The Neo-Geo system is known primarily for its fighting games like The King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown.
Ironically, the Neo-Geo first launched with a variation of games from different genres, including sports. After the success of Baseball Stars, SNK released a sequel – Baseball Stars 2.
While the basic play mechanics stayed the same, the game itself received a major graphic overhaul.
Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, Baseball Stars 2 takes the technical aspect of baseball and somehow simplifies it in arcade form, making it accessible to everyone.. The experience is fast-paced, easy to understand, and fun even against the CPU. While the game doesn’t use real teams due to licensing agreements, it does have teams that represent cities/ countries like New York and Tokyo.
During the game, you can improve your players by increasing their batting skills by ‘powering up’. This will increase the bat size and allow a better hitting average while at the batter’s mound. There is also an option to change players halfway through the game. In most cases, the new player is stronger, has a better batting average, and is more capable of hitting home runs. The same can be done to your pitchers, but this option is very limited and should be used wisely.
Being a simplified version of the sport, the controls are basic during batting and pitching. While batting, the Square button swings and Triangle button bunts. When the ball is hit, the player will automatically run to the base. Stealing bases requires player input, but running doesn’t. Pitching is also simple; the Square button throws the ball and the directional pad controls it. Tapping the directional pad in certain directions will make the pitcher throw a curve ball, fast ball, etc.
Baseball Stars 2 ‘s graphics are a major improvement over the original. The biggest improvement is the small cut scenes that define pivotal moments during gameplay, like catching the ball or a batter being struck out. Even though the original Baseball Stars had fantastic graphics on the Neo-Geo, Baseball Stars 2 takes it to the next level.
Baseball Stars 2 for Playstation 3 is a fun adaptation of America’s favorite pastime. Even though it lacks the micromanagement and statistics of the sport, the gameplay is rock-solid and very easy for newcomers to pick up and play. If you’re looking for a good baseball game with no learning curve, then Baseball Stars 2 by SNK-PLAYMORE is the right game for you.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Playstation 3 (Available on Playstation Network)
Developer: SNK-PLAYMORE
Publisher: SNK-Playmore
ESRB: N/A
Price: $7.99
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| The graphics still look great, even after all these years. | |
| Sound | |
| Catchy tunes add to the experience. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Addictive, fun, and simple to play. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Even if you dislike sports, Baseball Stars 2 is worth checking out. | |
