Genre: Sports
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports
# of Players: 1-2(online & offine)
Memory: 1304 KB
ERSB: Everyone
Released On: Playstation 2
Also On: X-Box & Gamecube
Features: Online Play(2 players)
Website: www.easports.com
Introduction
The saying goes, “EA Sports, it’s in the game!” It’s not bragging if you can back it up, which the company has done for years with the insanely popular Madden and Live series’. EA seems to have their hearts set on winning a triple crown by dominating the baseball game market, and by the looks of MVP 2004 I think they’ve done just that.
Presentation
You’ll be in for a treat when you load the game up, as the developers saw fit to show off the games many features via a beautiful opening video. Once you’ve see enough of the eye candy, starting a game is a no brainer, with simple menus that are very user-friendly. Sticklers for realism will be satisfied with this title, being that they have the option to choose from authentic uniforms, including alternate home and away jerseys, as well as unlockable throwbacks.
Graphics
Like it’s gridiron counterpart, MVP shines in the graphics department. EA shows great attention to detail, from the true-to-life stadiums to the fluid manner in which the athletes move. The plays won’t look repetitive, because the animation is realistic as far as how a ball may be fielded in real life. It will be hard not to marvel at the replay of that beautiful 6-4-3 double play you pulled to end the inning. There are different sliding animations based on the type of slide you choose to execute (by using the right analog stick), and each player performs his signature stance and swing when at the plate.
As far as stadiums, every stadium is filled with their respective trademark structures, such as the massive wall in Minute Maid Park and the firework spewing Coke bottle of Turner Field. A minor gripe however, is that the crowd is pretty blurry, as with most games. This doesn’t take away from the overall feel of the game though.
Sound
In MVP 2004, the crowd is an integral part of what gets you pumped throughout the course of the game. If you’re at home, and take one out of the yard, or make a batter whiff to end the inning, you will TRULY feel like you’re the man. On the other hand, if you happen to mess up they’ll be sure to let you know it. When playing away, hyped players such as Jeter and Chipper Jones will hear many jeers, such as the chant of “Overrated!" With the combination of a decent soundtrack, and realistic in-game noise, the sound will often set the tone for the game.
Gameplay
While the pitching scheme may take a bit of getting used to a rookie, it definitely adds to the realism of the game. In 2004, there will be no easy strikeouts, because you’ll have to concentrate for every single pitch you throw. EA implements a meter similar to kicking a field goal in Madden, and a miscalculation will cause you to hang a pitch in the strike zone, quickly getting it taken out of the yard. A similar meter scheme is used when making throws in the field, though it is less complex. If you hold the meter too long on a throw, it will be thrown its hardest, but has a chance of going wild. At the same time, holding the meter too short will get a more accurate, yet slower delivered throw. My biggest complaints with the game are that at times, fielders react slow, as do the controls. There have been times when in the midst of a tight game, I find myself cursing at the screen because the controls don’t respond quick enough to make that "bang-bang" play I needed.
The batting scheme is one of the best I have ever used in any baseball game to date. It forces you to actually watch the ball leaving the pitchers hand so that you can watch the rotation of the ball, which makes you feel as if you’re actually standing in the batters box. You’ll have to be smart at the plate, and when you smack one out of the park, you’ll really feel like you earned it.
Conclusion
While not perfect, MVP is the best baseball game I’ve played in years. The controls are innovative, and the entire game has a realistic feel to it. For the first time, all AA and AAA farm club teams are available with actual rosters. The PS2 version has the edge over the GC & X-Box versions because of the ability to download new rosters, and play online. Any fan of baseball should definitely do themselves a favor and pick this one up ASAP.
