Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey, Jr.

"What does this game have going for it? Everything!"

Introduction:

Major League Baseball featuring Ken Griffey Jr. is easily in my top 10 games of all time. The sense of accomplishment that this game provides is unlike any sports title that I've played before. From the in-depth modes to the solid presentation, this game has it all.

Gameplay: 10/10

I cannot begin to explain how good it feels to have total control over the gameplay. This game features the best batting system that I've ever experienced. When the pitcher throws his pitch, a white dot appears in the hitters box. Depending on the type of pitch, this white dot moves in a certain direction. This is where the skill comes in. Each hitter has a dotted circle, the size of which depends on the ability of the hitter. The better the hitter is then the bigger the circle is, while the less talented hitters have smaller circles. The circle must be lined up with the white dot and the swing must be executed at the appropriate time. Fielding and base running are also excellent in their own ways. Diving and jumping for balls in play is an easy thing to do since the players respond to your controls so quickly. This makes the game fluent and move along timely. Base running is done with the use of the C buttons. Each base corresponds to a C button and runners are advanced simply by pushing the base's respective button. The only downside to the gameplay is the sometimes high scoring games. Stealing bases creates numerous run scoring situations that can easily be capitalized on. The CPU on certain occasions leaves a tired pitcher in the game too long which leads to double digit scoring innings. In some ways this makes the game better because the more time you get with this excellent batting system, the better the experience.

Graphics: 9/10

This game might have the best stadium graphics I have ever seen. The difference between Yankee stadium and Fenway Park can easily be told which creates an amazing atmosphere. That being said, the player models are somewhat blocky and they run like amped up robots. This small deficiency, however, is no big deal at all considering the superb gameplay.

Sound: 9/10

"Hi this is Ken Griffey Jr., lets play major league baseball..."- It would be impossible for me to count the number of times I've heard this memorable phrase. Every time you turn the power on, Ken Griffey is doing his thing and that alone gives the "sound" a score boost. The umpire calls balls and strikes with a purpose and the sound of ball making contact with wood has never sounded sweeter. On the menu screen, a catchy tune is played which only adds to the experience.

Features: 10/10

Hmmm.....where to begin. KGMLB features a single season mode, dynasty mode, a 7 game World Series, and Home Run Derby. Half of my time with this game was spent drafting and making trades in dynasty mode. It's the first game that I have seen where the CPU can reject your proposed trades. The feeling of finally acquiring Ken Griffey for your team after many rejected trades cannot be matched. Home Run Derby is a great way to show your friends who's the best, by going four player head to head. Much time will be spent on seeing who can hit it the farthest without using Ken Griffey!

Play time/Replay value: 10/10

There is infinite replay value for a game that goes as in-depth as this one. I could spend my whole life drafting and making trades in this masterpiece. The gameplay never gets old and the modes will keep you going forever.

Final Recommendation: BUY

There has never been another baseball game that I've had as much fun with as this one. It has everything and more that you could hope for in terms of gameplay and presentation. If you are remotely interested in baseball I would say that this game is money well spent. BUY. No questions asked: if you want a good experience, MLB featuring Ken Griffey Jr. is waiting for you.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/26/06