AbstractBuilding on the success of the 2002 edition, High Heat Baseball 2003 looks to be the most accurate baseball simulation available for any game console.
ESRB rating
Full descriptionThe first baseball game released for the PlayStation 2 in 2002, High Heat Major League Baseball builds upon the groundwork established in previous versions of 3DO's long-running series. Player graphics have been updated with more animations in the field and at the plate, with 350 stars featuring texture-mapped faces. A TV-style presentation offers quick camera cuts to show nuances like a fielder arguing over a close play, an umpire dramatically gesturing a strikeout, or a coach going through a series of hitting signs.
In addition to the Exhibition and Season modes from the 2001 version, new game options include a Home Run Derby, All-Star Game, Batting Practice, Playoffs, and a Two-on-Two Showdown. The last mode is a one-inning competition focused on batting and pitching. As the batter, players earn points for getting hits, while pitchers receive points for obtaining outs or throwing strikes. No matter which mode is selected, all 30 MLB teams and stadiums from the 2002 season are available to play as or against.
Other new features include a Create-A-Player option, Fantasy Draft, and the ability to edit any existing player in the game. Adjustable offensive abilities include power, batting average, and pull tendency. Defensive abilities include arm strength, range, and running speed, while pitchers can be modified in the areas of control, endurance, pitch effectiveness, and ground ball ratio. High Heat Baseball 2003 also lets players adjust computer AI with five skill levels and fine-tune gameplay with individual slider bars.
Building on the success of the 2002 edition, High Heat Baseball 2003 looks to be the most accurate baseball simulation available for any game console. With better graphics and attention spent on polishing out the game play is set to hold its standing within the baseball community.
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Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonWith its satisfyingly realistic gameplay firmly intact, this year's entry in 3DO's High Heat series cements its status as arguably the best video game baseball experience available. Graphically, it's better than ever, but what sets
High Heat Major League Baseball 2003 apart from the competition is its attention to the little things that make it more believable and fun to play: hits that are random and rarely appear to fall in the same place twice; scores that accurately reflect the caliber of the opposing pitcher; razor-close plays on the base paths and at home plate--the list goes on. Add in wide-ranging, customizable player skill levels and game-tuning preferences (everything from batting and throwing power to error and injury frequency)--not to mention the year of fine-tuning under 3DO's belt after working out the kinks in last season's inaugural PS2 run--and it all adds up to a rewarding experience for baseball gaming purists.
That's not to say the game is perfect, as witnessed by graphics that could still use some work to fully exploit the PS2's capabilities. Especially lacking are the dugout and crowd animations that at times resemble lifeless gray masses. Certain stadium skylines also lack depth, particularly in night games (tall buildings behind the stadiums look a lot like their blocky counterparts from last year's version). But these are minor gripes when all is said and done. All the vitals are still there: season, playoff, and exhibition modes (no franchise mode yet, however); home run derby; batting practice; and, new this year, the two-on-two showdown that features a one-inning battle pitting pitcher against batter. And while the game's rosters are nowhere near what they'll be on opening day, the create and edit player features will ensure that everybody's favorite team can be as accurate as the real thing. --Larry White
Pros:
- Unparalleled gameplay realism
- Improved graphics
- Innovative two-on-two showdown
- Create and edit player features
Cons: - Graphics could still use work
- Scoreboards are not in real time
- Sometimes repetitive announcing
Edit starting lineups and pitching rotations, perform trades to keep your team in contention
Fantasy Draft lets you rebuild all 30 teams from scratch and save new rosters
Perform the double switch, warm up pitchers in the bullpen, and visit the mound to bide some time
A portion of the proceeds from each game sold benefits Curt's Pitch for ALS
- Portions of content provided by Rovi Data Solutions, Inc. and IGN Entertainment, Inc.