RBI Baseball 94

CATCH THE FEVER

Tengen, famous for the RBI series on the Genesis and Super Nintendo, has their sights on the Game Gear as well, bringing you the fast-paced baseball action from the 16-Bit machines. This Game Gear version delivers what you want in a baseball game. It may not match the bigger systems out there, but this is a very good game that can catch many sports fans who lack sports carts for their Game Gear systems. Now let's get started and look over through this year's version of RBI Baseball.

One feature that caught my eye during the Team Select Screen is you can pick from more teams than the current ones. You can also choose from your team's best years from several years ago. Afterward you'll choose your starters and the pitcher who will lead your team. You'll be able to see your players' stats and determine their positions on the field.

The way the field moves is very smooth and clearly seen. Plus, the fast-paced action on the field will never be missed. You'll see every fly ball and watch a player hit one out for a home run.

The animations for this version are incredible, from the batter's box to an outfielder throwing the ball home. Hey, try hitting a batter and see what happens.

In the sound department, you can't really ask much ... it is Game Gear after all. But for Game Gear's capability, the sound is good. Tengen has produced many sound effects that bring this game to life. I may not be a Game Gear fan, but this game has shown me many features and great game play that are worthy of praise.

There may be a baseball strike, but now you can squeeze in nine innings whenever you feel like it. There are a few control problems, like players picking off their own teammate's throws to home plate, but this is a good travelling game.

With artwork and animation adapted from the Genesis version, RBI 94' has over 800 real players from the 28 big league teams, complete with '93 stats. Use the actual 1994 baseball schedule to complete the full 162-game season, playoffs and World Championships!

It's already a popular series, but this year RBI Baseball '94 has been improved to become one of the top baseball games available. New features put this one right into the World Series.

It's Going...

The features that made RBI '93 a hit are still here. You get all the actual major league players, teams, and stadiums, tons of stats from the '93 season, and a variety of options for length of season, player swaps, and more. You also get the popular Home Run Derby. If you want to see Cal Ripken, Jr. jerk one out of Camden Yards, this is the game for you.

The improvements are dramatic. The field is much bigger, the game is much faster, and the stats are more complete. You get new, more realistic rules, such as the Infield Fly Rule, a new Pickle game for practicing your base running, and a 162-game season that matches the '94 schedule exactly. The computer is also smarter and will now steal bases on your pitcher if you're not careful. Plus, there's a new-and-improved Tengen team -- beat these high-rated designers of the game, and you'll face an even more awesome Dream Team!

...Going...

The graphics and sounds have also been cranked up to new heights. The players are smoother than ever and have a wider variety of motions (pitchers have additional sidearm deliveries). Also new are the up-close player portraits. As for the sounds, they're top-notch and feature the recognizable voice of Jack Buck. Crazyball sound effects add humorous Looney Tunish boings to the action, a nice touch for younger players.

...Gone! A Home Run!

It's a homer, all right. RBI Baseball '94 stands with World Series Baseballl as the best baseball games of the year so far.