Previous Next

America's national sport is simulated yet again, this time by strategy/RPG specialists, SSI. As in RBI 2, you can select any two major league teams to contest a game, but there's no league option. Teams can be player- or computer-controlled, although the latter option still allows you to make management decisions.

Pre-match screens let you select your starting line-up and batting order. The players' full stats are shown including batting average, RBI, home runs and stolen bases.

Out on the ballpark the pitcher-batter confrontation is shown from behind the batter. Both pitcher and batter get a separate menu of options selected by pushing in a direction or pressing fire (as in Hardball).

There are four types of pitch: Fastball, Curveball, Changeup, plus either a Knuckleball, Screwball, Slider or Sinker. Once the pitch is selected, a joystick movement determines its direction - the longer you hold the joystick in that position, the further in that direction the ball will go. The pitching menu also gives access to extensive fielding, and relief pitcher options.

Similarly the batting menu allows you to make tactical hitter/runner substiturions as well as telling the batter what type of shot to attempt: Normal, Power, Contact or Bunt.

If a legal hit is made the scene switches to an elevated view of the ield, scrolling to follow the ball. A radar scanner shows the positions of base runners. The batting player simply presses right to advance the lead runner; the others follow automatically, so it's far less fiddly than RBI 2 where you had to control all the runners. Fielding is also simplified - you can't dive or jump to make a catch/stop.

The only real advantage over RBI 2 is the fielding tactics, allowing you to position fielders to suit the situation. Otherwise the game is slower-paced with lower scoring matches, due to the great difficulty in hitting the ball. You have just a split second to decide whether to swing, and timing a hit takes much practice.

Although it offers a tad more realism, Ultimate Baseball isn't as much fun as the free-scoring RBI 2.

Presentation 51%
No league, but 26 teams, changeable starting line-ups and batting order with detailed stats.

Graphics 70%
Big ballpark and nicely animated sprites, but it all moves a bit too slowly.

Sound 28%
Shoot that organist!

Hookability 70%
Frustratingly difficult to hit the ball.

Lastability 74%
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the realism. Pity that there's no league.

Overall 71%
Marred by slowness.