| 3D Baseball | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Crystal Dynamics |
| Publisher(s) |
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| Platform(s) | PlayStation, Sega Saturn |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Mode(s) | Single player Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) |
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3D Baseball (known as 3D Baseball: The Majors in Japan) is a sports game developed and published by Crystal Dynamics. It was released on October 31, 1996 for the PlayStation version, and on November 30, 1996 for the Sega Saturn version. At the time, it presented the most realistic baseball video game ever published. Real Motion Control 3D technology served up incredibly life-like 3D polygonal models that bit, pitch, and hit like real players. It features CNN sportscaster Van Earl Wright as the announcer.
Contents |
There are over 700 major league players included with their own statistics and batting stances (50 of which are included). Each team plays in their own stadium rendered after its real-life counterpart.
In the season mode, which is a full season of baseball, players can play it with an arcade setting or can be the general manager of the chosen team. Being the general manager means players will have to actually run the team. Players have to pick line-ups and the pitching rotation, substitute batters and runners, trade players, etc. This also allows players to build their very own dream team featuring their favorite players. Players can play a short or extended season or opt to play a quickie arcade game against the computer or friend.[1]
| Reception | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate scores | |
| Aggregator | Score |
| GameRankings | 74% (PS)[2]
78% (SS)[3] |
| Review scores | |
| Publication | Score |
| Allgame | [1] |
| Game Revolution | B+[4] |
| GameSpot | 7.6/10 (PS)[5]
7/10 (SS)[6] |
| The Electric Playground | 6/10[2] |
The game received favorable reviews from critics.[2][3] GameSpot praised the realism and the voice of Van Earl Wright, but criticized the absences of Major League Baseball teams or logos, that players can only take the field in four "imaginary" ballparks, and that it lacks all-star, home run derby, and playoff modes.[5] Game Revolution praised the game's "outstanding" 3D graphics, real stances and swings, "excellent" sound effects and commentary, competitive gameplay, and real teams that can be updated through trades.[4]