Xbox

High Heat Major League Baseball 2004

Other baseball games might have a more unique feature or two, and several absolutely have better graphics, but only High Heat delivers such consistently riveting gameplay. For the third season in a row, it's the top ballgame on the market.

Surprisingly High Heat's entry into the 2003 baseball market can best be described as a hardball analogy itself: As the market is full of new contenders and stars entering the prime of their careers, our old friend High Heat laces them up for just one more season to prove it still has what it takes. One of the last remaining players of a bygone era, it does its job well and does it well. Even if it can't keep up with younger and more flexible newcomers.

Just like it predecessors, High Heat Major League Baseball 2004 puts authentic gameplay ahead of any other detail. The game is a joy to play because it simulates baseball exceptionally well. For those of you who've followed the series on the PlayStation 2 for the past three years, the improved visuals and the addition of downloadable roster updates should offer ample incentive to embrace the Xbox version.

High Heat Baseball 2004 can't measure up graphically to the competition, and though this is a solid baseball title, it can be a little arcade-like and easy. The control elements go from too simplistic to overly complex. There is a learning curve for the control elements, so be prepared for that.