WelcometoExtremeGamer

Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy
July 7th 2004

Introduction:MLB Slugfest is now in its third year in production and it looks like Midway has a serious winner here. MLB Slugfest: Loaded is 2004's edition which is hyped up, improved and deeper than ever before.

The Game:If you are familiar with Midway sports games, then you should know that they represent the action arcade hitters in next generation sports games. Don't expect an exact simulation of the sport, although you can tone down the extras to get a more 'real' experience. Midway Sports; and MLB Slugfest: Loaded is a face paced fun representation of major league baseball.

One great feature about Loaded is that you can pick up the game and go. Loaded takes about a half hour to grasp the general gameplay mechanics down then you'll be hitting home runs and smacking players around in no time. Loaded is a great game to play with friends without the hassle learning complex controls and wasting extra time going over them with your friends. Don't get me wrong, Loaded has its fair share of technical merits but its just your basic slide, jump and bunts. Developer Point of View made sure we can get to what is important first off and that's to have fun.

MLB Slugfest: Loaded main attraction this year would be the spectacular franchise mode. The franchise mode is fairly in-depth and gives you a level of control that you wouldn't expect in an action oriented sports game. You can manage several aspects of team right down to the payroll. The franchise mode gives a little more life to MLB Slugfest and gives you something to do besides catching on fire.

Now, one of my favorite deals about arcade sports games is the fantasy teams. MBL Slugfest has a good variety of the strangest fellows you'd ever see on a field. The design isn't perfect because the crazy character models are just loaded over the normal roster. Although your player might look like a circus clown; he will still have the picture and stats of the team it copied. It would have meant so much more if they would have included some nice comedy names with the themed teams. Overall the effect really wasn't the same, but I still enjoyed them. How many Sub-Zeros does it take to get a home run??

The overall gameplay is easy to grasp and the modes will satisfy any one who picks up Loaded. At first if the game is a little difficult, just relax and keep working your timing with the bat. Once you get it, it stays, and you'll be doubling up all the time. Loaded is an experience any age or skill level can enjoy which is nice with all the overly complex sports games around.

Graphics & Sound:The graphics presentation in Loaded is the weakest aspect of the game. But by no means are the graphics bad. Every game has to have its short comings? The main thing I noticed about the graphics is that the player representation could have been more up-to-date with the picture they provided. Some players would have facial hair when at bat, but no facial hair in their picture, and the other way around. The second complaint would have to be the 2D crowd. I personally can't wait until all games use 3D, its 2004. Let's get started. Besides those low points Loaded does boast some new animations and cool extra effects. A little more work with the roster and we'd have a winner.

I hoped you enjoyed the commentary from Tim Kitzrow and Jimmy Shorts in last years game because the diluted two are back. The commentary is mainly a comedy routine between the two announcers and rarely adds any useful information. The game is about fun and those two get the point across. The other sounds in the game are average with no real good or bad aspects. It's a solid showing again for the sound in MLB Slugfest.

Innovation:The biggest innovation to Loaded is the online play. MLB Slugfest: Loaded will have you ready to pick up your skills when facing other Loaded freaks. This game is the baseball game to play online when you want to kill some time with fun inspired competition. The franchise mode also holds a bit of innovation for the game-type. I'm glad the series is continuing to improve.

Mojo:Booya! Get you're fire-resistant gloves and hold on to the fastest baseball action this side of console. Loaded is Downtown's type of baseball game, good enough to still feel like baseball and touched up with some mojo-terrific features. Great Balls of Fire, Loaded has ruth-a-holic mojo.

Lowdown:MLB Slugfest: Loaded should be on your list if you enjoy the series before, the online play alone warrants the purchase. If you're just getting into sports games or are looking for a great multiplayer game, Loaded is your game.

Gameplay: 8, Graphics/Sound: 7, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 7. Final: 7

  • "Loaded is an experience any age or skill level can enjoy"
FEATURES:
  • The only over-the-top baseball title: This is the only baseball video game featuring Midway's classic fast and furious gameplay, complete with with beanballs, hard tags, and over-the-top animations.
  • New online functionality to expand multiplayer experience: Already known for having the best multiplayer gameplay, MLB Slugfest: Loaded takes multiplayer to the next level by going online via Xbox Live T.
  • The most entertaining baseball video game: With the easiest pick-up-and-play, humorous play-by-play, and color commentary by the voices of Midway Sports, Tim Kitzrow and his laughs-a-minute sidekick Jim Shorts.
  • Best franchise mode in baseball: Baseball fans will appreciate the addition of Baseball Mogul, as it brings to MLB SlugFest: Loaded the deepest and most rewarding franchise mode ever created.





MLB Slugfest
Loaded

 
Publisher
Midway
 
Developer
Point of View
 
Genre
Sports
 
Released
June 2004
 
ESRB
Everyone

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