Windows

MVP Baseball 2004

Over all MVP Baseball is an outstanding game that no baseball fan should miss. No other baseball game so far as been able to fully capture the feel of pitching, fielding and batting like MVP has. The pitching and fielding interfaces are unmatched and are down right groundbreaking, yet extremely simple to pick up on and use. And that is one of the best things about MVP, it gives you loads of depth and control over every aspect of the game, but it is presented in such a way that does not overwhelm the gamer.

EA is first out of the gate this year with an excellent, deep baseball game that appeals on many different levels. There is no need to wait on the rest of the games to come out later this year, MVP Baseball 2004 is a great way to play baseball and to manage the team of your dreams.

This game pretty much has it all for the baseball fan. Detailed statistical play, all out action, great plays, even the roar of the crowd. Baseball games have certainly advanced since that little hand held of mine from the 1970s, in fact, I can't remember when I enjoyed a sports game more. Everyone who loves baseball, or wants a good gift for a baseball fan should run out and get this game, its worth every penny.

Not long ago, PC baseball games were far superior to their console brethren. In fact, the race wasn't even close. Nowadays, great PC baseball games are a dying breed. MVP is a fantastic game outside the history of PC baseball titles, but when compared to some of the legendary series like High Heat and HardBall, it doesn't quite measure up. I'm a baseball fanatic and I'll admit, I'm tough on baseball games. This is a gem for the consoles, but really just a very good baseball title for the PC. The animations will uncurl your socks, the depth and ingenuity of the Dynasty Mode will create a new summer obsession. There are some great things MVP Baseball 2004 has that no one else has ever had, but there are also some things that other PC games have always had that they're missing. This one is close, incredibly close to being one of the great sports franchises around. It's fantastic, a surefire pick for any baseball fan, but there is room to grow.

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As good as MVP Baseball 2004 can be, it is also pretty frustrating. Every time you get going with a dynasty, put together a winning streak in August, or simply get into a groove with the intricate pitching interface, some glaring problem, like the absence of a strikeout in your last three games, shocks you back to reality. But even with these issues, you can't argue with the way the game performs on the field. Don't think too much about statistics, and you'll be rewarded with enjoyable hardball that often bears a strong resemblance to the national pastime.

If you can live without walks and the lack of steals and you don't care about Dynasty mode then MVP 2004 is a surefire winner. But for those that want to sink their teeth into all of the features that the game offers, you can't help but be a bit disappointed.