedia section lets you check out footage of the stars
-Tons of unlockables, legendary teams, players, and uniforms
-5.1 Dolby Digital
Gameplay:
All-Star Baseball 2004 offers slick, easy to follow menus from the startup. You’re offered the complete setup in order to get yourself started where you want to be. You should come to notice the basic menu options when you start the game:
-Quick Play
-MLB Play
-Bonus Play Modes
-Special Features
-Download Roster Updates
ASB 2004 really stands out when it comes to the amount of selection the title has to offer. There is just so much to do and see, it’s simply amazing with how much effort was put into the title. What truly impressed me was the new edition of the “Rookie” mode. For those new to the sport of baseball on a console or new to a different baseball game, the rookie mode is a basic tutorial where Derek Jeter himself teaches you through the basics of the game and along the way throws some valuable tips. While the tutorial can only help one to learn about the game so much, the batting practice is your best bet of learning how to bat good and effectively.
Possibly one of the most challenging and intuitive modes worth giving a shot is the Scenario mode where Derek Jeter shows actual MLB footage to setup in-game situations and recommendations. There are numerous situations Jeter will bring upon you and you’ll have to successfully complete each one which in return will earn you a medal. This mode brings up tough and routine challenges and it’s done to test your skill on whether you can handle it in the real game.
The Franchise mode, while not as in-depth as it should be, has greatly improved from last year. Franchise mode allows you to take control as a GM for one or more teams, select the market setting, length of the franchise, and the list of options go on. The addition of the ASB Rulebook gives you information on different events in the MLB (Amateur Draft, Salary Arbitration, Waiver Claims) and is a fantastic guide to use throughout your franchise. Another great addition is the prospect book which shows the leagues top prospects from high to low minor. ASB 2004 has really upgraded the franchise mode this year giving tons of new options, features, and events to check out. This is definitely one of the highlight areas of the game.
What Acclaim has done really well in ASB 2004 is literally bring the game of baseball into the game. Warming up the pitcher, check swings, broken bats, special music when a new batter walks up to the plate, mascot appearances, and visits to the pitching mound are just some of the authenticity you’ll see in ASB 2004.
Controls:
All-Star Baseball comes fully equipped with a control design that’s complete and fits right in. Every thoughtful move has been added in from stealing signals to dragged bunts for your pleasure and enjoyment. All of these moves and actions have been designed to fit right into the game to make it look like it’s all real and that you never pressed the button to make the runner on first make his signal to head for second. The controls are rather well responsive and are smooth-flowing.
Each aspect of the game will require you to memorize and follow constantly with. There are a few situations that will you to memorize the new control scheme that fits into the situation. Acclaim has designed advanced controls for before and after a pitch while you’re at bat to the same situation but while you’re not at bat but in the infield or outfield. This won’t be easy to immediately follow, but it will slowly catch on.
Graphics:
Last year, ASB 2003 showed some life in their visuals but they were more sub par rather than superb. There was inefficiency in the amount of detail put into the player models while everything else looked plain. This year, Acclaim has brought life into the game with greatly improved visuals in player models and stadiums. Player models, in particular, have fantastic animations on the field especially during big double plays or diving catches. What I liked the most is that I could recognize the player without having to look at who it was. The facial details really impressed me this year.
With over 75 different stadiums in the game, every one you visit in the game won’t have you saying “Why do I see the same design in every stadium?” That’s not going to happen; Acclaim has developed each stadium to their real life counterpart, and has done a fantastic job.
Something I really enjoy seeing that many other Baseball titles tend to ignore is including history and heritage in games. ASB is one title that really puts forth a valid effort which is something I can’t say of the competition. ASB 2004 comes packed with 200 uniforms, many of them old school which give you a reminiscence of the old days. Uniforms are rich with color and detail and affect the game in a good way.
Sound:
All-Star Baseball 2004 is broadcasted by the duo of Steve Lyons and Thom Brennamen. The two provide great play by play game coverage and really do their job to the max. Never before did I hear commentary when the broadcasters really got into the game and their private conversation. The game supports a second language where you would have the game done in Spanish instead of English. Very thoughtful.
The crowd at times can really get into the game but there are times where there is more emotion from the crowd. Nobody does it better than Sega’s World Series Baseball where the fans shout taunts at players during the game. The game’s soundtrack offers more hip hop than anything else as many will recognize DMX’s “Party Up” being played a few times.
Overall:
This game will certainly take up your time, as will the other Baseball titles on the Xbox. The question is which game you’ll end up enjoying spending your time with. All-Star Baseball 2004 sure has what it takes to purchase but is it the type of baseball you’re looking for. World Series Baseball 2003 is offering total realism, MLB Slugfest 20-04 is offering a fast-paced, quick action style Baseball. Microsoft’s Inside Pitch 2003 offers the total Xbox Live package. EA Sports is introducing their new MVP Baseball series that looks to be promising. 3DO looks to bring their High Heat Baseball success on the PC to the Xbox. The offers are on the table and all six titles offer some excellent gameplay and action. The question is who holds the real advantage?
This is definitely a great Baseball game and it’s certainly worth picking up, but there are also 5 other Baseball games being released into the videogame market. All-Star Baseball 2004 offers a little of everything but if you’re looking for online entertainment, the title to look for is Microsoft’s Inside Pitch as ASB 2004 only offers Downloadable Content. A game that has the looks, style, gameplay, and a promising future is right in your hands.
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| Rating |
| Gameplay: | 8 |
| Graphics: | 7 |
| Sound: | 7 |
| Value: | 8 |
| Tilt: | 7 |
| Overall: 7.4 |
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