Major League Baseball - still great after 35 yearss

[+cvga]

My 7 year old just discovered this game and he's totally hooked. He has been begging to play every night. I loved this game as a kid and am having a great time playing with him. This game is not only very playable after 35 years but I think it's still one of the better baseball games ever. The keypad works perfectly with this game to give you more control than other baseball games can allow. There are also some features that I think may be unique to this game such as...

 

- The ability to throw the ball to any fielder at any time.

- The ability to move around on the base as a baserunner.

- The ability to barely move your first baseman (or anyone) just a tad to catch the ball a split second sooner for the out.

- The ability to completely leave your base to cut off a ball early when it's on the way to you.

 

 

What are your thoughts on this game? Can you think of any other unique features. I guess all fly balls being homeruns is probably also unique

[Fushek]

Bunting for a home run!

 

Never failed to crack me up as a kid when my bunt ended up as a home run against my dad.

 

I agree though, GREAT game.

[+cvga]

Yeah, I bunted for a grand slam a couple of nights ago. He was not very happy

[+cmart604]

Love this game! It's the Inty game I've played more than any other. I've mostly been playing World Championship Bball the last few years though. I too think it's still one of the best baseball games of all time.

[+save2600]

Love Intellivision Baseball.

 

Paragon of keypad usage for sure! Difficulty and learning curve is just right. Amazing how well the Intellivision captures the magic of Baseball and never gets old, even after all these years.

[ghsqb]

Agreed, phenomenal game.

I also agree it is still one if the greatest baseball games ever for the level of control the game allows.

 

Another unique "feature".

 

Field the ball with the pitcher (any bases fielder will work, but I love doing this with the pitcher) and once you've run down the ball, press the pitcher on the keypad so that he throws the ball back to himself.

 

 

[HunterZero]

I used to play this game all the time - until I worked out there was one pitch that clipped the edge of the plate and was a strike, but impossible to hit in any way other than hitting it back to the shortstop so I could throw it to first for the out every time. That kinda ruined it for me...

 

- James

[JasonlikesINTV]

Wii Tennis used to be really fun until I figured out the impossible to return shot....actually, when my gf figured out the shot

[intvdave]

Could WC Bball be improved?

[+cmart604]

Could WC Bball be improved?

Hmmmm, not sure, why do you ask?

[1980gamer]

MLB is maybe the greatest video game baseball ever!

 

As stated, complete control over the defensive side of the game. Baseball is the only sport where the defense controls game play.

 

I would love to see this get an AI and be 1 player. WC Baseball kinda does this, but with the sprint and sliding, it has the opposite problem of MLB.

 

In MLB, it is impossible to get a hit. In WC Baseball, I can reach base at will...well against the AI/computer. You can steal way to easy. However, they did fix the scoring on a third out bug.

[Intellfan]

I still love this game. Was my favorite back in the day. Hard part is finding someone to play . My brother will play sometimes but that is about it

[intvdave]

MLB is maybe the greatest video game baseball ever!

 

As stated, complete control over the defensive side of the game. Baseball is the only sport where the defense controls game play.

 

I would love to see this get an AI and be 1 player. WC Baseball kinda does this, but with the sprint and sliding, it has the opposite problem of MLB.

 

In MLB, it is impossible to get a hit. In WC Baseball, I can reach base at will...well against the AI/computer. You can steal way to easy. However, they did fix the scoring on a third out bug.

 

If MLB was the greatest video game, we would not be complaining that it is impossible to get a hit and that the pitcher catches 90% of the hits.

 

WC Bball also added the ability to easily get a home run. The computer hits to many line drives making it hard for the computer to score. Pitching speeds are painfully slow. Agreed...stealing 2nd and 3rd base is to easy because of the slow pitching. Yes, "fast" is slow.

 

What would make the game perfect? Should you be able to get a bunch of hits? Only get on base 1 out of 10 hits? Should every other fly be a home run? Should you never be able to steal? What other imperfections are there with WC Baseball? I know there are more.

[1980gamer]

 

If MLB was the greatest video game, we would not be complaining that it is impossible to get a hit and that the pitcher catches 90% of the hits.

 

WC Bball also added the ability to easily get a home run. The computer hits to many line drives making it hard for the computer to score. Pitching speeds are painfully slow. Agreed...stealing 2nd and 3rd base is to easy because of the slow pitching. Yes, "fast" is slow.

 

What would make the game perfect? Should you be able to get a bunch of hits? Only get on base 1 out of 10 hits? Should every other fly be a home run? Should you never be able to steal? What other imperfections are there with WC Baseball? I know there are more.

 

Hi Dave,

Even with it's flaws... MLB is still the best video game version of baseball I have played.

The problem is finding someone to play against. ( that is competitive ).

 

Basically, my problem with WC is the ia is awful. It doesn't hit ground ball's with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs.

Or hit behind runners to advance them etc.

 

Defensively, the fielders miss pop ups and fly balls often. It is very easy to get on base, it is very easy to score. ( maybe I am just to good? )

 

Oh, as far as having the pitcher field... No problem, I don't ever plan on hitting the ball back to him anyway!

