Triple Play 2002

"Not as bad as last year's but..."

First of all I want you all to understand that I've neither had the chance to play All Star nor High Heat so this is a straight review without comparison. The thing that really stands out about this years game is the lack of features. I'm used to the old Triple Plays that contain a point/reward system which allows you to raise stats, gain players, gain stadiums etc. Also I really like the old Home Run competition that allowed you to go into some oddball stadium and hit targets or maybe bust a giant family's living room to pieces. This game has neither of those. As a matter of fact this game has no frills whatsoever. As for the rest, well herte goes...

GRAPHICS: 9/10

Aside from the fact that the player's heads seem to be a bit too big for their bodies, this game is beautiful. The stadiums are awesome and the movements look fluid and realistic. Also, a major difference between this year's and last's is the look of the crowd. This may not mean a lot to most people, but I noticed it right away.

SOUND: 10/10

The addition of Bob Costas really surprised me. I'm a big Costas fan. Harold Reynolds is sometimes a bit cheezy but every once in a while he says something that gives me a chuckle. The rest of the sounds are outstanding from the ambient crowd noise to the crack of the bat, to the strange soundtrack that was chosen for this year's game. ''I wanna' rock!''

GAMEPLAY: 4/10

Too darn easy. The cursor system just doesn't work in my opinion. Now don't get me wrong, I actually have fun playing this game, but the offensive numbers I put up are just not realistic. This being said, one thing about the gameplay that I noticed immediately is that this game has the most realistic dive that I've ever seen. All other BB games that I've played have let you dive and grab the ball with whatever body part comes in contact with the ball, including the feet. This year it seems as though you actually have to get some leather on the ball to make a play. Again, not important to most, but it is to me.

REPLAY VALUE: ?

What can I say. If you like beautiful baseball that is not very hard, than you'll want to spend a lot of time playing this game. If you don't, chances are you won't.

RENT/BUY?

Definitley rent first. With two other BB games that are out their with great reviews, it would only make sense to check out all three before making a decision.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/02, Updated 03/21/02