I can’t think of a better time of year to be reviewing this game. Like all baseball fans everywhere this time of year is more than spring bursting out all over, it’s time for baseball as well as hot dogs, apple pie and well you get the picture. I have to tell you that this game is one of those games, which makes you glad you decided to become gamer decades ago.

 This has to be the best baseball game on the market today and you know that as a playstation game, you are in for a treat. First I want to point out that one feature which stands out immediately upon starting the game is the total realism which has been built into the game.  Similar games have you hitting a run almost every batter, something, which is unrealistic in the game of baseball. This game however, makes you work for that homerun and you never take it for granted that one can be had. Also, watch for the catcher and base umpire to make sure that a batter went around. The first time this happened to me I thought, “hey, wait a minute” but then thought this has got to be a first! Checking instead of instantaneous assuming. Very nice touch!

 Another thing I particular liked was the fact that the realism extends into the disputes between whether a call was good or not. Even the exasperation on the players as well as the coaches themselves.  Another plus is the fact that the ball is not set at a standard speed of throw but you will soon find, will fluctuate as in real-time baseball. In one inning, I could swear that the pitcher was getting tired, as he just seemed to droop. Impressive that the realism extends into even the minute details and not just overall.

 The crowd also lends to the game. You can almost feel yourself in the stadium itself, cheering a homer or jeering a bad call. In similar games, you too many times find the crowd nothing more than a backdrop with little or no interaction with the game itself. You will also appreciate the commentary offered up during the game as well as the play by play feature to give you a better picture of how that call was an out or the homerun came about. It just gives this game an even more realistic feel, if that is possible. Add a diamond you would be proud to bat from, uniforms which the Yankees would wear in a heartbeat and the roar of the crowd and you have a game which is a must own and will be much played. Even during baseball season itself (okay, maybe with the old portable TV in the background just in case your team is playing!)  

Install: N/A
As it is a console game, pretty standard installation is required. You will however need 1-10 blocks of memory cards to save any play during the game.

Gameplay 9.5
You don’t have to be a baseball lover to love this game. It transcends any particular sport genre and instead is just a great game of skill as well as good old fashioned fun  

Graphics: 9.8
Graphics just don’t get any better than this! From the emerald green of the field, to the well defined leg muscles of the player right down to the fierce look of determination of the players face you will find some of the best graphics you have seen on any similar game.

Sound: 9.8
From the crack of the bat, to the well known “disagreements” on a certain call, the sound is absolutely perfect. It just makes you want to stand up and sing the National Anthem and then shout, “play ball!).

Difficulty: 9.8
Nothing in this game is just handed to you which is especially appealing. You will work for every run, bunt and out you make. This game never lags and your rewards after numerous hours of play is a feeling of being able to try out for any major league in the US.

Concept: 9.9
Baseball games have been around for years, but never to this level of authenticity. The realism makes this game stand out among similar ones on the market.

Multiplayer: N/A

Overall: 9.9
This is one of those games, which will be enjoyed by baseball lovers as well as all gamers of all ages. No matter what your favorite team is or player this game will have you rooting all the way thorough. It is nice to know that if we ever have another baseball strike there is a game to fill that empty place in our hearts. After all, baseball and games go hand in hand and this is one game which you will not only need a steady hand but also an eagle eye. So fellow gamers..Play Ball!!!