You have to hit to the corners to get singles and SHORT home runs. That first base line is like Fenway... 301 feet.... but it could really be 285

 

Some of these new current gen games LOOK AMAZING! But, I don't wanted to watch video game baseball and have the computer do 98% of the work. I'd like to have some say and control over what happens!

If I want my 3rd basemen to make a play in center field, I should be able to do that...

 

Maybe a faster fastball..or late breaking pitches on the corners would make it harder to time swings.

As someone said earlier, they found the perfect spot to pitch... Well.. I'd like to see that?

 

The hardest pitch to do anything with is the straight fastball or "change up" sloooow ball.

Anything off center can be hit very hard. Inside you must pull, outside.. go the other way.

 

I agree, the slight inside pitch produces a medium ball hit to short very often. But, pull it down the line and it is very hard to get to with the 3rd basemen, and short home runs happen often.

It (MLB) is a very national league version of baseball in the 70's and 80's. Before "juicing", small parks and watered down pitching.

WC is the current AL version... Yankees.. Score 7 runs a game but give up 8!

 

NFL vs SP Football... I just wish you could play with no arch when throwing... Again, the offense is toooo easy.

With the "flat" throw, the defense can position themselves between the receiver(s) and the QB and lower the scoring.

 

That being said.... At least you can make the computer much faster than you and have a very hard time winning.

[intvdave]

 

Hi Dave,

Even with it's flaws... MLB is still the best video game version of baseball I have played.

The problem is finding someone to play against. ( that is competitive ).

 

Basically, my problem with WC is the ia is awful. It doesn't hit ground ball's with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs.

Or hit behind runners to advance them etc.

 

Defensively, the fielders miss pop ups and fly balls often. It is very easy to get on base, it is very easy to score. ( maybe I am just to good? )

 

Oh, as far as having the pitcher field... No problem, I don't ever plan on hitting the ball back to him anyway!

You have to hit to the corners to get singles and SHORT home runs. That first base line is like Fenway... 301 feet.... but it could really be 285

 

NFL vs SP Football... I just wish you could play with no arch when throwing... Again, the offense is toooo easy.

With the "flat" throw, the defense can position themselves between the receiver(s) and the QB and lower the scoring.

 

That being said.... At least you can make the computer much faster than you and have a very hard time winning.

 

1980Gamer, I am not arguing that Baseball is great. Heck, that and Tenner were the only 2 player sports titles that I loved to play! (Please not hate messages) The problem is that it is difficult to find a second player then when I was a kid. WC Baseball solved this for baseball....well, tried to solve it.

 

Line drives could still be caught in the air for an out. I disagree that the AI is that bad. How would the game play be if the computer made every catch you hit. You would never score.

 

I like the feature where the ball arches in WC Baseball and SP Football. It sounds like you do not play WC Baseball. I think WC Baseball was a great upgrade to ML Baseball. WC Baseball added more complexities to the game (programming). It just seems that WC Baseball was not completed.

 

Check out: http://www.intellivision.us/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=213

[1980gamer]

Hi Dave,

No worries... I know what you did with tennis and was kinda hoping for SP MLB.

 

WC is a good game, as you say, it is incomplete. Yes, if the defense caught ever fly ball, it would be hard to score.

 

When I first played WC, it was hard to win. I took me 2-3 games to beat the hardest level. But it was mostly getting used to the arch.

 

I just wish it was a bit harder. Smarter base running, if the computer actually got a hit etc.

 

I don't really know what I would do to improve it? But, if I talked about it while I played, I may come up with some things.

I guess it would be the things I wouldn't want to defend etc.

[wolfy62]

I had a different friend who liked each different Sports.

 

I had a buddy who loved Tennis, another I played Hockey against, someone for Football, my Brother and his friend always played Golf.

 

But almost everyone loved Baseball due to the challenge of perfecting the use of all the buttons. Great game!

 

As far as improving it, I think maybe forcing everyone to make plays with other players than the Pitcher would be most important. Virtually make the Pitcher imoveable, I think.

 

And certainly not let him go to the outfield!

[wolfy62]

Wait.....it almost escaped me....a new Baseball game with a new box.....incredible and super awesome!

 

Super Awesome Baseball!

 

or something like that. Yea, Baseball may have been the best Intellivision sports game even with the flaws.

[Certifiable]

We used to like intercepting throws between basemen with the pitcher, then spazzing out on his button so he blinked rapidly while throwing to himself.

 

I've always thought WC Baseball was a decent upgrade but still has problems.

 

I hate it when you drill a ball so hard that you just KNOW it's a goner only to have it hit the outfield wall and drop right above the center or right fielder so they throw you out at first...

 

The fielding could be much faster, any time you misjudge a hit it seems to take forever to turn or chase it down...

 

Still a very good representation of the sport, though. Once you can automatically hit the right fielder button without looking at the overlays there's lots of good fun to be had

[Fushek]

Maybe some additional pitching options for the game. Late breaking curves or screwballs would be a nice option and allowing the computer to throw them would slow down the offense a bit. Random errors (just cause the defense is there doesn't mean it's always fielded cleanly! How about a power/average rating for the players so some are more likely to get hits vs home runs?

