DESCRIPTION

Triple Play Baseball continues the EA SPORTS line by offering a quick way to get to the baseball diamond where you can choose 1, 3, 5 or the standard 9 innings of play. The interface setup offers control options through an accessory gamepad, the mouse or keyboard for player maneuvering. Before each sequence of play, a reminder of what each button does is shown (based on game setup), negating the necessity to memorize controls.

Batting is fairly self-explanatory as you use different buttons for a power or normal swing. Pitching involves first selecting the type of pitch, which is specific to the player (updated at the beginning of the 2001 season), and then the speed. Finding the strike zone is easier when using less pitch acceleration but slowing the speed also makes it easier for the batter to get a crack at the ball.

Fielding and base running is much the same with plenty of options to master. After covering the basics, you can upgrade to seasonal and playoff competition, as well as venture into the big league challenge, which is similar to the All-Star home run derby with a few twists and additions.

Team management offers options including trading current players, signing free agents, tweaking pitching rotations and rosters and even creating an all-new player. Reward points are accumulated by pulling off solid offensive and defensive plays and can eventually be used in the "season store" to purchase items that improve your team. ~ Shawn Nicholls, All Game Guide