If
you're searching for an excellent sports simulation for your 2600, don't give up
- Pete Rose Baseball should definitely be checked out. This is a baseball
game with some features never before seen on the 2600.
The first unusual feature is the demo with a pitcher's view of home plate. Unfortunately, the batter never swings at the ball. Once you are ready to play ball, you'll start at this pitching/batting screen. There are also an unprecedented 5 action screens in addition to this one: left infield, right infield, and one for each outfielder. Use your stick to move your batter up or down to swing at high or low pitches, or left and right to swing at inside or outside pitches. The batter automatically charges towards first when contact is made. All you have to do is use the stick and button to advance or hold your baserunners. On defense, you can pitch inside or outside curves, fastballs, sinkers, screwballs, or changeups. The pitch variety is truly impressive.
Fielding is very simple, as the screen will shift to show the area where the ball is headed. This cart is probably the most realistic sports simulation designed for the 2600. All screens have an eye pleasing 3D effect. A small diamond displays the position of the baserunners. The crowd roars throughout the game. Even the infield fly rule is in effect!
Unfortunately, as this is the 2600 we are talking about here, the cart also suffers some drawbacks. It takes too long for the runners to circle the bases. A player running the bases has no idea where the outfielders throw the ball, so you never know whether to go for the extra base or hold up. Both teams have exactly the same colors, so if you were watching a game you wouldn't know who was who. Finally, the most annoying aspect of all - the control of the infielders. They are very restricted in their up/down movement. Often I've had grounders headed right towards my shortstop only to stop just out of his reach. Then I had to activate the third baseman to run over and get the ball. Needless to say, this often leads to a hit for the batter.
Overall, this is an excellent and very enjoyable sports game which should be included in every 2600 gamer's library.
