This year’s MLB game for the PlayStation 2 was a bit of a disappointment, especially after last year’s game had so much potential. When MLB was pushed back from the launch of the PSP, I was somewhat concerned – after all, most games miss their dates when something isn’t completed or there’s some other issue. Fortunately MLB is the exception to this thought pattern – quite simply it’s the best portable baseball game I’ve ever played, and it even gives the console games a run for their money.

There aren’t a lot of options to choose from in the PSP version: there’s quick start, online, and season mode. The RPG like create a player mode in the PS2 version is nowhere to be found. There’s also no edit mode – you are stuck with what’s given to you.



In season mode, you can trade players and move players from the inactive to the active roster. My personal favorite team is the Baltimore Orioles and while players like Sammy Sosa are on there, many of the players on the active roster weren’t there on opening day, so you will have to make some changes. Unfortunately there are no downloadable roster updates either.

There are plenty of statistics you can track in the game, and it really seems that Sony has paid incredible detail to scorekeeping. Saves are recorded accurately and if someone gets a basehit and advances to second on an error it’s counted just like that. As someone who’s a big stickler in baseball games about things like this, I was very relieved.



The gameplay itself is very challenging even at the low difficulty levels. Playing anybody vs the Red Sox is very hard, but not impossible. The pitching model mirrors that of the PS2 version – you have a throw meter that’s similar to a golf game. You press the button to start the meter, again to set the power and one more time to set the throw. There is a nine box strike zone with hot and cold areas for the batter. As in the real game, where you aim the pitch isn’t necessarily where the ball will go. If you don’t hit that pitching meter perfectly, you could throw wild. Yes, there are wild pitches in the game. You can change the pitching meter back to the old school method, but I do not recommend it.

The batting model is just as simple. Before the pitch is thrown you have the option to guess the pitch and the location. It’s not necessary but if you do guess right on both counts, you’ll know where the ball is coming before you swing, which gives you a huge advantage. If you guess change up and you get a fastball, it’s going to be much tougher to hit.



Fielding is the typical guide your fielder into the circle variety. However, the game gives you additional help – the catch circle varies by the defensive ability of the fielder and suggests proper position if someone is tagging. Again, it’s a great touch. The game allows you to ‘pre-load’ your throws, which is especially useful on double plays.



Although there is no ‘save game’ feature while you’re playing the game, you can fast forward to the next inning or half inning or to the end of the game, which is yet another feature I find extremely helpful.

Graphics are very good for a handheld. You really get the feeling that these stadiums are huge – especially in the outfield. The stadiums seem to be accurately rendered – you’ll absolutely know what stadium you’re in. Minor complaints include Fenway Park’s center field seating being covered in night games, but again, it’s very minor. The fans in the stands look great. The animations of the players are pretty amazing, especially when comparing them to the other PSP baseball game. You really think you’re watching a game – catchers throw the ball around on strikeouts, players that get strike 3 with runners in scoring position get disgusted, and the scoreboards are live (meaning they show the game in progress). Players can dive and jump for balls and when they do, they aren’t vacuum cleaners – you can see why they missed the ball for example. Umpires are missing from the field – although you do hear the home plane ump call balls and strikes, you never see them.

The sound is superb. From the licensed music soundtrack to the stadium organ to the play by play, I simply cannot believe that this is a handheld game. The play by play of Matt Vasgersian and color commentary by Dave Campell is just incredible. It isn’t very repetitive and they seem to know the game they are watching. On 0-2 counts, you’ll hear the commentator talk about finishing him off with a fastball, or maybe with a runner on in a close game, he may bunt here. I cannot talk enough about how amazing the play by play is.

Just in case season mode bores you, you can take your game online…that’s right, this game is internet (infrastructure) wi-fi compatible. The online play is not perfect as lag can show up during pitching and does affect the meter, but it is consistent and you can adapt to it. I’ve had some fun online games…and when you are ‘indisposed’ there’s nothing like an online baseball game to pass the time.



Overall I am very impressed with the game in handheld form and it gives some console games a run for their money. Unfortunately some of the features I enjoyed in the PS2 game have been removed but for a first try on a baseball game for the PSP, I’m really enjoying the game and highly recommend it. It’s a great ‘show off’ game for the PSP.