So I picked this up today at my local Best Buy with much excitement! I, like most sane people, still know that 989 Sports bite, so when I knew EA was making MVP, I passed on MLB. Don't get me wrong, I'm not some nut that bases other games without playing them, I played MLB, but it's just not a solid Baseball game.
MVP is. It's very satisfying for a handheld baseball game. The depth is very good. Players photos are real, not rendered, and the likenesses are well detailed. Even down to Gary Sheffield's bat shake while at the plate. That was nice. I was worried EA would leave little things like that out but apparently the UMDs can pack a lot of player data on there.
Some technical notes. When the games start, it flashes past defensive lineups and batting orders too fast. So fast someitmes it can't get player's photos up in time for the defensive line ups. Not terrible annoying as most people bypass that anyway I'm sure by hitting the X button, but if you are into watching things, that might bug you.
Hitting takes a bit of time, but thankfully there are 4 camera angles, so play around and find what you like. I personally prefer to pitch using the view from the mound looking in. Although this makes the strike zone very small, EA adjusted by having the hot and cold zones light up like a christmas tree when using the analog stick so you can see it easier. Pitching, if you have played any recent MVP is solid and the same. Won't take long to pick up.
No, I'm a fan of the long ball. However, for some reason, EA just can't get past this "hit it for a mile" thing and refuses to change its Home Run Derby format. Again, this one makes you choose a distance and the length of each hitters shots add to their totals. Home Runs are worth an additional 100 and fouls subtract the distance. Money balls multiply by 2 and a strike out costs you 100. God forbid we just let the person with the most home runs win the home run derby. 2K sports on ESPN and PS just know how to make sports games, God bless EA, but on the Home Run Derby, someone in EA should shell out the $19.99 on a 2K baseball title and learn something new.
Overall, it's a very fun game. Solid motion, great playability, allowing you to dive, wall cimb, slide-catch, and even choose an in or out of the bag slide when base running. I still don't think any game for the PSP should be $49.99, but if they are going to be, they should be this fun.
If you are baseball fan or a EA fan, you'll thank yourself for shelling out the cash for it.
Gameplay: 9
Graphics: 8.5 (It ticks me off that every day is cloudless and every rain storm is gray only - other than that, it's solid)
Sound: 6 (for some reason, the fans in all the stadiums have to cheer for a ground ball hit to an infielder)
Tilt: 7 (Would have been higher if the dang Home Run Derby was realistic)
Ditto on the sports fan. I'm not saying 989's MLB is a bad game. Historically though, I would put them below EA and 2K sports in my gaming opionion. Most of my cloe friends feel the same, hence my comments. The MLB I played was good, but this just seems more polished. Overall I believe it's a more fun baseball experience than the 989 one.
I wasted 50 dollars and 5 hours playing this garbage. EA just through out MVP 2004 version to rake in some money. Its 50.00 dollars unlike it 29.00 ps2 cousin. They put no effort into this game, and why would they? They lost the rights to MLB for the next few seasons.
No, I think it's alright. You have to play it for like 3 days before coming to love it. Season Mode is much more fun. For those having trouble with Xlink Kai, make sure your router is compatible. Mine isn't .
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