• Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: Mar 1, 2003
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. 81
    It's just too bad that ASB trails behind in terms of fielding and baserunning, as it has some of the best batting options around.
  2. The sheer number of available teams, modes, and bonuses is absolutely staggering.
  3. This is truly a baseball lover’s game and you’ll feel it the minute the game is booted up, but unfortunately a few flaws keep the game from being a true Must Have.
  4. If you're looking for some radical improvements, then I suggest you look elsewhere.
  5. All-Star still has the best assortment of options and historical material, which will probably attract diehard enthusiasts, but if you just want a game that is fun to play, turn to EA. [Apr 2003, p.84]
  6. 82
    The ability to download current rosters and save games at any point more than offsets the less-than-stellar graphics and sometimes challenging hitting.
  7. 80
    Overall, the fielding controls are just good enough for the “Bigs.” As with earlier ASBs, timing buttonpresses for defensive moves like diving to stop grounders or sliding to snare low line drivers to the outfield is more adventurous than it has to be.
  8. One of the best playing baseball games I’ve played in recent memory... This game is for purists.
  9. The list of features for All-Star Baseball 2004 is the most impressive we've seen in a console baseball game. [Apr 2003, p.70]
  10. None of the other games come close to this one in terms of gee-whiz frills and bonus content. But ASB 2004 doesn't really get the job done on the field.
  11. This game is for those of you that love franchise modes, but not necessarily for a pick up and play game. The gameplay problems really hurt this game, especially from the defensive perspective.
  12. There is nothing overly wrong with All-Star Baseball 2004, it’s an improvement on last year’s addition; an ‘easy’ batting system means you will soon be smacking balls into the boundaries (do they call them that?).
  13. Catching a fly witch chopsticks Miyagi-style is easier than whacking a pitch in this game. [Apr 2003, p.95]
  14. The sheer amount of things you can do in ASB 2004 guarantees you’ll be playing this one faithfully until the next season and maybe even after that.
  15. The fielding, hitting and baserunning still play second-fiddle to the intimidating pitcher interface though.
  16. 90
    The best baseball experience out there in a market that is glutted with baseball titles. It offers the best balance of realistic gameplay, deep, deep, deep options and above all else, fun.
  17. Acclaim made a lot of improvements and did a great job at capturing some of the spirit of baseball, but the actual on-field experience seems a little off. [Apr 2003, p.64]
  18. Some baseball games may offer sharper graphics or more voice acting, but no game offers a deeper, more realistic simulation of America's pastime.
  19. ASB04 has made some very good strides on the graphics side, but I have to admit that, for me, the hitting is still too much of a chore.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. TysonB.
    6
    The All star baseball series is getting worse. I hope All star baseball 2005 isn't the same.
  2. TroyB.
    10
    This is the best sports game ever.
  3. R.B.
    2
    The menus are crap. They sacrifice clarity for a nostalgic look that is old after 2 seconds. The interface for navigation is terrible also. It's too bad...because it has features that would be fun to use under different circumstances. Full Review »