Kind of strange to think
that there are only around three softball games to ever hit the market in the history of
video games isn't it? Almost anyone can pick up an aluminum bat anywhere in this country
and find a league within a matter of minutes. Kind of strange no game company has ever
tried to profit from this pastime. Well, 3DO did, but that profit part is certainly in
doubt. Eight teams make up the Sammy Sosa Softball league (from here on out known as the SSSL), but teams and players can all be edited to your liking. You can play a single exhibition game, join a tournament, or, well, that's really it. It's a shame there no season mode or something along those lines which really would've added to the games longevity. All the customization options do help keep players coming back for more, but the tourney mode is not enough.
Gameplay is highly reminiscent of 8 and 16-bit games of the past. It's extremely easy to pick this one up and have some fun. The only thing out of place is a pitching meter that mimics most golf games. Oddly, there is hardly any penalty for missing the mark so its inclusion is a bit strange. Keep in mind, these are just average people (most likely drunk) so dropped balls, errant throws, and just plain stupid plays are frequent. It's all part of the game. Batting is as simple as pressing a button. Three buttons on the PS One controller serve as various swing types.
If the lack of a season mode was ugly, just wait until the game
loads up. The player models barely even resemble human form. The resolution is abysmal,
animation is absent, and some of the larger players are downright disturbing. The only
textures on the models are the team logos. The rest is filled up with simple shading. This
doesn't even qualify for a first generation PS One game.
The sound doesn't fare much better. Though any aspect of the sound can be turned off, once everything goes it becomes a very lonely affair. Whoever announces this game is way too over the top and must've recorded 10 total quotes for the game. People yell at batters every time someone steps to the plate and hearing "Hey batta swing!" every time is a bit redundant. The sound effects are serviceable and somewhat realistic, but that's the only highlight of an ugly aesthetic package.
If this game proves anything it's that gameplay always comes out on top. This one could've earned a solid seven or an eight if they had added some more variety in the modes, but getting a multi-player game going will probably be the highlight for most people. Of course, you'll have to explain to friends beforehand as to what they're about to experience visually. THAT could be a challenge in itself.
