Product description
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Compete as a Rookie, Pro, or All-Star. Signature P and
Batting styles. Over 5,000 Frames of Animation.
Review
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A triple play is a rare defensive gem in baseball: the process
of three outs in one continuous play. It is a truly
magnificent accomplishment - much more stunning than the baseball
game that brandishes the same name.
For what it's worth, Triple Play '98 is the slickest-looking
baseball game on the market. After you boot it up, the game
greets you with an outstanding full motion video sequence that
fades away to reveal snazzy, intuitive menus that are chock-full
of options. After you choose the teams and a stadium to play in,
the CD loads - and it's barely noticeable because a mini-trivia
game appears instead of a boring load screen. Once the quick
trivia (and the load) is finished, another excellent FMV sequence
(a breathtaking aerial flyby of the stadium) introduces you to
the baseball field.
On the field, Triple Play's new 3-D graphics look absolutely
stunning. The use of motion capture has really paid off, as the
players move realistically, right down to their nervous bat
twitches at home plate. But while there is plenty of
aesthetically impressive improvement, many of the problems in
last year's game still plague the '98 edition. The slow frame
rate is the biggest annoyance, affecting many important facets of
gameplay. For example, the swing of the bat isn't as fluid as it
should be, making it harder to time the hitting of pitches. Also,
the screen struggles to scroll when it follows hard hit balls
into the outfield.
Unlike the graphics, the audio has very few flaws. Triple Play
has what EA proudly introduces as the "first ever two-man
broadcast booth." Basically, this consists of the banter of
play-by-play man Jim Hughson and color commentator Buck Martinez.
It's entertaining to listen to the two chitchat for a few games,
but after you start hearing the same phrases repeated, the
commentator audio switch becomes one of game's best features.
Like all EA Sports titles, Triple Play is brimming with features
and options. This game, however, has raised the bar by providing
the most thoroughly complete console baseball game ever. All of
the MLB licenses add authenticity to Triple Play, but things like
the expansion draft (for the two teams that enter the league next
year) and a detailed player creation feature make this game stand
out. All of the now-standard play modes (exhibition, season,
etc.) are included, as well as batting practice and a Home Run
Derby. The game has three skill levels and can be played as
either a simulation or an arcade-style game. And most
importantly, sport fashion buffs will be pleased to know that the
home, away, and alternate jerseys are included for each team.
With this awesome array of depth, features, and options, Triple
Play '98 is a perfect game for baseball fanatics who love to
analyze stats and manage teams. If you're looking for fun, crisp
gameplay, however, this baseball game's slick packaging and vast
array of features may fail to its flaws. --Darren Lerhman
--Copyright ©1999 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written
permission of GameSpot is prohibited. GameSpot and the GameSpot
logo are trademarks of GameSpot Inc. -- GameSpot Review
- Compete as a Rookie, Pro, or All-Star. Signature P and Batting styles. Over 5,000 Frames of Animation..