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Slugfest returns and its on fire! Midway’s Slugfest series has steadily improved through the years. Slugfest 20-03 was solid but Slugfest 20-04 improved on it quite a bit. Loaded is the latest in the series and improves on the game even more.
In keeping with Midway’s recent stance on its arcade-like sports games, Slugfest: Loaded features a number of things you would expect in a more simulation focused baseball game. The game features an awesome franchise mode that is right up there with rival franchise modes. If you aren’t too happy with your team you can change it up by signing some free agents or perhaps change the lineup a bit or even assign the players to different positions. If this is enough for you, you can have the AI simulate the games for you or you can jump in and play for yourself. Slugfest still doesn’t have a typical season mode though.
The game also attempts to be a simulation by allowing you to turn off the numerous additions that give it is arcade nature. If the pitching system is too simple, you can switch it into a more simulation type. Don’t want all those special tricks? Fine, take them out. Same goes for the infamous “on fire” and turbo techniques.
While this is all awesome, the simulation aspect doesn’t compare to full-fledged simulation games. Most won’t really care since the reason for buying Slugfest is to enjoy all the crazy stuff you can’t do elsewhere. Slugfest players don’t want complicated controls; they want it nice and simple. In this portion, the game doesn’t disappoint. Slugfest players want to punch vigorously base runners coming at them or if they are a base runner, they want to slide into the baseman. Special pitches are to be found, one per inning, in additional to a super special pitch that you get for filling your special meter. In the regular mode, you can use turbo to allow your character to run faster and throw harder. You can also catch on fire by hitting consecutive hits, which allows you to become even faster and become more accurate in both hitting and throwing.
The replay value is quite high in Slugfest: Loaded. First off, this is the first game in the series to go online which is awesome. Powered by Gamespy, online gameplay is a breeze and definitively helpful. You can also unlock a variety of new fantasy teams and stadiums. Additionally, there is a simple home run derby in which you are given ten outs and need to score the most homeruns.
The game’s visuals are about the same as last year. That means that the character models are still pretty good, complete with great particle effects when they catch on fire. The stadiums are still meticulously detailed, although the cardbouard cutout crowds ruin them a bit. The over the top animations are excellent, and there are a few new animations here and there.
The game’s music is appropriate, although nothing memorable. The various sound effects do their job, as well, which is nice. The commentary is funny, as expected from Midway Sports. You’ll hear Jim Shorts and Tim Kitzrow call the shots, although they are quite vague and repetitive in actual game calling. It doesn’t matter too much because their various jokes, usually before the game, are excellent.
MLB Slugfest: Loaded offers enough arcade fun to keep its fans happy while adding enough to hopefully convert some simulation lovers. If you thought Slugfest was a little too childish or simple, you’ll enjoy the new changes like the franchise mode. We’ll all enjoy the new online gameplay, though. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Jun 28, 2004
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