Xbox

MVP Baseball 2003

For implementing a great new pitching system (that blows every other off the plate), taking risks by omitting several deeply rooted clichés and basically being the first really new baseball game in at least 2 years, MVP Baseball 2003 deserves your attention. Those of you more into the simulation aspects of the sport will be better served with WSB 2K3, but for my money MVP Baseball 2003 is the most important baseball game of the year.

Overall, MVP Baseball 2003 is a solid baseball simulation that brings it all to the table. With realistic graphics and sound, it is easily the best of the 2003 season. Although it has its flaws, you will be playing this one for a long time (or whenever you complete the 30 year franchise mode). Everyone young and old can enjoy MVP Baseball and learn how to beat teams soon enough. Do not pass up the opportunity of missing out on MVP Baseball 2003, you will not regret buying it.

Like any rookie phenom, no matter how good they play, they're still prone to making rookie mistakes. The great thing about MVP is, even with those mistakes, it's still one of the best baseball titles to hit the market and finishes a strong second to World Series. MVP's pitcher/batter interface alone makes for thrilling head-to-head play as wannabe hurlers finally need skill to throw strikes, while the Franchise mode will have you simulating games for nights-on-end as you try to find the right combination of players and salaries to bring a title to your hometown.

The bottom line is that MVP shows some serious potential. And I think if they address the issues I mentioned above, and add some serious online committment, this can be a serious contender next year. Really it's just some minor tweaking that has to be done, nothing too bad. The presentation is simply outstanding, minus commentary. I still say it was a solid first effort for EA Sports' newest line.

MVP earns props for looking good and trying something new while delivering solid baseball. High Heat is a much better playing ballgame, but MVP will appeal to baseball fans intrigued by its individuality.

In the end, the choice of game comes down to how you want to play the game. If you are the sort who grabs a baseball game to get down in the trenches and swing that bat, then MVP Baseball 2003 is going to be your game. On the flip side, if you prefer the intricacies of management, World Series Baseball 2K3 is the better choice. Either way, you're getting an excellent game.

MVP Baseball 2003 is a solid reentry into the baseball market for EA Sports. It should satisfy players who don't care about all the miscellaneous nuances of the sport, or who aren't looking to immerse themselves in a complicated franchise mode.