System: Wii, X360, PS3, PS2, PSP
Dev: Blue Castle Games
Pub: 2K Sports
Release: June 25, 2007
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by Cole Smith

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Accuracy becomes an issue when controlling the runner or fielders. You'll move and direct them with the analog stick while mashing the button for speed. These players control like ocean liners; they simply are unable to turn on a dime. Not only will you lose precious time recovering a ball in the field if you don't move in the right direction immediately, but you'll also risk getting tagged out when you don't make a quick turn from first to second base. There are also times when you'll stop shy of a base simply because you stopped mashing the controller so as not to continue running toward the next base.

Don't expect a franchise or GM mode. There are no stats or customizing options. Instead, you choose a character in the Rookie Challenge mode and attempt to take him from the minors to World Series. This mode is fast, fun, and varied. You aren't relegated to playing long, nine-inning games for months on end. Some games throw you right into them while in progress, requiring you to complete a specific challenge in order to accumulate points and move on. You might have to catch a fly or hit or homerun. As you progress, you will be able to recruit better players for your team. You'll make your way into the big leagues, playing with the All Stars, and eventually make it to the World Series.

Home Run Pinball is an entertaining mode that is a notch above a novelty mode. In this mode you are hitting balls in the middle of Times Square, with the objective of knocking out various lights, signs, and windows. It's a smashing good time to be sure, especially when you get to destroy the world renowned New Years Eve ball.

The Online mode suffers from some noticeable lag. I tried a few different servers at different times of day, and the slowdown and latency were still apparent. That's a shame because this game is best played against another opponent. Fortunately, that's easily accommodated offline. The animation can be stiff sometimes, especially the transitions. The players look artificial, which is further exacerbated by their expressionless faces. The game looks great when shown from a wide shot, but the closer you get, the more plastic it looks. The commentary is well paced and contains enough variety to keep things believable for a few hours. Sound effects are cartoonish but effective. The music rocks with tunes by groups such as Motorhead, Jane's Addiction, and Stone Temple Pilots. Crank it up.

It's summertime, and to be without a baseball video game is like drinking a warm glass of non-alcohol beer. Even this one.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

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