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MLB 2006

EMAILPRINTps2

MLB 2006
81
9.3 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 32 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 19 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America

Developer: 989 Sports

Genre(s): Sports, Baseball

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: March 8, 2005

Summary

To enhance gameplay and provide gamers with an authentic yet unique simulation, MLB 2006 has integrated new features, including the all-new Branch Point Technology (BPT), which provides seamless fielding transitions, smooth base running, and fluid transitions while in a run or a slide. Additionally, MLB 2006 incorporates new fielding and pitching interfaces to challenge the skill levels of all baseball videogame fans. A brand new Fielding Zone Marker brings the player's attributes together with the user's skill level, so gamers will truly have to make the play, while the new Pitcher Confidence feature binds player rating attributes with a gamer's skill level in order to determine a users ability to hit spots in the strike zone. A new Franchise Mode includes an all-new Player Morale System that tracks player morale on every level and applies it to the player's day-to-day performance, and the new Career Mode lets gamers play from the player's perspective and control their own destiny from the start to the finish of their career, based on their on-field performance. [SCEA]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

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!

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100

Gaming Age

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

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91

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.

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90

PGNx Media

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

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89

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.

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88

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.

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87

Gamers' Temple

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

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87

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.

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86

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.

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86

Next Level Gaming

Another solid job by 989 Sports.

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85

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.

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83

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.

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83

Game Informer

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

82

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.)

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82

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.

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80

DarkStation

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

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80

Worth Playing

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

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80

Gaming Nexus

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

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80

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.

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80

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.

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80

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.

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80

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.

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80

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]

79

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.

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75

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.

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75

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.

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75

Play Magazine

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

70

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]

70

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.

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68

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]

65

PSM Magazine

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

50

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.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Mike J. gave it an8:
I love the game-play but the throwing is dicey and the batting is uncomfortable. Why not use the left analog stick for batting control since you have to use X or square to hit with?

[Anonymous] gave it an8:
Cant run the bases!!

Keith L. gave it a9:
MLB 2006 is a very good game. The graphics are well done and the game play is completely immersive. The control take a bit of getting used too and some of the game play mechanics good improved to give the player more control (i.e. base running), but it's really fun and you feel like your actualy playing a real baseball game. Both the Season and Career modes are fun. In the season modes you're basically worried ust about winning. In the Career mode you focus mainly on improving your game and advancing in the league. I intentionally signed up with a team I didn't want to be a part of just so I could force a trade with the team I want. Plus, I thought it might be easier to get on a "weaker" team. I don't know if this is true, because some waker teams have tought requirements, also to make the team. The game has some minor "bugs". One, it freezes on occassion, so save often. Also, you can reduce freezing by setting diagnosis on prior to inserting the disk (don't reset PS2, hit circle, circle, then "X" to enter and select read disk). Also, I heard disabling "tips" helps reduce frezing. One thing that I found also, if youlet the game do it's thing (i.e. cut scenes, etc) and not tery to advance the game to fast by constantly pushing "X' to move the game along, this hepls too. I found the game would freeze when I pushed it along. If you're looking for a good badseball game, this one is it. It's a thinking man's game, not a kids arcade game. I've been playing it for hours and haven't really played another game since I got it.

Buck N. gave it a10:
Finally a real manage only mode!

Deesto gave it an8:
Right up there with the other two major baseball releases of the year. Two small problems and one omission keep it from rising to the top of the crop: - Gameplay is a bit glitchy - Controls are glitchy as well at times, particularly when fielding. - Finally, MLB 2006 contains zero "mini-games", so if you're into quickies and not full, blown-out games, seasons, careers, or franchises, this one's not for you.

Cheryl W. gave it a10:
I have played all three new baseball games for playstation. This one is my fav. by far. worth the purchase price.

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