Three new titles hit the market
Just as the boys of Summer prepare for the incoming homestretch into the baseball playoffs, three new baseball games have recently hit the market. Although nothing can capture the excitement of a real game, Triple Play 98, Front Page Sports: Baseball Pro 98 and Tony LaRussa Baseball 4 probably come close.
Although they're all baseball games at heart, each one seems oriented towards a different group of players. The first one, Triple Play 98 from EA Sports, seems more focused on the arcade mode of baseball. Sure there are stats, even more than in Triple Play 97, but that's not what will catch your eye. Everything looks and sounds real, from the crack of the bat to the fluid motion of the outfielder making a shoestring catch of a sure double. Watch the instant replay on any number of cameras. And the best part, everything's customizable to your liking. Triple Play 98, probably the best of the three, will make it feel like you're actually in the game.
The second, Front Page Sports: Baseball Pro 98 from Sierra, is for the real baseball fan. Pro 98 gives the most in-depth stats of the three. Even though it's much improved over the 97 version, the graphics are only adequate and the arcade part is only half there. But when you're put into the role of manager, the game really shines. You'll be able to sign free agents, draft players and trade. In this mode you can also make decisions during a game, or put it into simulation mode where the computer makes the decisions for quick results. If you're the kind who doesn't like to get your hands dirty by actually playing, this game is for you.
Last and least is Tony LaRussa Baseball 4 from Maxis. From the scabby graphics to the dated and buggy engine, this one is a poor showing from a once great series of baseball games. Just like Front Page Sports: Baseball, TLR4 has a sophisticated simulation and management mode, but where FPS graphics and game play were actually decent, TLR4 has slow and monotonous on-field action. This game would have been much better if more attention had been paid to actual game play.
As shown, even if mediocre games come onto the market, there will always be ones that hit homeruns at the right time.
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