Introduction:For the record this is the first baseball game I have played, and to be honest.. (i can be honest) I can't even bare to watch it on TV. Baseball is more to be experienced, either playing, watching live, or video emulation of the sport. Playing the game is more exciting then watching on TV, and you will get a feel of the techniques and strategies that it takes to pull off a successful Baseball franchise.

The Game:Inside Pitch is a realistic take on Baseball. Developed by Microsoft, this ball hitting slugger has all the options to make a great sports game. The controls are easy to master, which makes the game easy and fun to pick up with friends. One of my favorite features in the game is the ability to train a player that you create. You practice defensive baseball skills as well as hitting (offence) skills. Things like bunting, Left Handed Pitchers, Outfield, Recognizing ball throws.. All these training modules help give you a grasp on the game and make for a awesome prep to the game.

I was playing Inside Pitch on AAA level (easy) and it wasn't to hard, a few close calls but i seemed to win all the matches fairly even. On the next level MLB (medium) it was a different story. The game was considerably harder which is great to anyone who finds this game un challenging. Inside Pitch also supports Xbox Live play which is a bonus, if you want to play against other gamers. The other modes offered up is the standard season and single player mode. A home run derby mode and a championship challenge mode, both two killer modes that spice up the game and give something to do besides playing the regular season.

The game suffers in some areas, there are no instant replays or any fangdangled sequences to make you go 'wow', its pretty much just baseball, baseball and more baseball.

Graphics & Sound:The graphics of Inside Pitch is moderate, it can look good at times and it can look bad. You will notice some chop a chop in the arena's from time to time, which really isn't a major deal, but i noticed. The character models are ok, the motion capture of their movements is good, but in appearance they are still rough around the edges. The game has a overall medium level of polish in the graphical department, i know the Xbox can do better... Lets hope the next addition to the series gives up something to talk about.

Microsoft did the right thing in Inside Pitch by adding the custom soundtrack feature and by giving half decent commentary tracks for the audio. You can also change the type of audio you are listening to such as TV or LIVE. The audio isn't ground breaking, but its good enough.

Innovation:Since this is the first baseball game i have played (everyone starts somewhere) i can't really judge the game based against other baseball games. Baseball for the Atari doesn't count. The innovation comes the most in the create a player and training modes. This feature would be a great to implement in all sports games. It's pulled off gracefully in Inside Pitch. I also liked the graphical interface of the pitching system, it was cool and definitely added something new. Plus to top off the innovation you can't forget that Inside Pitch is the first online baseball game, kudos Microsoft.

Mojo:So its baseball. The mojo meter is bunting this time. Inside Pitch is cool and all, but its still a slow moving game. Wake Up! More eye candy would of helped. I did enjoy creating a little Jimmy in the game which was nicked named "Gas Station" very cool. Xbox Live play is cool gives a little spike to the gin and juice, but not enough to topple Downtown to the ground. Where oh where did my mojo go, i left in center field....

Lowdown:Baseball fans this is a good game, i'm sure the online feature can sell this puppy alone. I enjoyed Inside Pitch more than i thought i would. The game has a good control scheme, some cool modes and half decent graphics and sound. It would be pretty safe to say if you enjoy baseball or are interested in trying out a baseball game, this game could make you a fan. Check it out

Gameplay: 7, Graphics/Sound: 7, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 5. Final: 7