MLB 2004

Operation Sports

I actually enjoyed the time I spent playing MLB, but the problems I encountered with hitting and at times the poor CPU base running AI began to take some of the fun out of it.

Game Over Online

The lack of sound, suspension of the rules of baseball (and at times, physics in the case of wildly curving balls) and control scheme limit the promise that this game shows.

Sports Gaming Network

I am anxious to see next year's version. 989 Sports in general is becoming more respectable - I don't know if they got new designers or more budget or what, but the quality of product is looking up.

GameZone

Despite the many low points in the graphics and control department, this is still a pretty entertaining game that will, hopefully, show its true potential next year.

GamePro

As with other 989 games like "NHL FaceOff," be prepared for a blinding, almost overcaffeinated pace as pitches rip by at a murderously fast clip.

GameSpot

Isn't the most authentic or the most extravagant baseball game available, but it does fill a niche for casual fans who just want to dive in and play a quick game of hardball.

PSM Magazine

While this is a considerable improvement for Sony's PS2 sports games, it still isn't in the same league as the best in baseball. [Apr 2003, p.42]

Gamers' Temple

It is a bit more accessible to casual gamers who may want to give the game a look if they find that the realism of other games makes playing them too difficult or involved.

GameSpy

A game that would have been considered mediocre by last year's standards. This year, with every other title cranking it up a notch, MLB 2004 is left in the dust.

Game Informer

The game's pace is dreadfully slow. [Apr 2003, p.84]

Armchair Empire

The competition this year is far too talented and the upper tier of baseball games on the PS2 this year relegates MLB 2004 to a last-place finish.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

There's reason to play it over the other, better baseball games this season: Spring Training Mode... Besides that very cool option, MLB 2004 is average in every way. [Apr 2003, p.95]

Play Magazine

Even though the game is not as pretty as "MVP" or "2K3," MLB 2004 shows great promise for next year. [Apr 2003, p.71]

PSX Nation

It feels like a port of the series rather than a whole new engine.

Gaming Age

Feels like a title that launched with the PS2, not a second-generation title.

Electric Playground

But what made me put down the Dualshock in frustration is control... Base running is the primary offender... It's just too confusing and counterintuitive, especially if you're brave enough to try returning to bases.

IGN

When six baseball games compete on the same system in the same season, and you're the worst of those six games, it's time to hang up the cleats.

Gamezilla!

Loaded with gameplay bugs and substandard graphics and audio, there are plenty of better options available.

Game Revolution

After the last ridiculously fast pitch is thrown and the last batter has grounded out, 989's MLB 2004 is probably the most flawed baseball game available for a modern system.

GMR Magazine

Misses on just about every cylinder. [May 2003, p.71]

G4 TV

A prime example of a cellar dweller that should simply pack it in before it embarrasses itself. Like the Kansas City Royals, MLB is doomed before the season even begins.