Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First of all, I can't believe that there is only ONE review for this game. This is the best Nintendo game, sports or otherwise. I still lug my 8-bit console (dating from 1987) from residence to residence simply because I couldn't face not having this game around when my oldest friends and I get together.
Since no review can be completely positive without seeming ridiculous, I'll dispense with a few criticisms and then get on to the raves. First, unlike in Baseball Stars (the second-best Nintendo baseball game), you have no control over the "GM" side of the game, i.e. you can't create or trade players. Also, although it's great having real MLB players on the teams, you are limited to only 10 teams (which happen to be the division winners in 1986 & 1987, as well as two all-star teams). Finally, the the graphics and sound are straight '80s - fat little players, tinny sound effects, boring one-size-fits-all stadium, you get the picture.
Nonetheless, in spite of these drawbacks, the game is phenomenal. Its greatest features, in no particular order:
1) Game Play - It is smooth. I've never played a video baseball game other than this one that was not at least a little herky-jerky. Usually you have to line up a pitch location before you throw, or make all kinds of calculations to actually hit the ball. Not here - you aim the pitch as you throw it (granted, you can only control its side-to-side movement, but that's not really a problem), and you swing at the ball and you usually make contact. The field play is also straightforward - you can't dive or jump to make catches, but the fielders still show a surprising amount of range. As a matter of fact, the greatest satisfaction in this game comes from mastering the fielding side of things.
2) Player Accuracy - With a few minor exceptions (Alan Trammell was never as dominant in real life as he is here), the players are as good (or bad) as you would expect them to be. Nolan Ryan is unstoppable on the mound. Andre Dawson hits a lot of homers. Vince Colemen steals a lot of bases. Spike Owen is a crappy hitter. Plus, if you grew up during the '80s, the nostalgia trip just seeing a bunch of forgotten players' names (do you remember Dickie Thon, Steve Lake, and Al Pedrique?) is a thrill in its own right.
3) Speed of Play - You can usually dash off a spirited 9-inning game in about 20 minutes. Therefore, you can always find a way to squeeze a game or two in without it taking over your life.
4) Team Personalities - Although some teams are better than others (in some cases, much better), they each have their own personalities, which make it exciting to pick and choose matchups. The Cardinals are speed demons, but have marginal power and only decent pitching. The Astros are weak on most fronts, but have Nolan Ryan, who can carry a game all by himself. The Twins have a good all-around team, but their bullpen is a major liability. And the all-star teams are both loaded - you can play against them with one of the other teams, but you will always be at a disadvantage.
5) Glitches - Although some may complain about the myriad glitches in this game, I think that they add to its quirky appeal. For example, sometimes a ball will hit the middle of the outfield wall but be called a home run. Or an outfielder who is too close to a wall will have the ball ricochet right back to himself when he tries to throw the ball back to the infield. These unexpected happenings add a bit of mischievous humor to the game, and will create a lot of good-spirited arguments between you and your competitor.
I could go on, but this pretty much covers the important features. Just order the game and expect years of enjoyment. You won't be disappointed.
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