Visually the game’s engine hasn’t really been beefed up as much as I would have hoped, but it still looks fine. The player models aren’t completely accurate, the faces are hit and miss, and the animations, while nice in some parts, fail in others. The thing that the series is known best for is the over the top wackiness of the game, and the visuals supplied in this aspect are rather cool. From the flame that engulf the field when players are on fire, to the special pitches that resemble the good old days of Baseball Simulator 1.000; there are those special touches in the game that let spectators know this game is an arcade experience. To top it all off the stadiums are large and replicated perfectly, and there are even special characters you unlock like Rodeo Clowns and Mortal Kombat characters. While 480p is offered, the game is still a bit on the grainy side verses smooth HDTV quality. The game visually isn’t much of a step up, but it’s still very passable.

Audio remains one of the games highlights, which is due mainly to the play by play commentary. Tim Kitzrow and Jimmy Shorts (Kevin Matthews) return with all the hilarity and insanity that have set a new benchmark in commentary. Not only is the information useful, but the stories and one liners thrown in between the action is side splitting hilarity. What’s more, there have been thousands of lines written and spoken, as you’ll rarely hear the same jokes in a 10 game span. Not a fan of the funny? Turn the commentary to the “no jokes” mode and the crew will just spout off the typical information you are use to, but honestly why buy this game if you don’t want what the game offers? The sound effects are boisterous and arcade style, with booming cannon bat shots, fireball throws from the outfield, and wonderfully orchestrated music that fits the erratic style of game play. The package is an audio wonder that is as good as it is funny.

Each year the team at Midway attempt to tweak the series in order to meet the expectations of their fan base, and this year is no different. Playing the field is less frustrating from game’s past, as the camera is more user friendly, enabling you to get a better bead on the ball. I still hate the one throw button along with the directional pad for base throwing, not only is it 16 bit, but it doesn’t work as well as throwing with the buttons that coordinate with the bases themselves. Batting and pitching interfaces are very simplistic allowing for easy pick up and play. Don’t expect too much in the way of mind games, as this game was designed to put the ball in play to keep the game lively. The A.I. is still tough as nails even at a lower difficulty setting, so expect plenty of runs scored by the CPU, along with plenty of come from behind victories. One new feature that Slugfest has added to this year’s game is the option to customize your game play. There is the obvious Slugfest mode, but this year you can either choose MLB Classic play, or Customize between the two modes. MLB Classic mode turns off all the fancy bells and whistles, punching on the bases, trick pitches, etc., and tries to emulate a realistic game of baseball. The problem lies in the game is still extremely hit happy to be a sim, so most gamers will find themselves resorting back to the reason they bought the game in the first place. Customizing allows you to put in certain aspects of the game, while keeping out what you don’t like about Slugfest mode. While not completely simulated, I am happy to see the team give the options for a toned down mode, but hopefully if it’s kept in next year, they’ll try and develop a purer version with less hits and more strikeouts and walks (yeah boring I know).

This year the Slugfest series has also done something else new, which is go online with Xbox Live. Not only that, but you can be the first to get a taste of Xbox Live 3.0’s tournament system. This feature is the game’s biggest selling point as it is easily the most fun baseball game online and the one with the fewest issues when lag and glitches are concerned. Also, there will be downloadable roster updates and more to come. One major gripe I had is you only play for 7 innings. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t it 9? Otherwise the game is a blast to play online, and with some friends, and possible new ones found on Xbox live, you can play some frantic tournaments for bragging rights.

What can I say, I’ve became a fan of this series after 3 tries. The tweaking definitely helped, and Midway should be commended for listening to their fans. Sure I still prefer the sweat simplicity of the old school style of ball, but it’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun playing a baseball game.