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We actually have a review almost immediately after the game’s launch.
989 Sports had a hard time adjusting to the PS2. It didn’t do bad at all on the PS One, but when Sony decided to change things on them, they were a bit out of the loop. Recently, their games have been huge improvements and MLB 2005 continues the tradition after a best left unmentioned MLB 2004.
MLB 2005 features the ever-popular Franchise mode where you need to control your team, not how they play, but rather make money off them. The gameplay mode is popular and MLB 2005 pulls it off very well.
The Career mode is probably what “real” baseball fans will appreciate the most, something that MLB 2004 did right and MLB 2005 does also. Basically, you make a John Doe and accomplish different tasks so you can earn points that allow you upgrade your stats. If you get good enough, you may just get on the team and even on their starting lineup. If you have an EyeToy, you can scan your face into the game so you get the feeling that it’s really you making the team. A bit loser-ish, I know, but I’m sure some of you will enjoy the feature. (Kidding guys, you’re all winners.)
989SportsOnline is a very comprehensive online package and is fully supported in MLB 2005. As with other 989 Sports game that go online you can expect to not only play online but send emails, view stats, create leagues and tournaments.
There are a number of gameplay improvements to make the game a bit more fun to play. Pitching is a bit easier since there are now “hot” and “cold” zones for the batter. Simply pitch into the “cold” zones and you’ll be a much more successful pitcher. It isn’t all unfair, though, if you’re the batter. You can predict where the pitch will land and have a higher chance to hit the ball. Similarly, fielding control and base running are a bit easier to control than last year’s edition.
That’s all pretty fantastic but as anyone who has seen the plethora of commercials for the game will tell you, the biggest and most notable difference come in the visuals. MLB 2004 was a high-resolution PS One game, ported over to the PS2 with little change. This year, MLB 2005 looks a lot better, matching the competition in visuals. The player models are the most improved with instantly recognizable characters that animate very fluidly.
The audio portion of the game consists of the expected sound effects. The commentating has been upgraded for the better. They now include comments on how the player did at bat previously and make the game seem a bit more realistic.
MLB 2005 is the first baseball game I have reviewed this year, and without playing the competition, I can’t say it’s going to be the absolute best. Nonetheless, 989 Sports has done an excellent job with MLB 2005 that makes you forget about the past misguided entries in the franchise. With great visuals, fine audio, pleasurable online and solid gameplay, MLB 2005 is a recommendable purchase for any PS2 baseball fan. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Mar 18, 2004
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