High Heat Baseball 2003 Review

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(More customer reviews)Right off the...um...bat, any fan of 3D0's High Heat series of baseball games (simulations?) will tell you that the gameplay is what separates this franchise from the rest of the PC clowns. The pitcher-batter interface is truly a masterpiece, and the entire rundown in season play is marvelous, from inning-ending double-plays to painting the corner with Clemens. And that's all good, believe me. But with each new hardball season comes a new High Heat game, and unfortunately, this year's version is only slightly different than last year's game. But again, that's good, since HH 2002 was an awesome representation of America's Pastime.
In this year's version, the graphics have received an overhaul, albeit a minor one. You'll see third-base coaches performing signals to the batters, some new sliding and catching animations, updated stadiums, more realistic player models, and other eye-candy that works just fine. And believe me when I tell you that that's really it. HH 2003 plays exactly the same as last year's version, although with a new color commentator.
Because I gave HH 2002 a good review, I must do the same with 2003. However, I can't give it more than 4 stars simply based on the fact that, like 2002, the game is buggy. I have a powerful system (Athlon 1.2GHz, 256MB, GeForce 3, Soundblaster Audigy Gamer), and for whatever reason, the sound is horrible in the game. Not just some of the sound -- ALL of the sound. From the opening credits music to the play-by-play commentary, sound effects and voices are choppy and unbearable to listen to. I'm figuring it has something to do with my Audigy card, but I still can't believe 3D0 ships the game with such a basic bug like this. A patch will hopefully resolve the issue, but who knows?
So, if you're like me and like the updated rosters, graphical tweaks, and the excitement that starts every MLB season, pick up High Heat 2003. For [item price], you won't find a better baseball title out there.
ADDED: Well, after playing this for awhile, I'm a little disappointed by 3DO's effort this time around. Basically, until a patch is released (unlikely), I cannot recommend this game simply because of the sound and some of the graphics. You're better off sticking with last year's version, which is the same game. 3 Stars, 2 with the bugs.

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High Heat Major League Baseball 2003 is here, offering smooth graphics, tons of action, and superior game controls. Featuring World Series co-MVP Curt Schilling, the game presents several new modes for 2003, including Home Run Derby, Fantasy Draft, Create-a-Player, Stand-Alone Playoffs, Batting Practice, and Two-on-Two Challenge. Gameplay features include umpire arguments, player ejections and suspensions, dropped third strikes, and snap throws from the catcher. Mound-visiting managers and animated base coaches spice up the action while adding to the strategy. Signature pitcher and batter animations mean the stars pitch and bat just like in real life, and improved TruPlay AI technology makes batting, base running, fielding, pitching, and managing seem truer to real baseball.

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