High Heat Major League Baseball 2002

"It's not High Heat 2002 PC, but it's certainly not bad..."

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect from High Heat 2002. The PC version was an absolute masterpiece. It was beautiful, it was thourough, it played well, and was extensible. Basically, it was the finest baseball game EVER. Could a GBA version of High Heat be anywhere near as good?

Well, of course not. The limitations are obvious to anyone. GBA High Heat does not allow trades. It doesn't even keep stats. Season mode for PC HH2002 is wonderfully satisfying if you're a baseball numbers fanatic. Nothing makes up for what the GB HH leaves out.

But as far as other baseball games go, you know, before the new ones, you weren't able to trade. Stats weren't all that important. One these terms, HH2002 GBA is fantastic. The game plays smoothly, and even features some extra modes like Home Run Derby to keep your interest. Seasons are very simplified, but they are there.

The depth of play is suprising. Basically, pitching is the same as it is in games like World Series Baseball, pick a pitch, then pick a location. Batting is easier due to the fact that the opposing pitcher will not pitch until you tell him to. Fielding is also... well... not that good. Correct relay mechanics are impressive, but you put around for the ball everywhere. No diving, no shoestring catches, no errors. Fielding is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Fortunately, the auto-fielding option is actually useful.

The lack of a multiplayer mode is really what hurts this game the most. Why else do you buy sports games?!?! In fact, this comes close to being an unacceptable oversight. How much GBA baseball are you really gonna want to play against the VERY easy computer opponents?

The visuals are simple, but well animated. You might be surprised that the home team's stadium looks like the real life one. It's not hard to see everything you need to see on the screen. The sound is well... non-existent. Any less sound, and I might forget they even had any.

Honestly, all of this is missing the point. HH2002 will not be as good as the PC version and you cannot expect it to. It's more of a revision of say... Bases Loaded than a modern baseball game, but that's not all bad. Hopefully, the next version of HH for the GBA will be much improved, but for now, baseball fanatics have something to play on long car rides.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/02, Updated 06/12/03