AbstractIf you enjoyed Midway's arcade-style takes on football, basketball, hockey, and soccer, you'll flip for this unique version of the Major Leagues. All of the real players, stadiums, uniforms, and logos of the pro teams are here (MLB SLUGFEST is fully licensed), but the physics are out of this world; the leaps defy gravity, the homers are positively towering, and there are tons of bean balls to heat up those mean streaks. Each team has a unique AI, making this one as tough to conquer as it is fun to play. Play alone or challenge a friend.
ESRB rating
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Comic Mischief, Violence |
Full descriptionMLB SlugFest 20-03 is Midway's first crack at the national pastime after releasing arcade-style takes on basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. As the title implies, action is designed to be a big part of the game, with pitchers having the option to throw bean balls at batters and exaggerated animations used to portray collisions, turbo throws, and leaps defying the laws of gravity. While the action may be unrealistic, the game does feature an official Major League Baseball license for authentic teams and stadiums.
The action is viewed from a traditional perspective looking through the eyes of the catcher, with the camera switching to either the diamond or outfield once the ball is put into play. Pitching involves selecting one of four pitches and then its location before carrying out the throw. Hitting uses a timing-based system with options for a more powerful swing, bunt, and to have a base runner steal. What sets SlugFest apart from typical baseball games is the ability to use turbo while at the plate, on the mound, and in the field.
Pressing turbo while swinging the bat increases the power of the swing, while throwing a pitch with turbo increases its velocity and break. In the field, players can make stronger throws and run faster. While on the base paths, players can also use turbo to drop kick fielders looking to tag them or take them out with hard slides. Conversely, infielders can apply hard tags to runners to diminish a portion of their turbo. Each player in Slugfest is rated from 1-10 in power, speed, and batting ability, which influences more than just their ability with the bat.
A runner with a high rating in power, for example, is more likely to cause an infielder to bobble the ball after a hard slide or scuffle. These ratings can be diminished if a pitcher throws a bean ball at the batter, which is a selectable option on the pitch type menu. The result of a hit batsman may hinder or help a player, as a portion of the ratings may go down or up depending on whether the batter is hurt or enraged. Game modes include a 52-game Season, a 30-game Challenge, a four- or eight-game Tournament, and a single game of Quickplay.
MLB SlugFest 20-03 uses advanced motion capture technology to clearly detail each player's facial expressions and reactions. The animations are so precise, gamers can view players on the field chewing gum, talking to one another and cheering for their teammates. While at the plate, gamers can dig in and unleash a mammoth blast clear out of the park.
To add to the authentic baseball delivered in MLB SlugFest 20-03, five-time MLB All-Star Alex Rodriguez will appear on the package cover and other advertising materials for the game. Entering his seventh full Major League Baseball season, the Texas Rangers shortstop also consulted with the development team on the game. Also stepping up to the plate is Roadrunner Records' recording act Dry Kill Logic, which recorded a hard-rockin', new millenium version of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' to accompany the game's aggressive attitude and extreme-style play.
Editorial review
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AmazonMLB SlugFest 20-03 features exaggerated, supercharged baseball action. With real Major League Baseball players, teams, and stadiums, the game puts the emphasis on adrenaline and over-the-top plays. Enormous, muscle-bound players take the field and perform incredible defensive plays, including acrobatic, diving catches and turbo-powered throws. While at the plate, gamers can dig in and unleash a mammoth blast clear out of the park. The animations are detailed to the point where you can view players on the field chewing gum, talking to one another, and cheering for their teammates. The game sets the tone with an original baseball anthem, "Riot at the Bat Rack," by the heavy metal group Dry Kill Logic.
Two-man commentary by Tim Kitzrow (of NBA Jam and NFL Blitz fame) and a fictional character named Jim Shorts
Fantasy players and stadiums waiting to be unlocked through codes
Players catch "on-fire" by getting consecutive hits or by being hit by pitches
Features Dry Kill Logic’s music video "Riot at the Bat Rack!"
- Portions of content provided by Rovi Data Solutions, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc.