World Series Baseball '96

"A big disappointment."

World Series Baseball 96 was released in mid-to-late 1995 for the Sega Genesis. WSB 96 was developed and published by Sega Sports. WSB 96 is one of the sequels to one of the most revolutionary baseball games during the 16-bit era, and throughout gaming history as well. Its unique, close-up batter’s box perspective added a layer of realism that had never been attempted, let alone seen in any baseball game. Here’s the deal, the game’s camera was placed directly behind an amazingly detailed character model, so much so that the character model filled up the screen vertically. All of the batter’s animation was done in this perspective, and all of his animations were smooth. All of these things were retained, and improved upon, in the sequel.

The graphics were revolutionary, the batter’s box perspective had never been done this well before, and in my honest opinion, I don’t think it’s been done this well since. This unique perspective gives the game a look and feel all its own. The batter’s box isn’t the only notable graphical highlight. The animation for pitchers is smooth as silk as well. Every single animation for a pitcher is done to perfection, none of the pitches look identical, which was a pretty big deal at the time of the game’s release. The outfield graphics are great, every animation in the game is as smooth as you could possibly expect. The game's environments, namely the stadium and the field itself, look outstanding. The stadiums all have unique features that will allow you to tell which stadium is which. More detail has been added to each stadium. The field looks amazing, there is a subtle change in the color of the field, just like real life. This is the most aesthetically pleasing baseball game I’ve ever had the privilege of playing. The graphics are amazing, I just wish that Sega had done more than improve some minute aspects like the stadiums.

The game’s sound is as well done as the graphics. An announcer rattles off player names, pitches, and the like, and he never repeats himself. His voice is surprisingly clear, which is quite a surprise given the Genesis’ sound limitations. The sound effects from the umpire are as pristine as the announcer’s; you’ll be able to hear everything the ump says without any trouble. During games, music will blare through the game getting you into the mood to play ball. The most surprising thing about the sound is that none of the sounds drown each other out; you would think that in a game with as many sound effects as this one, that there would some overlapping, but there is none.

From a gameplay standpoint, WSB 96 is beyond reproach. Fielding is a cinch to do, as are batting and pitching. The fast pace of the gameplay replicates the pace of an actual baseball game. There are quite a few modes for you to play in this game, aside from the obligatory exhibition and season modes, there’s also a home run derby mode, as well as a World Series mode to help keep your interest. All of these modes show off the game’s frantic gameplay.

WSB 96 controls like a dream. Batting is a breeze, fielding is a snap, and pitching is a piece of cake because of the game’s silky smooth controls that never miss a beat. The controls are the most rock-solid I’ve ever seen in any baseball game. They are super-responsive, which is a must in a game of this nature.

The presentation of the game is about as authentic as one could expect. The game’s scoreboard looks great, and does a great job of getting in a major league look with the humorous animations that happen on it. The animations are more complex this time around though, they add that much more to the presentation of the game. The menu interface throughout the game is great; none of the menus are convoluted.

WSB 96 has a ton of replay value; it plays better than most of the baseball games out there today, it is a pure joy to play this game, and I’m not even a baseball fan. The game’s many modes will give you years of fun if you dig deep and avoid taking the game at face value.

Overall, the game is amazing, but it’s not all great. Some of the game’s greatness is worn off though because it’s not as revolutionary as its predessor. This version of the game added some graphical touches, and a new mode or two, as well as the obligatory roster update, but nothing really substantial was added. Still, it’s a great game and well worth your money if you can find it. Just don’t come into it expecting a radical change from the other games in this legendary series. It's a pretty disappointing game though, nothing major has been added to the game other than the obligatory roster updates and some minute graphical enhancements.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/27/01, Updated 06/28/01