This is not a seeing-eye single into the shallow outfield – this is a solid hit, a frozen rope that may yield up extra bases.

MLB 2005 for the PlayStation2 from 989 Sports is one of the more player-friendly baseball titles to take the turn at first base in years. The game is so customizable that players will find themselves tailoring the game play easily to suit their skill and comfort levels.

While the copy received was stated as being reviewable, the game did have some issues and bugs that the developers were aware of and working to correct before the game releases. So this review will have some holes as certain issues are worked through and likely should be amended for the retail release.

The nice thing about MLB 2005 is the customization factor.

For example, if you are batting, you can dumb down the controls so all you have to worry about is timing. See the pitch, time it, swing, and hit it. But for the true fan, who seeks to be totally immersed in the game, you can take over complete control of the batting. You can sit on that fastball low and away; you can study pitcher tendencies and use them to your advantage. The AI in that regard is a lot more predictable than real human-controlled opponents.

The game features rookie batting controls, veteran batting controls and all-star batting controls in which you have to worry about timing, the zone the pitch may come in to, what type of pitch it is and whether or not you are swinging down for a ground ball, or trying to lift the hit into the air.

The same, more or less, holds for pitching. Stamina comes into play and each batter is charted with hot and cold zones. Unfortunately, not every batter chart jives with what the announcers are saying. You may see a chart where the batter seems susceptible to inside, belt high, only to hear the color commentator announce that this batter chews up anything inside during the wind-up. Sure enough, you deliver a four-seamer to the inside and the batter powders it.

One of the new features to the title this year is the incorporation of the EyeToy. Gamers can scan in their own faces and then put them on created players to flash up on the scoreboard. Of course one problem with creating a player is that your rookie will make rookie mistakes, but during spring training, almost anything is possible.

MLB 2005 does have some terrific animation and incorporates some sound ideas such as pressure-sensitive throwing, cut-off and relays, individual player positioning, catcher back picks, and 12 game play options – which includes a solid online presence. The development team really put an emphasis on the animations and options package to customize the game experience and it shows.

Gamers will be able to unlock all-time great players, enter into the new franchise mode or the new career mode.

This title has the opportunity to provide a total baseball gaming experience. It will be interesting to revisit it upon release to see if all the little quirks have been fixed. Should that happen, look at MLB 2005 as a solid pennant contender.
 

Gameplay: 8

The game has some quirks in the easier mode, which would appeal to rookie gamers, but taking control of fielding and throwing eliminates much of that. Each game moves smoothly and at a nice pace.

Graphics: 8.9
The game sports wonderful animation and lush, rich textures. There are a some minor clipping problems and the crowd is very flat and two-dimensional – which is only noticeable when you have a field drifting toward the stands in pursuit of a foul ball.

Sound: 8.2

The musical score is great, and while not always on target, the trio of Vin Scully, Dave Campbell and Matt Vasgersian do a good job of relaying the action, and providing commentary.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.5

This game has some terrific ideas and in the final release, the new features (including the EyeToy compatibility) should score big with fans. The interface is also easy to work with.

Multiplayer: 8.5

This game is enjoyable in single player, but is much more fun in multiplayer. It will have a solid online presence, making the opportunity for players to test their game much easier to accomplish.

Overall: 8.3
This can be amended upon viewing the retail release. It would be unfair to judge the game based on what may be corrected, and equally unfair to deny the promise of what will be in the final release. Overall, this title has the potential to rate up there as one of the best baseball games of the year. It has sterling graphics and a great options package. Gamers looking for a terrific baseball game may want to consider this for the starting lineup.