Customer Reviews

MVP Baseball 2004

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I get a new PC baseball game every year. After being disappointed by the recent Triple Play and High Heat games, this MVP Baseball 2004 looked like a winner.

It almost is.

The pitching control is outstanding. The batting control is much improved. You can also control so many more facets of the game, including how and where your runners slide (to avoid the tag). You can even "railroad" the catcher.

I was one of those that were suprised that my controller (MS Sidewinder Gamepad) did not work with this game! I went out and purchased a new Logitech Dual Action Gamepad. Although there was nothing wrong with my old gamepad, I really do like this new one, and its NEEDED to fully enjoy this game (you need both analog sticks to control runners and special fielding plays).

The MVP Points system gives you something to strive for. You can unlock old-time players, stadiums, uniforms, etc.

However, the game does have some MAJOR flaws.

Playing Online: Online play is riddled with bugs. Including one that restarts your game anytime you steal a base! EA should have never shipped with this kind of bug. I'm sure there will be a patch eventually - if you can wait.

Controllers: You must own one of the following controllers
Logitech Dual Action Gamepad
Wingman Cordless Rumblepad
Wingman Rumblepad
Gravis Eliminator Aftershock
Saikek P880 controller

Playing with the keyboard is useless. I have read that you can hack your Windows registry to make your older controller work, but I'm sure you will be missing some functionality. EA should have included support for older controllers and simplified the controls for them.

Game modes: There is a "Dynasty Mode" where you build your team and progress through the years. Creating players in the minors and progressing them is useless. They will never be better than an avg. player.

It would have been nice if EA included a Single Season mode, or even a Playoff-tree mode (a la their NHL games).

When and if EA releases a patch - the game should be improved, and I would add another star.

Found yet another BUG: If you minimize the program, and then try to go back into the game, it will crash and leave you back at the desktop. I suggest you kill all other apps running (especially IMs) when playing.

These game reviewers are a tough bunch. Yes, the controller issue was a serious faux pas on the part of EA. I, too, had to go buy a new controller just to play this game. (It was WELL worth it) And, as one individual pointed out, you can't set the prices for your concession stands in the "Dynasty" mode(what were they thinking!) ;-) (Note: I can't speak for the online problems mentioned, because I have not yet attempted to play online)

Still, this is an awesome game. The level of realism achieved is not only better than any other baseball simulation to date--it's better than most sports simulations in any genre. The detail in the graphics, the movements of the players, the rendering of the stadiums, and the overall gameplay are all top notch.

There are significant improvements over EA's previous (and very good) simulation MVP Baseball 2003. For example, there are a lot more very close plays at first base on grounders in the infield. You must now warm up relief pitchers before they enter the game, otherwise their effectiveness will be greatly diminished. There are various types of slides, including hook slides and slides intended to take out the defender at 2nd base on a double-play; the catcher is more involved defensively in the gameplay; etc., etc.

One aspect of the game that was not improved in this version, IMO, is the commentating. Kuiper and Krukow no longer discuss each team's results in the previous season, or elaborate on the individual players. Their commentary is pretty much limited to describing the action on the field (I suppose some might prefer that), and there is a lot of the dialogue that is borrowed from MVP 2003. Still, it's a relatively minor issue, as are--IMHO--all of the complaints lodged here about this game (with the exception of the controller compatibility and--if true--the online bug).

EA has done a great job overall with this game. Traditionally, baseball simulations for gaming consoles and the PC have been very disappointing, which is surprising since the sport is well-suited for a videogame format. MVP 2003 was a huge step in the right direction. MVP 2004 takes baseball simulation to yet another level of realism. An excellent game despite some relatively minor flaws. Don't let the controller issue and all of the negative reviews here discourage you from trying this out.

I have played baseball games in my day, many of them, and I have always encountered one problem or another. Either the pitching stinks or it is the batting. Maybe the game graphics were awesome were awesome and the gameplay stunk. Or even the graphics stunk because they were sacrificed to make the gameplay better. Or even the whole game stunk... WHEW!

Well, this game comes to the rescue. The graphics are really the best I have ever seen and could really imagine. Every single detail is perfect - eyebrows, eyes, mustaches, goutees, hair style/color - on every single player. Kazuo Matsui (who is in this game!) has the little red lock of hair on this neck. Ichiro's whole face characteristics are incredible. And the batting stances are just right. Ichiro's impressed me the most since his is probably the hardest in baseball to imitate in a game. They did it classically and perfectly. Nothing is flawed as far as graphics go.

