MLB 2006

Maxim Online

The new Pitcher Confidence Meter adds a psychological twist: paint the corners a few times, and your control grows sharper...but if you're consistently outside, your insecurity will sink you—just like in the bedroom!

Gaming Age

MLB 2006 looks flat out fantastic, not only that, everything looks authentic.

Gamezilla!

The only thing that lags behind a bit is the fielding, and that’s not because it’s not done well -- it’s just that it lacks the amount of depth that the pitching and batting offer up.

PGNx Media

Great visuals, fine audio, pleasurable online and solid gameplay.

GameZone

A whole other ballgame that not only looks great but plays like a game worthy of giving this year’s "MVP Baseball" and "MLB 2K" game a run for their money.

Gaming Target

It lacks the name brand value of EA Sports and the low price of "MLB 2K5," but MLB 2006 is a damn good baseball game and in many ways superior to the bigger named hardball games on PS2.

Gamers' Temple

The game is packed with player animations with plenty of frames so the animation is smooth and realistic.

IGN

Throw in a very capable career and franchise mode, a super fun Home Run Derby, an excellent online option with plenty of peripheral support, and a ton of customization options, and you have the perfect successor to the "High Heat" series.

GameSpot

Such a solid and comprehensive product that you just may want to make it your baseball video game of choice this season, particularly if you enjoy franchise-style modes.

Next Level Gaming

Another solid job by 989 Sports.

Gaming Horizon

The gameplay is accurate and fun and the wealth of options in the Franchise and Career modes will keep players busy throughout the summer and well into the fall.

PSX Extreme

989 has done a tremendous job improving MLB this year, seemingly making two years worth of progress in just one. There’s no question if you want to manage every aspect of a franchise, that MLB is the best game for you.

Game Informer

An exceptional release that takes home the crown for being the deepest game of the season. [Apr 2005, p.128]

GamingExcellence

It’s professionally made, both in controls and appearance, and if you like the sport, it’s easy to say that you’ll appreciate the amount of detail that’s been taken in the game (down to the grass and dirt stains on the jerseys.)

GamingTrend

A solid, if flawed game. That, combined with the prohibitive price (in comparison to its competitors) makes it a somewhat poor choice for this year.

DarkStation

The career mode is a great addition to the series and the gameplay is definitely picking up some steam.

Worth Playing

The level of detail to which you can personalize and tweak MLB 2006 definitely makes this game one to consider.

Gaming Nexus

Take this one off the “maybe” list and put it on your watch list for next year.

Operation Sports

The on-field play is excellent, with a pitching model that’s unmatched, and “Career Mode” is a completely new take on the standard sports gaming franchise/season gameplay, and I expect to see more publishers introducing similar modes.

GamerFeed

Those thirsty for a deep simulation game with lots of sweet gameplay and modes that fans will appreciate will want to make it this year's contender.

G4 TV

MLB 2006 places such a huge emphasis on the cat-and-mouse battle between pitcher and batter that it will delight those looking for the subtle strategies in each at-bat and will likely annoy those who just want to hack away.

GameSpy

MLB's fielding model exhibits smooth animations and transitions into secondary animations. Guys throw across their body, take their crow hops, and dig balls out of the dirt. It's all über-realistic looking and complements the pitcher/batter duel perfectly.

GamePro

Follows up last year's comeback player of the year with control tweaks and makes its formidable franchise mode even better. [Apr 2006, p.97]

netjak

While I typically do not give a whole lot of credit for sports game that cram worn out music tracks, I have to admit the MLB 2006 sound track is pretty diverse in terms of music styles, which is good for representing a player's at-bat music.

Game Revolution

It hits hard thanks to a robust single-player package, decent online content, and a smart pitching scheme, while a dated batting system, bad fielding model and relatively high price tag ($40 versus $20 for MLB 2K5 and $30 for MVP 2005) prevent it from entering a league of its own.

1UP

Consider that this 989 Sports franchise has undergone the biggest three-year improvement since Barry Bonds went from 34 to 49 to 73 homeruns in a three year span. MLB seems insistent to keep its totals skyrocketing.

Play Magazine

I especially like the whole manager/teammate interaction. It was a nice touch. [Apr 2005, p.76]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Builds on a good engine from last year to produce a solid sim with few gameplay flaws, but it lacks the gimmicks, presentation, and general fireworks the other games have to bring it to the next level. [Apr 2005, p.110]

TotalPlayStation

It’s good, it’s just not the best and 99% of the gaming population only has time for one baseball title per year.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

While MLB has the basics down pat, it lacks "2K5's" sublime ESPN presentation and "MVP's" addictive minigames. [May 2005, p.132]

PSM Magazine

Too much frustration in baserunning and defense in particular. [Apr 2005, p.64]

GameShark

A game on the verge. It's impossible to ignore all of its shortcomings, some of which are very significant, but if they can ever be addressed, Sony and 989 will have a top notch game on their hands.