MLB 2004

Often overlooked, the PlayStation game console has still managed to steadily draw in gamers with steady titles.

MLB 2004 from 989 Sports proves that the console is still a viable gaming system, and can be downright enjoyable. The Major League Baseball game manages to combine some of the best elements of console baseball games with solid graphics and sound for an enjoyable outing at the old ballgame.

There a several ways to play this game, including exhibition, all-star, season as well as franchise and manager mode. In franchise, you are challenged to take a team of "low-end" players, earn points with play and acquire new talent to build your team. The manager mode allows you to call the game from the dugout. You call the plays, set the lineups and allow the CPU to actually carry out the decisions you have made based on probability in the given situation.

If nothing else, 989 has packed a lot of baseball and options into this game.

The graphical elements bear some arcade-like features, notably in the way the ball bounces around in the outfield. And the players, which bearing the names of their Major League counterparts, are modeled on the same general batting and field animations. The ballparks though, are crisp and well rendered, and sparkle alongside other PS titles.

When it comes to the game sound, MLB 2004 is very well done. Vin Scully provides the play-by-play, and while some of color commentator Dave Campbell’s comments border on the trite, the overall atmosphere is fun and enjoyable. The rudimentary sounds of MLB ballparks are merely average.

Care has been taken to make this a user-friendly game. The player interface is simple to use. Even the managerial side of the game (as in signing free agents, et cetera) is easily accessible.

The game does have some of the drawbacks that seem constant for most of the games in the genre. The ball is driven to the shallow outfield and the batter sprints toward first. The fielder charges in, scoops up the ball and fires it, cross-diamond, to first and almost gets the runner. Would that happen in real life? Not really.

The ball physics, also are a little off. The ball will not bound around too long in the outfield, but rather dies quickly.

However, there is much to recommend this game. The options package is very good and the overall gameplay is solid. 989 has packed a lot into this title, and baseball fans that enjoy the style of gameplay offered by the PlayStation are likely to enjoy this game.

This game is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 7.8
The fundamental elements of the game have been created here rather well. The ball may not bound about in the outfield, or roll like the real thing, but the game itself plays well and looks good.

Graphics: 8
For the platform, this game has a very good look. The animations are very strong and the environments are well rendered.

Sound: 8.5
Like most baseball games, sometimes the commentary doesn’t exactly match the on-screen action, or they can be downright hokey. However, Vin Scully’s familiar voice still makes this game a delight to listen to.

Difficulty: Medium
The game does indeed have challenges and whether you play the game or disdain from actually fielding, throwing and hitting for the manager mode, you will find the game suitable to almost every skill level.

Concept: 8.5
This game comes loaded with options. It has depth of play, and a solid player interface.

Multiplayer: 8
As with any sports game, the true fun starts when you go head-to-head with another player. There may be nothing unique or unusual about the style of the game play.

Overall: 8.2
This is a solid title for the platform. The game has animation repetition, but has some arcade-like factors, but overall, the look of the game, the options package and the sound point the way to a well-designed PlayStation title.