MLB 2005
A big leap forward in the right direction for 989 Sports' baseball franchise.
Published: December 3, 2003
While Major League Baseball is currently on the off-season, the team at 989 Sports is hard at work developing the next installment of its long-running MLB franchise. This time around, 989 plans to keep the same gameplay structure that has worked solidly in previous installments, while introducing a plethora of new, innovative aspects to craft a game with more depth than any other baseball videogame on the market. We're talking intuitive new additions to the gameplay on the mound and up at bat, 6 immense new game modes, including online play, revamped visuals and player models, and more. Feeling giddy yet? Gooooood.
To begin, let's start off with an insight on the fresh new options and modes you can expect to see on the menu screen of MLB 2005. Six, count 'em, six new options of gameplay will be thrown into the mix this year, enabling gamers to fulfill any fantasy on the diamond imaginable. The all-new Career Mode will give you full control of an aspiring rookie, made from the game's new Create A Player, who, once signed into Spring Training, will have to prove he has what it takes (you're in control here, remember) to play in the Big Leagues. Want a little more authority? The new Franchise Mode is the answer, giving you absolute control as a team's GM, from making player deals to negotiating with vendors in order to craft an impeccable team franchise. Simulation Mode, the first of its kind, allows the tracking of games, pitch-by-pitch, yet if you sense an uncertainty on the horizon, you're given the ability to take control of your team and right the wrongs. Ever dream of taking on legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson? MLB 2005's spanking new All-Time Greats will have you pitching to or batting against the players who made the American Pastime what it is today. Rounding out the new gameplay options is the colossal MLB Online, via 989SportsOnline, that offers head to head action, 32-team tournaments, as well as the online sports features you should be accustomed to by now, such as live sports tickers and message boards.
With the massive amounts of new additions to every position on the diamond, it's evident that 989 is looking to put full control into the players' hands. Starting from the pitcher's mound, MLB 2005 comes equipped with new pressure sensitive pitching for key precision, in addition to mound visits from the infield, coach or manager in the instance that your pitching is sub-par. Making a return is Total Control Pitching, giving you, well, total control, in addition to in-game scouting reports to find out what certain batters tend to do at the plate, which pitches are working, and so on. From the other side of the spectrum, the new Zone Control Batting is a surefire way to take better, more on-target swings when up at bat. An all-new pitcher/batter interface, including new interface cameras, interactive hot 'n' cold zones, double switches and scaled strike zones, should add much more depth to the controls from both positions.
Whether fielding the diamond or running the bases, gamers will be pleased to know that MLB 2005 adds a good amount of new aspects to the control of fielders and baserunners. Accompanying the "Total Control" of each position on the defensive is brand new pressure sensitive throwing for timing those throws just right, and new cut offs, relays, and rundowns to gun down that guy rounding third base. It feels good to have control, doesn't it?
Now in the graphics department, expect to see a boatload of new enhancements that aren't just the subtle upgrades you may be used to in newer installments of similar sports franchises. Animations are being taken a step further in the MLB franchise with the addition of new player models, base coach reactions, and authentic ballparks animated right down to the core. The game will also be introducing a slew of new aspects for added realism, including true trajectory ball physics and new fielding and base running AI. Expect to see everything running at a smooth 60fps, doubling the franchise's usual game engine speed of 30fps.
In the midst of the MLB 2005's new gameplay and visual features, you'll be seeing (or hearing, should I say) a big improvement in audio and sound quality. A three-man booth of Hall of Famer Vin Scully, ESPN's Dave Campbell and San Diego Padres' Matt Vasgersian will be dishing out hours of play-by-play and color commentary, all under progressive audio. What does that mean, you ask? Simply put, the announcers will be noticeably more realistic, making a comparison between home and away, night and day, player streaks, etc.
With so many new upgrades and features being seamed into the key foundations of the MLB franchise, there is little doubting my belief that MLB 2005 will be a baseball must-have once it hits stores. The action begins in March of next year, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as more on the game surfaces.
To begin, let's start off with an insight on the fresh new options and modes you can expect to see on the menu screen of MLB 2005. Six, count 'em, six new options of gameplay will be thrown into the mix this year, enabling gamers to fulfill any fantasy on the diamond imaginable. The all-new Career Mode will give you full control of an aspiring rookie, made from the game's new Create A Player, who, once signed into Spring Training, will have to prove he has what it takes (you're in control here, remember) to play in the Big Leagues. Want a little more authority? The new Franchise Mode is the answer, giving you absolute control as a team's GM, from making player deals to negotiating with vendors in order to craft an impeccable team franchise. Simulation Mode, the first of its kind, allows the tracking of games, pitch-by-pitch, yet if you sense an uncertainty on the horizon, you're given the ability to take control of your team and right the wrongs. Ever dream of taking on legends like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson? MLB 2005's spanking new All-Time Greats will have you pitching to or batting against the players who made the American Pastime what it is today. Rounding out the new gameplay options is the colossal MLB Online, via 989SportsOnline, that offers head to head action, 32-team tournaments, as well as the online sports features you should be accustomed to by now, such as live sports tickers and message boards.
With the massive amounts of new additions to every position on the diamond, it's evident that 989 is looking to put full control into the players' hands. Starting from the pitcher's mound, MLB 2005 comes equipped with new pressure sensitive pitching for key precision, in addition to mound visits from the infield, coach or manager in the instance that your pitching is sub-par. Making a return is Total Control Pitching, giving you, well, total control, in addition to in-game scouting reports to find out what certain batters tend to do at the plate, which pitches are working, and so on. From the other side of the spectrum, the new Zone Control Batting is a surefire way to take better, more on-target swings when up at bat. An all-new pitcher/batter interface, including new interface cameras, interactive hot 'n' cold zones, double switches and scaled strike zones, should add much more depth to the controls from both positions.
Whether fielding the diamond or running the bases, gamers will be pleased to know that MLB 2005 adds a good amount of new aspects to the control of fielders and baserunners. Accompanying the "Total Control" of each position on the defensive is brand new pressure sensitive throwing for timing those throws just right, and new cut offs, relays, and rundowns to gun down that guy rounding third base. It feels good to have control, doesn't it?
Now in the graphics department, expect to see a boatload of new enhancements that aren't just the subtle upgrades you may be used to in newer installments of similar sports franchises. Animations are being taken a step further in the MLB franchise with the addition of new player models, base coach reactions, and authentic ballparks animated right down to the core. The game will also be introducing a slew of new aspects for added realism, including true trajectory ball physics and new fielding and base running AI. Expect to see everything running at a smooth 60fps, doubling the franchise's usual game engine speed of 30fps.
In the midst of the MLB 2005's new gameplay and visual features, you'll be seeing (or hearing, should I say) a big improvement in audio and sound quality. A three-man booth of Hall of Famer Vin Scully, ESPN's Dave Campbell and San Diego Padres' Matt Vasgersian will be dishing out hours of play-by-play and color commentary, all under progressive audio. What does that mean, you ask? Simply put, the announcers will be noticeably more realistic, making a comparison between home and away, night and day, player streaks, etc.
With so many new upgrades and features being seamed into the key foundations of the MLB franchise, there is little doubting my belief that MLB 2005 will be a baseball must-have once it hits stores. The action begins in March of next year, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as more on the game surfaces.
