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Review of R.B.I. Baseball 19 on Nintendo Switch

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Mar 2019
Cover image of R.B.I. Baseball 19 on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 05 Mar 2019
Genre: Sports, Baseball
Developer: MLB Advanced Media
Publisher: MLB Advanced Media

Introduction

Step up to the plate, folks! In case you didn't notice, R.B.I. Baseball 19 slides onto your Switch to shatter your screen time records like a home run. Imagined as a tribute to the nostalgia of 80s arcade baseball, this title attempts to capture the love of the game while encouraging you to manically mash buttons and shake your Joy-Cons like a maraca at a wedding. So, don your favorite team's jersey (or just that rusty old tee you stole from your brother) and let's dive into the pixelated magic of R.B.I. Baseball 19!

Gameplay

The gameplay is a rollercoaster ride with all the thrills of the ninth inning and none of the facepalms. It's a solid blend of arcade action and simulation reminiscent of your childhood dreams where you thought you could throw 100 mph fastballs. With simple controls, you can pitch, hit, and catch your way to the World Series (or at least to your living room couch). The pitching mechanics are quite straightforward: pick your pitch type and hope for the best. Hitting? You've got to time your swing like you're trying to catch a ninja throwing candy as you sit on a teeter-totter. The teams are constructed from real MLB rosters, which means you can unleash your creative ire at the competitors while shouting: "C'mon, who names their kid after a fruit?" or "I hope you trip over your own shoes and fall into a barrel of sunflower seeds!". Don't worry, the trash talk enhances the gameplay experience, just like the panic in your mom's voice when she finds your 'lucky' baseball cap buried beneath pile-o-laundry. There's something oddly satisfying about hitting a homer and parading around the bases like you just claimed the Holy Grail. And just when you're basking in your glory, quite nice little animations will play out-albeit a touch dated but charming nonetheless-while your friends pretend to stare at their phones rather than admit they have to pee from all the excitement.

Graphics

In the heart of every pixel lies nostalgia and a dream; unfortunately, R.B.I. Baseball 19's graphics remind you of some out-of-date relics you find at a garage sale. Think of them as a slightly-worn baseball glove: comforting, but not exactly pristine. The animations can be a little wonky, as players occasionally look like they're playing tag with invisible ghosts in the outfield. Colors are vibrant but mimic the 80s aesthetic you're probably still low-key trying to replicate with your current wardrobe - neon is a love language, right? Further emphasizing the retro vibe, the menus are as straightforward as your grandma's cooking instructions-no extra fluff, just play! So if you're expecting cutting-edge photorealism, you might want to keep moving, buddy. But if you embrace the power of janky fun and charm, you'll gain some serious enjoyment from the game.

Conclusion

Batter up, people! R.B.I. Baseball 19 isn't going to win any awards for 'Best Graphics' or 'Most Realistic Simulation', but it's a delightful nostalgia-fest that offers a lighthearted trip down memory lane. It manages to strike a balance between arcade fun and the serious business of baseball, all while allowing you to wield emotional weapons such as yelling at the TV for batting decisions that seem to defy logic. Whether you're a hardcore baseball fanatic or just a casual player looking for a fun way to pass the time, this game lands in a comfortable zone-like a fuzzy pair of socks. While it may not hit a home run in every aspect, R.B.I. Baseball 19 will surely connect with friends and family for a solid laugh and some good spirited competition. In the grand scheme of things, this title is like a solid ground ball: safe, dependable, and gets you ready for the next play! So grab your Joy-Cons, and let's swing (and miss) our way to some good ol' virtual ball games!

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