Gameplay is too awesome. Pitching is a breeze to figure out, but that's just figuring out. You must practice to perfect your location, velocity, etc. Batting is a little easier, but on the harder levels of difficulty, it is very hard. You really have to decide quickly whether that next pitch coming is a 95 mph fastball or just a slow uncle charlie curve ball. Bunting, like in real life, is difficult to master, but when perfected, it is a sweet thing. Ichiro is very capable of beating out a bunt if it is placed right.

Nothing in this game is downright EASY. The difficulty level is such that it takes a while to master Rookie - then there is pro, advanced and MVP level. Never even tried MVP level - it is, I'm sure, for the expert baseball gamer.

The gameplay announcing is nice too. It is not annoying with repeated sayings, clich'es, etc., rather, they are quite intelligent. And they do take notice and point out whether some has hit his 30th hr of the year, is throwing 7 innings of perfect baseball, and that sort of thing. Intelligent, like I said.

The different managerial modes are awesome, you have free reign of your MLB, AAA, and AA clubs. Creating a player is fun, too. But if you make his generics 100%, you will have to pay him the money he's worth. Make sure your team can afford him!

Get this game, whether you have doubts or not because they will be completely put to rest once you spend just one day on the game.

Signing Out... PLAY BALL!

OK, so my favorite review has been the one that said that this game is bad and not realistic and if I want a real game I should go to a ball park....

hmm.

These things on your screen, they aren't real. And since I know nothing about computer games, and patches are things I use for my jeans, I am not sure what any of the arguments are. I am not good enough to play online with all you patch knowing megabyte wonders, so I"ll just create my own little world where I have fun.

If you like baseball, and you want to get into the idea of managing, this is very fun. I think it is more difficult than the last version, which I used to win all the time. I find if my pitchers blow a pitch, they usually pay for it in this version. I feel like sometimes the decisions actually matter, and I need to really think about my choices. In this dynasty mode thing, I have discovered that I would be a crappy manager.
I either give the whiners what they want, or I release them. There is no psychology implied.

Like I say, I am not an expert, but this is fun. What do you expect at want from a computer game. And yes, go see a game live...it's fun too

First off, as far as computer games go this one is pretty good. The graphics are excellent, the menu's are easy to use. But there are some serious kinks in this game. Left-hand batters no matter what their power, rarely hit homeruns. In dynasty mode, players retire for no reason, and many minor leaguers simply disappear. If you don't have one of the 3 or 4 supported gamepads/controllers yours won't work with this game, and using the keypad presents major difficulties, like not being able to lead off, slide, or swing and control runners at the same time. Despite these deficiencies the gameplay is excellent, the difficulty levels and dynasty mode provide great challenges, and their are fun bells and whistles which add to the fun. I would buy it, but don't expect perfection.

At first, I was very disappointed with the controller issues. I started the game, Microsoft Sidewinder ready to go, only to find out that it wasn't supported. Ouch...I wasn't too happy.

I have been using the keyboard since. It was very confusing and frustrating at first, but after remapping some controls, I am starting to get the hang of it. So, if you don't mind using the keyboard, don't lose hope. Just remap some controls to your liking (although inconvenient, it doesn't take that long to do) and you can really enjoy this game. Oh, just a little advice. If you use the keyboard, the arrow keys on the number pad are what determine your swing location. Maybe I didn't read the manual well enough or I might just be a little light headed, but I was trying to use the regular arrow keys. Very frustrating when you make a juiced up power hitter with over 90 Power and all he can do is hit line drives. Well, by chance, I realized the NUM Pad arrows determined swing location and right away I was belting them out of the park. Only problem is I needed to remap my baserunning keys so that my runners weren't leaving early. For controller users, I noticed they have a fix at the EA website.

Controller issues aside, I love the graphics and gameplay. In old versions, there were too many line drives, but now I get a lot more bloopers and high pops to the shallow outfield. A whole lot more realistic. Pitching is much more fun than in the past too! I had an easy time blowing it by batters in old EA titles, but this year, you have to work for your K's. I love the fact that you can charge the mound, although I haven't tried it yet. Oh, the crowd is kind of silly looking. Cardboard cut-outs with Wookie hands. I try not to pay much attention to the people in the seats. I like the Homerun Showdown mode. In it, you go head to head, split screen, with another batter and the first batter to accumulate a total distance wins. This is cool, but I wish you can have an old fashioned homerun derby. Another feature that would be nice would be a batting practice mode. It would be nice to get your timing down or just to see how far the old lumber can launch one.

One major flaw I noticed was that I would try to select gameplay options during the game and it would boot me directly to my desktop. EA has a patch for this and some online issues at the website. It is about 3 megs and I installed and have had no problems since.

Anyways, I have rambled long enough! Controller issue aside, I have really enjoyed MVP 2004. If you love baseball and want the most realistic offering that's out there, then this one is the one for you.

