Score
Gameplay:	7
Graphics:	5
Sound:	7
FunFactor:	10
PlasmaFactor:	10
Overall:	7.8

MLB Slugfest 20-03 Review
June 18, 2003 by Brendan

by Brendan - June 18, 2003

MLB Slugfest 20-03 is the action packed result of Midway's classic treatment on a stagnant arcade-style baseball game market. Incorporating elements of its predecessors (including the popular NFL Blitz and NBA Jams line ups), Slugfest also brings new features to the table that, while not necessarily innovative, juice up a 9-inning bout like only corked bats and loads of steroids can.

If it ain't broke...

When it comes to gameplay, Slugfest is strikingly similar to that of the other ventures Midway has made into the sports gaming market. Heavily favoring arcade style gameplay over simulation, even the most casual baseball fan can and will enjoy this game. As was the case with Blitz, Jams, and all the other Midway games, the team rosters are kept to a minimum. In this case, that means 8 position players (plus a DH in the AL) and three pitchers. There won't be any pinch hitters or spot relievers here. The game does offer several types of gameplay, including a season, complete with stat tracking, playoffs, and a world series, 1-8 team tournaments, 30 team single player gauntlets, and single exhibition games. Missing (somewhat surprisingly) are modes for a Home Run Derby (although many games resemble these anyway) and All-Star Game. Back of course are the popular turbo meters, which can be used to add juice to a swing, speed up or increase the movement on a pitch, make a player running the bases or in the field move faster, add a lethal blow to slides, force a baseman to drop the ball, or launch a rapid fire toss in from the outfield. With so many uses for turbo it drains quickly, but fortunately there are a number of ways to recharge it. All hitters are classified by three traits: Hitting, Power, and Speed. These weren't drawn incredibly accurately on the players in the game, but for the most part work pretty well. Batters who are on fire, a somewhat rare occurance in this game, receive bonuses to each stat that appear to vary depending on the player's base stats. Hitting and Pitching are reduced to the basics; a 9-square grid is available for placement of pitches and swings (think tic-tac-toe). Batters have 3 options: swing, power swing, and bunt. Pitchers have four pitches each (drawn from a large number of choices, although these aren't necessarily relevant to the individual pitcher), and the ability to pick off a runner or bean the batter with the hopes of reducing one of his abilities. As with all of these Midway sports games, however, the most appealing aspect of Slugfest is that a new player can jump right in and start enjoying the game almost instantly.

Haven't I seen this before?

The game's graphics are more or less perfectly average for Playstation 2 games today. They don't do anything to blow you away, and even seem to be based on the same few basic movements. Regardless, the game flows rather well visually, and is without flaws. It is a finished product, but doesn't make much of an effort to impress.

A lot of effort went into making this game sound every bit like the actual thing. The crowd cheers and jeers when appropriate, and all the in-game effects from the crack of the bat to the sound of ball hitting leather are authentic. What really steals the show here, though, are the funny and colorful play by play commentators who voice everything from the pre-game loading process (an otherwise long, boring wait) to the final pitch. Though after the first 20 or 30 games the commentary begins to grow tired in its repetition, the witty remarks keep the game entertaining.

All kinds of fun!

As with all of these games, what comes first and foremost is fun. Everything from the gameplay on down is a blast.

Nothing groundbreaking

Again, there's not really a whole lot that this game does to surprise anyone. It's just good, clean fun.

 

GP Reccommends...

Rent it. If you like to keep a selection of games with good multiplayer value, maybe even consider picking up a copy. But as far as must-owns go, MLB Slugfest 20-03 just doesn't quite make the cut.