MLB SlugFest 20-03 (Sony PlayStation 2, 2002)

Sony Playstation's MLB Slugfest 2003 is a fairly good imitation of the real thing. The game allow you a reasonable amount of control over the players.
The batter can choose between a regular or a power swing. I like the fact
that the hitting is not computer assisted as in some other games. The pitcher
can choose between a variety of pitches. fastball, curve, slider, knuckle
ball or bean the hitter intentionally. The animated reactions of beaned
batters add of touch of realism. But there is vast room for improvement for the outfielders.

When chasing down a hit baseball, the outfielder move entirely too slow.
A Turtoise could outrun them even if it gave the outfielders a headstart
while munching on Turtoise fodder.
Even with the assisted Turbo feature, the running speed of the outfielders leave a lot to be desired.
Also controlling the direction of the throw to bases needs improvement.
Too often a intended pick off throw to fist base will wind up arriving at home
or third base instead. Another point is that there isn't any drop off or reduction in the game skill level choice when playing against the computer.
The Rookie level is just as hard to beat as the Pro level.
All and all though, despite these shortcomings,it is a fairly entertaining baseball game.

I own every version of midways intense hitting sports series. It's what competitive people dream of doing in real life. From Redcard (MLS) to Blitz (NFL) to NHL Hitz all of these games are awesome. In slugfest you can throw a ball at a batter and hit him in the feet and it'll lower his speed so he wont think twice about stealing a base. However if your that same batter you can punch the first baseman in the nuts and he'll drop the ball for you to take-off and steal second! Even better if the pitcher keeps hitting your guys and doesnt realize that one of them is smoking and then hits him with the ball your batter rushes the mound and beats the S%@T out of him. The game is also incredibly balanced. The fielders are slow because it is hard to hit the ball, but once your on base it's very easy to get home. You can steal a base mid pitch and KO the guy who's trying to tag you out. I've got numerous in the park home runs against the computer and competitive friends alike. It's all about Timing and how much you use your turbo. They not only have real teams in the game but other wierd themed teams. So you could be jump kicking a dolphin in the face as you fly around the bases with flames streaming off your back.