baseball

Well color me stunned. I've been a life long EA fan and then this game comes along and totally rocks my world. ESPN Major League is the best baseball game out there this year because of one very important thing - GAMEPLAY. It's a simple thing, but it matters so much. After an afternoon with this game - I was hooked. The p/h interface is flawless, i love having up to date rosters, and the introduction of pitcher confidence gives this game a huge boost. Oh yeah, it's online too. Tons of fun. If you want to PLAY a baseball game instead of watch one, grab a copy of ESPN Major League Baseball.

New ESPN packaging including the voice of superb announcer Jon Miller is no improvement on last year's model. Though there are some improvements (there better be!!) but it seems like it is at the cost of past improvements.....
I do enjoy being capable of playing regular season games (in GM mode) at any stadium I please including The Polo Grounds (now that's cool!).....
How could they get rid of being able to edit the players (adding a bit of power to your favorite player if you want for instance)?...
The GM mode does put a fun twist when you have to decide to follow orders of the boss or not....
I like that the Phillies and Padres new stadiums were added (why not add some more old stadiums though ex/Ebbets Field)....
It doesn't seem like they added any new vintage uniforms to the choice list from last years version (especially when you know there are so many cool uniforms to choose from in the history of baseball its a real disappointment what there is ex/70's White Sox)....
The graphics don't seem to be as quality as last years....
The statistics are more involved (that's a good thing)...
The games still has a poor minor league system....
Ichiro has a last name, use it!(last year I could add it on)...
Rex Hudler is still annoying....
After listening to Jon Miller say "...and the throw to first and he's out!!!" well after the play has been made and the fielders are running towards the dugout....
The system of saving the games is much more confusing than it has to be....
Game Play Sliders is improved over last years with more options...
BOTTOM LINE: game play is as fun as usual- playing in the stadiums that your favorite teams and ball players play in is awesome. I like the new TV style viewing/playing- and the new gm mode makes it worth the lowered price. If you already have last years game you could go either way on whither you would think this is an improvement worth your paycheck.

Yes it is the same game from last year. No the crowd does not cheer when you do a curtain call. Sure, confidence meters are cool, though completely ineffective. First person is not worth your time. Comparred to last year, nothing really special. Some new animations, like player reactions, i.e. the pitcher throws a fit if he doesnt get a call on a good pitch. Homerun animation is the same. The trophy room has improved a bit. Create a player took a step back from last year. Though this time, when you make your all 100 stat star, it will cost the team a lot to hire him. The only real differences, GM mode for one, dual instead of homerun derby, and the simple fact that, if you throw a curveball on the outside of the strike zone, that damn ball will curve right back across the plate, just like reality. Last year all the pitches went straight, curve slider or otherwise. All in all, everybody goes out year after year and buys madden, why not 2K series baseball? It might not be totally new, and in some cases it is actually not as good, but it has new rosters, and for some who enjoy, online play. I still love it.