There have been many massively multiplayer online games, but there aren’t any sports games that I know of until now. Yes, that’s right, there’s now a baseball MMORPG game. It’s called Ultimate Baseball Online 2006, and although it’s still in a beta preview, you can get a taste of what’s to come.

I hadn’t played UBO in some time, and way back when it had that MicroLeague Baseball on the C64 look to it. It’s sure come a long way since I’ve played it. The 2006 version looks very professional.

Since the game is in a beta, all you have to do is go to www.ultimatebaseballonline.com and download the client (valid email address required) to get started. A broadband connection is required, but the download time isn’t bad at all.

After you’ve downloaded the game, it will check for additional updates and then you can log in. After you log in, you’re brought to the locker room, where you have three “lockers.” You can create a different player in each locker. I created a pitcher and a 2nd baseman. You have very basic customization tools for your player and your name is also more like a handle than a ‘name’.

Once you create the player, you’ll have player stats, which are very RPG familiar, such standbys as stamina, arm strength and various items like that. Of course, your player isn’t all that great to start off. Players are strongly encouraged to go to the UBO camp to hone their skills and it’s a great primer for pitching, batting, and fielding. In fact, if you complete all three camps, you’ll bump up a level, so it’s definitely worth your while.

Batting is pretty straight forward. You can select the amount of power you are going to give your swing; however the higher the power, the less “range” you have in hitting the ball. You swing by using the left mouse button and you aim your swing by moving the mouse to where you think the ball is going. Seems pretty simple but like the real game it’s difficult to master.

Fielding is probably one of the more unique aspects of the game. You have free rein to go wherever you want. So, if you’re playing 2B, you can move up, play back, whatever. In some games, I’ve seen the 2B play a shift as well. Of course this should be all coordinated with your team, but more on that in a bit.

Pitching is very similar to any other pitching model on any other baseball game you’ve played – select a pitch type, aim the pitch, and select the strength of the pitch (using a meter) and then throw. Pretty easy, but based on the ability of your pitcher, it may not be all that accurate.

Now that you’re done with that, let’s get right to the game. Obviously you start the game as a rookie and enter the online lobby. You can start playing a game, but most games are set by experience level. So, you’ll probably be playing with a lot of other new players in the game, and be forewarned, some don’t have the patience.

The unique aspect of this game is that you’re playing it in first person with other players. So you could be playing a game with up to 17 other live players from all over the world. If you play 2nd base and bat 5th – well that’s when you’ll have action. You need to coordinate your defense with other players on your team via typing to the group and/or private messages. You can type in game, which of course is very important.