Baseball 3D

Copyright: KBkids.com

Baseball fans will love this new 3D rendition of their favorite American pastime. Baseball 3D has all of the sounds, sites and actions of real pro-baseball. OK, so you'll have to supply your own hot dog smell, but the rest of the game feels very realistic.

Microsoft has created a game with wonderful 3D graphics that actually work fairly smoothly on most machines. The world of 3D graphic accelerator cards is something of a nightmare at the moment. Companies have a hard time adjusting to all of the different accelerator cards on the market. This program does a pretty good job of handling the major cards. Baseball 3D does REQUIRE a 3D graphics accelerator card. If you have an ATI Rage Pro, you will need to download a new driver from the Microsoft site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/sports/baseball. Judging from the tech support questions on the site, this game has no more trouble dealing with various cards than other 3D games. That may, however, mean a few tweaks on your particular system. If you are concerned about compatibility issues, a stop at the Microsoft site might be advised before purchase.

Baseball 3D allows you to play a single game, playoffs, or enjoy an entire season of baseball. A full lineup of actual players is included in this game. The graphics are realistic enough that you can recognize some of the players and their idiosyncrasies. Microsoft has done a good job making the players as realistic as possible. Don't expect movie-like graphics though. Games utilizing 3D graphics accelerator cards have not been around very long, and some bugs are still being worked out. You will enjoy the look of each of your favorite stadiums. Daytime or nighttime games can be selected. The look of the stadium changes depending on your choice. It will also be up to you to decide on the final lineup for the game.

Once your game is underway, you will select pitches, choose swings and adjust fielding positions and as needed. Instant replays will show you all of your best plays. This game works with a keyboard, a joystick or preferably a game pad. In the non-computer assisted mode, you will have control of every move in the game. This is a bit hard for the beginner, so you may want to have the computer help you through your first few games. Learning to swing and pitch came somewhat easier to testers than fielding the ball. Learning how the computer moves your control from player to player in the outfield was a bit awkward at first. For those true gaming pros, you can set the program to utilize "advanced batting" strategies and take full control of every move.

Most people are quite familiar with the ins and outs of how to play baseball. This game presents a very traditional ball game, with no quirky computer rules. The play is straightforward, and fairly realistic. Baseball 3D is certainly not a quality form of exercise, but it will allow the baseball fanatic in your house 24 hour access to his or her favorite pastime.

Bottom Line: A superb baseball game. One of the easier sports simulations to learn and understand. Great graphics utilizing 3D graphics accelerator technology.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3 1/2

BrainGain: 1

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 3

This program has been replaced by Baseball 2001

Buy it at Amazon!