The clunky interface is a real shame because the pitcher-batter confrontation is designed quite well. You can work batters from the mound, confusing them with different speeds and pitch types. Getting the ball down in the strike zone consistently gives the opposition a lot to handle and provides a lot of ground outs even when they do make contact. This is exactly as it should be, and a refreshing change from High Heat Baseball 2001. Although the entire pitcher-batter scenario here is much less realistic and fluid than that in 3DO's game, it's nice not to see down and outside sliders getting golfed into the bleachers with depressing regularity.
Pace is a problem, though.
Even with all the little extra animations like throwing the ball back to the mound switched off, there's still too much dead air between pitches. Fielding isn't nearly as realistic. Balls in the gap get to the wall a lot faster than they should, giving outfielders the chance to scoop it up and fire it in earlier than they should be able to. This turns a lot of doubles into singles, and makes it very hard to score from second on a single to right. All Rights Reserved.