DESCRIPTION

In this exclusive Game Boy Color version of Acclaim's All-Star Baseball 2000 for the Nintendo 64, players will be able to swing for the fences as one of their favorite professional players from a choice of 30 official Major League Baseball teams. Besides the MLB and MLBPA licenses, All-Star Baseball 2000 offers six modes of play: Home Run Derby, Batting Practice, Exhibition, Season, an All-Star Game, and Playoffs. Pitching and hitting are performed from a view above and behind home plate, and once contact is made, the screen switches to a three-quarter view to track the ball.

One of the distinguishing features of the Nintendo 64 version was an attention to simulation elements such as warming up relievers, adjusting fielders, and pushing or pulling the ball to opposite sides of the field. The Game Boy Color game allows would-be managers to adjust lineups to take advantage of left or right-handed pitchers, position the outfield and infield for power hitters, and warm up their star late in the ninth to nail down the game. Gamers are also free to steal bases, bring in pinch hitters, and intentionally walk batters.

All-Star Baseball 2000 also has a pitching system different from most portable baseball games. Instead of pressing a button and steering the pitch with the control pad, players must go through three steps: first, the height of the ball must be set by positioning a target on a vertical meter; next, the pitch must be aimed over the plate by using a horizontal meter; finally, players must select one of eight pitches and its speed before carrying out the throw. Batting is also more involved than traditional offerings, as you can choose from three different swings as well as push or pull the ball by using the pad along with the B button.

While most of the game modes are self-explanatory, there are a few details worth noting. Players can embark on a full 162-game season (based on the 1999 schedule), complete with playoffs and World Series play. A password is provided at the end of each game to resume progress, which means statistics cannot be saved. Options include two difficulty settings, four different season lengths, auto fielding, and a choice of Regulation or Quick Play modes. The latter is so named because each batter automatically steps into the box with two strikes. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide