DESCRIPTION

Nintendo's second baseball game for its 64-bit system offers a number of new features to distinguish itself from its predecessor. The title supports the system's Expansion Pak accessory for high-resolution visuals and adds a create-player option so you can customize up to 20 different athletes. A behind-the-pitcher view has been included along with three new pitching deliveries and seven different batting stances. New motion-captured animations now show flashy plays like underhand flips and headfirst slides.

Returning to the game are 30 licensed teams and stadiums, authentic players with ratings and statistics based on the 1998 season, and two batting options: arcade or classic. The classic mode involves timing each swing as the ball approaches the plate, while the arcade mode has you aiming a cursor in order to make contact. Four play modes include Exhibition, Season, World Series, and Home Run Derby. Players can also check out the free agency pool or "Sportswire" for the latest moves. As in the original, players are free to draft teams or make trades, but the computer may reject offers it feels are uneven.

Ken Griffey Jr.'s Slugfest also supports the Rumble Pak peripheral to make you "feel" each hit or steal attempt. In addition, season progress, statistics, and created players are saved directly to the cartridge without requiring a Controller Pak. While only two players can compete simultaneously, up to four players can embark on a season or alternate turns during the Home Run Derby. Commentary is provided by Seattle Mariners' announcer Dave Niehaus, and star slugger Ken Griffey Jr. will offer a few observations on your overall performance throughout each game. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide