All-Star Baseball 2003

"Challenge, graphics, features...its all here."

When I first started playing the All Star Baseball series when it came to the nintendo 64 with All Star Baseball 99, anyone could hit 120 home runs with just about any player on all difficulty levels. Since then, this problem has gradually been fixed. In All Star Baseball 2003 this problem has been perfected into a great batting system that may seem tough at first but once you get used to it can still provide you with those explosive 15 run games.

Graphics- 10/10
What can I say other than that these are the best graphics I have seen on a baseball game to date. The movements are smooth and do well to imitate those of real players. The faces look like who their supposed to. Having different types of uniforms for each team only adds to the great graphics of this game. The only real problem I have is that sometimes when checking transactions or the player cards I have difficulty reading the names as they are a little too small. Other than that everything is virtually flawless.

Gameplay- 8/10
From broken bats to inning ending double plays, this game plays like the champion it is. The only real complaint some may have is the difficulty of hitting the ball for your first 10 or so games. Cursor hitting may seem easy for those who remember the days of old where all you had to do was move the cursor to the ball marker and swing at the right time. well this year the ball marker doesn't appear quite as early, making hitting more difficult and realistic. Fielding is done great too. Dives, wall scales, jumps, and errors are all part of the game in real life and in this game. The only other complaint some may have is the CPU trading with itself more than it probably should.

Sound- 10/10
The sound is another great part to this game. You hear the crowd get louder or quieter depending on the part of the game. The announcers actually talk and not just randomly say things at different times. The things they say really dont get old. You hear the sound of the bat when it breaks. Everything in this game sounds like it does in real life.

Features- 10/10
This is the best part of the game. Franchise/Expansion where you can choose/create a team and take them through 20 major league seasons is probably the thing that sets it apart from the competition. Batting practice and home run derby are also included for you to become better hitters. Trivia makes for a great multiplayer experience as you compete to answer questions correctly. Player cards only add to the lasting appeal of this already deep game

Replay Value- 10/10
This IS the baseball game of the year. This game has everything you could want in a baseball game. Franchise/Expansion mode where you could play 20 seasons is great. Trivia is good for a change of pace. Player Cards are an incentive to keep playing the game.

Rent or Buy?
I would say that if you are familiar to the All Star Baseball way of batting than you should definitely buy this game without renting. If you are new to the series or just not sure then you should rent first.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/09/02, Updated 03/09/02