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Review of MLB '99 on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Apr 1998
Cover image of MLB '99 on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 14 Apr 1998
Genre: Sports Game
Developer: Sony Interactive Studios America
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome to the thrilling world of MLB '99, where you can finally find out what it feels like to be just as confused at home plate as you are in real life. It's the game that brings the cheers, the jeers, and a whole lot of graphical nostalgia straight to your PlayStation. If you've ever wanted to hit home runs without the sweat, this is your golden opportunity!

Gameplay

Let's break down the gameplay. First, there's a Spring Training mode, which is a delightful excuse for playing ball without the pressure of, you know, actually being good at it. You can swing your bat like a toddler flailing at a piñata, but at least it's all in the name of practice. The control scheme involves a cursor trying its best to keep up with your clumsy fingers, so be prepared for more than one moment of awkwardness where you swing and miss, not unlike that time you asked your crush out in the 10th grade. You can also trade players, which is basically like trying to barter your old Pokémon cards, only you might get a $10,000 bonus if you're lucky. The fact that you can position your batter at the plate would be impressive... if, you know, we were still in 1998, where it felt revolutionary. But now, it's like discovering the Emily's List app for keeping track of your exes. It's great, but weren't you just searching for a solid batting stance? Multiplayer mode is available, too, which basically means you can crush your friends while having them question their own worth as athletes in a video game. So, if your need for dominance hasn't been satisfied yet, this feature should do the trick. Just be careful not to throw the controller when they score a slapstick home run against you. Take a deep breath and remember: it's just a game-right?

Graphics

Let's talk about the graphics, shall we? Remember the famous saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Well, unless that beholder has bad eyesight or an odd sense of nostalgia, they might find the visuals of MLB '99 reminiscent of watching your grandma's collection of camcorder home videos. The players look about as lifelike as cardboard cutouts, which is only a little less concerning than the fact that they somehow still manage to grab the ball and throw it when you hit 'X'-it's like they are running on pure faith. The background? Well, it's hardly the stuff of dreams, complete with backgrounds that would likely leave Impressionist painters screaming in horror. Still, if you squint just right at your screen, you might see a hint of green where the outfield is supposed to be. Or, you know, hallucinations from the stress of trying to hit the target more than once. Either way, it's all part of the 'experience.'

Conclusion

In summary, MLB '99 gives you the chance to engage in America's favorite pastime while sitting on your couch, avoiding the physical exertion that comes with actually playing baseball. It has its ups and downs: the gameplay is a mishmash of refined controls and confusing slip-ups, the graphics make you want to hug your PS5 in pity, but that nostalgic charm? That's what will keep you coming back. So if you're in the mood to swing your bat while avoiding real-world baseball, grab your controller, don your most embarrassing sports jersey, and dive into MLB '99. Just remember, if you strike out, it's purely for authenticity-like it's 1998 and you just sat down to enjoy the failure of your video game career!

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