I've had this game for awhile now and really enjoy it. This is a must have for any baseball fan. Realistic graphics and gameplay. I love the dynasty mode. I currently have two going right now using the A's and Reds (my favorite teams). I decided to experiment a little by using the rookie mode with the A's. The offensive numbers are a little too outlandish. Hitting three homers in a game with Eric Byrnes for example. Also, I've thrown two perfect games in this mode. I suggest using at least the Pro level. This is the most realistic mode to play. I recently played a 19 inning game against the Pirates, finally winning 5-4. I had to exhaust almost my whole pitching staff here.

Only a couple of things I would improve with next years game. One, the AI with the base running is absurd. I let the computer control my baserunners for me. I often hit balls to the wall and only get singles. This needs to change. Also, it seems that the framerate can stick sometimes, or be choppy. I do have a 2GHZ processor and a 32 meg video card, but still have this problem. I did lower the video resolution a little and this has helped, but it can still be choppy.

Overall, though, this is an awesome game! I get many hours of joy from it and recommend it to anyone who loves baseball.

For years, I was a High Heat baseball fan (see previous reviews). But with 3DO slowing falling into obscurity and their titles suffering because of it (the last HH was a sheer debacle), I knew it was time to jump ship and see what the gang at EA Sports had in store with MVP Baseball 2004.

Right off the bat (excuse the horrible pun), this game delivers. The presentation is solid, with easy-to-read menu choices and a nice interface. You can choose from many modes of play, including exhibition, Dynasty, Home Run Challenge, Pitcher's Duel, etc. These modes are all well-done; however, the one glaring ommission (shame you, EA), is the Season Mode. The Dynasty mode is fun since it lets you control one of MLB's entire franchise, even the AAA and AA teams. Still, this is a little much since not many people are going to want to mess with the lineups and defensive formations of a single-A team and have it affect their "manager rating" in the end. Still, a worthy mode for those wanting to really get their hands dirty.

Onto the game. Graphics are tremendous, with each player's likeness looking exactly like his counterpart, sans the lesser known guys. Batting stances are perfect, from Sosa's hunch to Sheffield's waving bat. Pitching animations are also included, and they look great as well. The stadiums are perfectly rendered for each day or night game, and the shadows will even travel across the field to let you know that time is actually passing.

As for gameplay, the pitching controls are terrific, but as people have been complaining about, you must have a compatible controller. If you do, you'll be throwing a "slurve" in no time. This also goes for running, batting, and fielding. You can control your slides, rob home run balls, turn double plays from your knees, and so much more. The computer opponent is a challenge, so you'll have to know a little strategy as well. Keep throwing high fast balls, and sooner of later, one is going yard.

Sound really lends an authenticity to the game, with plentiful crowd noise, realistic hecklers (ah, to hear the Boston crowd at Fenway chanting "over-rated" to A-Rod), and a wonderful play-by-play and color team that is right there for all the action.

EA has never really made a terrific baseball game, but MVP 2004 is definitely the best out there right now. You can tune the game any way you like to make it as hard/easy as you want, and you have complete control of your team, from infield/outfield alignments to warming up relievers in the bullpen (which are seen via cutscenes - a nice touch). Stats are displayed with each batter, and even the nice little milestones during your season (dynasty) are represented via cool e-mails from the league. You can scout the teams you're playing, check out their starting lineup, adjust your own, and decide whether the next pitcher in your rotation has the stuff.

MVP Baseball 2004 is the best baseball game to come out for the PC in quite some time. It has everything a true baseball game shoudl have, wrapped up in an excellent package that oozes fun and slick presentation.

I agree with the other guy about all you reviewers being out of your mind. I can not honestly see how anyone can say this game is terrible. First of all, the hitting, and the actual movements of the pitches, are about as realistic as any game can make it. But perhaps none of you have actually ever seen a curveball? Hmmm...... Anyhow, the game physics are oustanding. If you don't feel the outfielders are faster enough, you can make them faster. There are some bugs, this is true. But none of them, even multiplied together, make this a terrible game. The controller thing is bad, I agree. But if you like baseball games that actually resemble real baseball, this is by far, the best baseball game out, including any console versions.

the controller issue can be fixed if you change the name of your controller in the registry. start menu, run, type "regedit", go to find, enter your controller name exactly (name of your current controller as defined by the controllers menu on control panel). double click on the highlighted line and replace the title to the accepted controller. keep hitting "find next" until you have replaced all of the titles of your controller with one of the 5 available in the game. i use a sidewinder, but with the profile name Logitech Dual Action Gamepad. good luck, this game is awesome, it shouldn't be limited by controller issues.