Nintendo 64
Released in 1999 by Nintendo
Grade: B-
This game is a visual upgrade from its predecessor, Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr., and nothing more. It’s basic and fast-paced, good enough for a quick game if you have N64 nostalgia, but too simple for long-term satisfaction.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the second of two installments before Nintendo called it quits and left baseball gaming to the developers who were working a lot harder at it.
Praises and gripes
This game contains real pitch types and an aiming swing system, yet it feels like the simplest game ever. It’s got an effective viewpoint from behind the batter, so it’s easy to track pitches coming in. A ball icon shows you the movement of the pitch, which you match up with your bat icon. You can also opt for the simpler “classic” setting and forget about aiming your swing altogether.
The action in the field is uneven, as runners don’t run as fast they should. For instance, a runner from second base can’t make it to home plate on a normal base hit to the outfield. Fielders have an easy time tracking down balls, allowing you some leeway in where you’re positioned for the catch. The controls are nicely responsive moving and throwing the ball around.
The easy controls will inevitably lull you into feeling comfortable, then fall apart when you need them most. A ball will get by you when it really shouldn’t, or you’ll mess up your baserunning commands in the heat of the moment. It’s like many earlier primitive baseball games. The simplicity is great until you need to take control, and then you’re lost.
The sights and sounds are oddly lifeless. Aside from a few cool camera views on certain plays, there’s nothing dazzling or light-hearted about the presentation.
Just like the first Griffey game for N64, it’ll do the trick if you must play baseball on N64, but I don’t recommend going out of your way for it.