 

Pinch hitter option? Pitcher pitch count and gets tired (not as fast or as much break)? Relief pitcher?

 

How about different teams to choose from? Power teams? Different uniform colors (red and blue can get dull!). Not just home and visitor (team names add excitement!).

 

How about a tournament option that you play teams that get progressively more difficult to win a true "world championship" (play teams from japan, etc).

 

Just some random thoughts.

 

Baseball is definitely my favorite of the sports series and would love to see some changes. I'll think about it and maybe throw out some other thoughts.

[intvdave]

Hi Dave,

No worries... I know what you did with tennis and was kinda hoping for SP MLB.

 

 

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I was hoping I would get specific feedback on what the issues of WC and ML Baseball are. I like to think that I can figure them out but it never hurts to get others opinions. I like the feel of how the game is playing now but setting the difficulty is always a challenge. Some people play better than others.

[Intellfan]

 

shot0002.gif

 

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I was hoping I would get specific feedback on what the issues of WC and ML Baseball are. I like to think that I can figure them out but it never hurts to get others opinions. I like the feel of how the game is playing now but setting the difficulty is always a challenge. Some people play better than others.

I cant wait

[1980gamer]

 

shot0002.gif

 

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I was hoping I would get specific feedback on what the issues of WC and ML Baseball are. I like to think that I can figure them out but it never hurts to get others opinions. I like the feel of how the game is playing now but setting the difficulty is always a challenge. Some people play better than others.

SP Baseball..

 

now I have to think and articulate as clearly as possible.... Darn, just shot the works with Articulate...

 

One suggestion, hits to the outfield should translate into a single. That is, the left or center fielder should not throw out batters at first base.

The right fielder should have to charge to have a chance at first. ( distance to first, determines speed of throw )

 

Working from WC or MLB? With WC the screen scroll should make the throw much longer (slower) to the infield. You can throw home, but using a cut-off is better.

 

Maybe, an outfield "wall" or something to show if a ball falls short or goes over for a home run. Maybe a ground rule double?

 

As stated earlier, late breaking curves/screwballs would take a big part of my offense away. I am a go with the pitch hitter.

If I don't know where the pitch will cross the plate early enough to pull or go the other way, it would be harder to place the ball.

 

Also, a "pitch out" option to keep base stealing to an art.

 

Maybe player stats alter variables.. Not a draft like Slam Dunk, but a line-up card with a few subs. Pitching etc.

I must admit, some of the charm of MLB or WC is you just play! Over complicating it could do more harm than good?

Or.. Simple mode, Player/Manager mode.

 

David, I am certain you have your own ideas in the works, I am certain it will be a great update.

If you need a tester I am happy to help. I have a CC3 and an Ultimate PC Interface. ( need some help with the interface... I thought I had bad controllers, but they work fine on my intellivision ii )

 

Looking forward to your creations!

Gene

[RickR]

May I ask a stupid question? Or two?

So World Championship Baseball has a single player mode? What is a decent price to pay for this game? I'm looking on ebay...looks like about $15 for a loose cart. I don't see any with overlays (does it need overlays?)

[wolfy62]

SP Baseball..

 

now I have to think and articulate as clearly as possible.... Darn, just shot the works with Articulate...

 

One suggestion, hits to the outfield should translate into a single. That is, the left or center fielder should not throw out batters at first base.

The right fielder should have to charge to have a chance at first. ( distance to first, determines speed of throw )

 

Working from WC or MLB? With WC the screen scroll should make the throw much longer (slower) to the infield. You can throw home, but using a cut-off is better.

 

Maybe, an outfield "wall" or something to show if a ball falls short or goes over for a home run. Maybe a ground rule double?

 

As stated earlier, late breaking curves/screwballs would take a big part of my offense away. I am a go with the pitch hitter.

If I don't know where the pitch will cross the plate early enough to pull or go the other way, it would be harder to place the ball.

 

Also, a "pitch out" option to keep base stealing to an art.

 

Maybe player stats alter variables.. Not a draft like Slam Dunk, but a line-up card with a few subs. Pitching etc.

I must admit, some of the charm of MLB or WC is you just play! Over complicating it could do more harm than good?

Or.. Simple mode, Player/Manager mode.

 

David, I am certain you have your own ideas in the works, I am certain it will be a great update.

If you need a tester I am happy to help. I have a CC3 and an Ultimate PC Interface. ( need some help with the interface... I thought I had bad controllers, but they work fine on my intellivision ii )

 

Looking forward to your creations!

Gene

All of this is amazing if at all possible.

 

I just came in to mention the wall or fence idea, and there it was. great idea!

 

I just want a great game, I think the player stat addition takes up too much memory on top of the basic game changes. Just my one thought.....

 

after all this is the intellivision!

 

Many, many great thoughts in there Gene!

Edited December 27, 2013 by wolfy62