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GameSpot editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/07/2003
- Released on: 04/30/2003
- Originally published on GameSpot: 989 Sports MLB 2004 (PlayStation) Review
Anyone who has played MLB 2001, 2002, or 2003 should be able to jump right into MLB 2004. That's because, roster update notwithstanding, this latest installment is largely the same as its predecessors. While the graphics don't quite measure up to current standards, the gameplay mechanics and available play options are more than ample to provide many months of satisfying competition. MLB 2004 is a solid, complete baseball game, even if many of you have seen it before.
Total control hitting allows you to guess the location of the pitch.
For the most part, pitching, fielding, and hitting are all straightforward. When you're pitching, you can select from four different pitch types and position your throw anywhere in the home plate area. As the game drags on, your pitcher will become fatigued and his pitches will start to hover in the strike zone. Fielding is likewise pretty easy. Using the standard controller buttons, you can throw the ball to any of the bases and perform an assortment of catches, dives, and relays. Unlike in most baseball video games, the players in MLB 2004 can collide with one another on the field, and you'll more than likely see some impressive collisions in the outfield and at home plate.
Depending on your preference, batting can be easy or complex. A yellow box in the strike zone represents your swing area, with crosshairs in the middle denoting the sweet spot of the bat. When the pitcher releases the ball, a red box appears showing the general location of the pitch. Your job is to line up the sweet spot of the bat with the ball. If you succeed, you'll probably get a base hit. If not, you may end up hitting a grounder, a foul tip, a pop up, or a home run, or you may just whiff altogether. MLB 2004 has an optional set of features that you can use to adjust the aim and style of your swing during each at bat. Called "total control batting," this mechanic allows you to guess the location of the pitcher's throw using the L2 button and the directional pad. If you choose the correct location and pitch type, your contact zone will increase. If you're wrong, it will shrink. You also have the option to toggle between contact or power swings.
The CPU-controlled opponents in MLB 2004 exhibit just the right amount of skill at each specific difficulty setting. On the rookie setting, CPU players perform their fair share of diving grabs and get a decent number of base hits, but not to the extent that a casual player will be on the depressing end of a lopsided score. The veteran setting is tougher--CPU controlled fielders throw harder and more accurately, while hitters and base runners are more likely to bunt or try to steal a base. On the all-star setting, the computer puts up a real fight. Pitches move more rapidly and display a great deal more break. You'll absolutely need to use the total control batting mechanic to keep games close.
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989 Sports MLB 2004 (PlayStation):
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