ASB2005 uses Fox Sports announcers so it’s no surprise that the game also utilizes a Fox Sports-like template for its overlays. It’s very slick and looks highly professional, something that you’d expect to see on a Saturday morning telecast. Some may call it clutter but anyone who has seen an actual telecast should be used to all of the information that the TV throws at them. I appreciate the game’s ability to keep me informed with vital statistics. For instance, when hitting a double you’ll see the camera pan over the player with the graphic stating that it’s his first double of the day. The game even keeps track and makes notice of milestones like when I hit my 100th career homerun with Adrian Beltre. It’s the nice small touches like this that really engulf the gamer and keep them informed. I just wish that there were better replay angles to help present the action.
Graphics are an area where the game really hasn’t improved all that much. The 2005 version of the game looks nearly identical to the 2003 version and that doesn’t bode too well in the graphics intensive market. When people are heavily criticizing the gorgeous World Series Baseball franchise you know you’re in a competitive market. Don’t get me wrong, ASB2005 isn’t ugly but it just doesn’t have the spark and flair that other games have. Faces don’t look quite right and the animations are kind of weak. Line drives and fly balls don’t fall into fielders gloves but rather disappear when it comes close to the player. This year’s game suffices but I think that the next edition is in need of a major visual overhaul.
Thom Brennaman & Steve Lyons once again handle the play-by-play duties while a Spanish track is available via Oscar Soria. I was impressed with All-Star Baseball 2003’s commentary but I felt that 2004’s commentary track was a huge letdown. 2005’s is a bit too quiet at times as well but it does something really unique that I haven’t seen in any other baseball title. At times Thom will comment on a play that just happened on the field and then Steve will come in with an extended analysis of what just happened, just like they do in real life. It’s definitely different and innovative considering that Steve will even talk over inning breaks and pitching changes. Also, the samples are very casual and sound highly realistic, you’ll get pauses, stuttering and even the occasional “umm” that signifies that the announcer is at a slight loss for words. Overall it’s a very realistic announcing track that’s my favorite this year.
As far as special features go ASB2005 goes the extra mile to cater to the baseball fan. My favorite addition is the Stadium Tour mode which gives you a flyby of all of the 30 major league stadiums including the new ones in San Diego and Philly and a couple of classic stadiums such as the Polo Grounds. As the camera pans over the stadiums you get some commentary on some of the more intricate features such as the plaques over the center field wall in Yankee Stadium. Here you can really get a sense of the heritage and history of each park while checking out some of the handiwork of the artists. There are other little nuances as well that will bode well with fans of the sport.
Last year’s game had online functionality but it was limited solely to roster updates. This time around you can take your game online via Xbox Live to challenge opponents from around the country. Like all of the other XBL-enabled titles lag is a minor problem
All-Star Baseball 2005 is a good baseball game; it’s just that there are some better options out there. You never know though, Acclaim’s brand of baseball just might be what you’ve been looking for. They’re definitely baseball fans over there so they know how to cater to you. Just don’t expect some breathtaking graphics or groundbreaking gameplay because you’ll be sorely disappointed.
C
It's a solid entry but it lacks the oomph needed to get ahead in this competitive field. I'd choose it over Inside Pitch but I'm not so sure that it's ready to compete with SEGA or EA Sports' offerings.
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