So what's the best baseball videogame out there?

[digitalpress]

There are SO many baseball video games. I've put them aside for a few seasons because I was getting bored with the Triple Play series and no one else was doing anything particularly inventive on other platforms as well.

Doesn't matter if it's PS2, Xbox, or GameCube: which is the best? I'd like a title with a good mix of action and strategy (fantasy league elements/franchise mode stuff). I've heard really good things about 3DO's High Heat 2003 and MVP (which is the evolution of EA's Triple Play), and mixed reviews on All-Star BAseball 2004.

So which is it? I'm LOST.

[portnoyd]

World Series Baseball on the Saturn. Nuff said :D

dave

[buttasuperb]

Tecmo Baseball for the NES

Baseball Stars is pretty good too.

[digitalpress]

I have those already fellas. I'm looking for a new game.

[portnoyd]

I have those already fellas. I'm looking for a new game.

Well, as far as modern baseball games, I'd recommend High Heat on what I've heard. I don't play sports games for the most part, so I can only recommend on hearsay. I did hear that All Star Baseball sucks shit.

dave

[orrimarrko]

The new High Heat is supposed to be the best from what I've read. Due to be released any time now.

[jaybird]

I'm struggling with this myself right now. I'm leaning towards High Heat because it has the best pitcher/batter feel, but it's supposed to look like a PS One game. I bought it last year for PS2 & liked it, although it isn't the prettiest thing you'll see.

I loved All-Star Baseball 2001 for N64, but hated it for 2002 (PS2) and 2003 (Xbox). I'm not giving them any more of my money. It's the anti-High Heat - looks pretty, plays like shit.

EA's MVP looks promising, but it's an unknown. They have a new way to pitch, which may be revolutionary for baseball games. I'm real leary of them based on Triple Play's shoddy past though.

The best baseball game I've played since the aforementioned All-Star 2001 was last year's Slugfest. I'm definitely picking up this year's version. It's gameplay is FUN, but it's devoid of fantasy options.

[scooterb23]

World Series Baseball on the XBox is far and away, the best one on the newer systems I believe. I know a WSB for this season should be coming out soon, but the version that is out already (Jason Giambi on the cover) is very good.

Full fantasy draft, you have a good amount of managerial control, the physics on the field aren't perfect (one reason to wait for the new version...this should be improved), and it does have a franchise mode...long term contracts and such...I really like it.

[jaybird]

I forgot about World Series baseball. I bought it last year as well - it didn't make me all tingly inside like my all-time favorite baseball games, but it's solid on all fronts.

I'd lean towards it if you have an XBox. It may be coming out on the PS2 this year as well, I haven't checked into that. It seems to be the most balanced of everything out there - and it's made by SEGA! :)

[klimatron8]

wel,well, baseball season. Obviously, you're aware most of the games are out tomorrow 3/11. GMR mag says High Heat 2004 is the best. Great simulation but bad graphics. Personally I think World Series 2k3 may be the sleeper hit. Deep franchise and great graphics - gotta see the gameplay. MVP also bears watching for the innovative pitcher/batter stuff. Supposedly it will be more difficult to throw strikes. I've always hated All-Star -lacking a certain "fun-factor". The only real way to tell is to test drive'em all and find out. Draft Day approaches 3/17!!!!!!!!

[oesiii]

You probably haven't considered or may not like portable titles but the Gameboy Advance has a great series of games with Power Pro Kun Baseball. They are up to version 5 now and I think that a version for the PS2 and GC is on the way or may have already been released in Japan, all these titles are import only.

Here's some screens/info from the first version on the GBA

http://pocket.ign.com/articles/135/135855p1.html

I know it was released on the PS1:

http://www.konamiosa.com/new/pawa_ps/

Need to find that one :) but I can't find a link to the PS2 version which I read about recently. Anyways these big head baseball games are a good change of pace for me, I usually play WS Baseball on the Saturn and Dreamcast for my realistic baseball sims.

[Kamisama]

I thought Famista (Family Stadium) for NES was not bad but i really rarely play baseball games :)

[TripppsK]

I bought my kids a Play Baseball 2 video game by Radica that hooks up to the TV. You actually use a bat that uses am infrared sensor and can also pitch at varying speeds by changing wrist or arm speed. I originally got it just so my kids could practice during the winter, but it is a pretty fun game for adults as well. Graphically its nothing, but Ive gotten bored with the standard baseball games for the consoles and this is a pretty fun alternative.

I know its technically not what you're looking for but I thought I'd put it out there.

[udisi]

Classic wise: Baseball stars---- NES
New: World Series Baseball---Xbox