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The Plot:
   
I haven't been a fan of baseball for years - when people mention the sport, I often am reminded of the "Simpsons" episode where Homer decides to quit drinking and then goes to a baseball game, where he says, "I never realized how boring this game really is." However, Midway has actually created a video baseball game that makes the sport remarkably entertaining - not only have they added a kick to gameplay, but the presentation is where this PS2 game really excels.
The gameplay has enough options so that most baseball fans will likely find the game to have solid replay value: Exhibition matches, Tournaments, Challenge Modes and a 52-Game Season Option offer different ways to approach gameplay. Other little tweaks, such as "Strikes Only" and varied amounts of innings also keep things fresh and moving at a respectable rate. Stat-tracking also adds to the incentive to keep playing.
Although "Slugfest" offers sleek and brisk gameplay, it also adds a little more intensity than the usual baseball game: runners can fight the fielders, knocking the ball out of their hands. Fielders can also smack the runners, too, although this really doesn't do much. However, it is entertaining to have the catcher get into a fight with an opponent who's celebrating after crossing home plate. A "turbo" option for batters and hitters also allows players to add more energy to hitting or pitching, but there's not that much turbo to go around. Also, pitchers are given the option each time out of beaning the batter - this might take away from their abilities, but it might also make them furious enough to storm the mound and attack the pitcher, which adds to the batter's strengths. Overall, I found "Slugfest" to be a highly entertaining game, which actually costs less to buy than it does to actually go to the real ballpark these days.
Rating: 9/10
The DVD
Graphics: The graphics are where "Slugfest 2003" really shines. Certainly, this is one of the more graphically impressive games that I've seen in the past month or so. Everything from the smaller details - the crowds, the texture of the field - to the larger aspects - the stadiums and the players themselves - are remarkably well rendered, appearing smooth and detailed. Although I'm not a fan of the game, I did recognize many of the players, who look impressively similar in the game to how they do in real life. In addition, the animation is terrific. As expected, fielders making a spectacular catch or batters trying for a home run are smoothly rendered. However, a hilarious surprise is that there's some hilarious moments - such as when a batter gets hit and gets furious with the pitcher, storming the mound and beating up the pitcher while the fielders look on in horror. There are times where the batter will also start crying after getting hit.
Rating: 9.2/10
Sound: The sound in "MLB Slugfest" is as impressive as the graphics. In a fair amount of sports games that I've tried, the announcers are either not funny or their few lines become so repetitive that they start to get awfully dull. For "Slugfest", Midway has brought in commentators Jimmy Shorts (actually Chicago radio personality Kevin Matthews) and Tim Kitzrow. They provide some utterly hilarious play-by-play at times, even commenting about the fact that there's nothing going on if you take a break from gameplay. Although you'll eventually start to hear the same comments, there's more than enough so that they rarely become repetitive. All of the game sounds, such the crack of the bat, the cheering of the crowds and the occasional touches of music - are all clearly presented and top-notch in quality.
Rating: 9.2/10
Gameplay: Although there are a few little concerns regarding gameplay, "Slugfest 2003" was often remarkably easy to control. When you step up to the plate, you are presented with a bar of options (hit, bunt, etc.) that also show which buttons to push. Pitching is the same way - each pitcher has a few different pitches to choose from. Fielding takes a little bit more getting used to - it's a little difficult to get the outfielders over to the ball quickly, but I will say the option to jump for a catch does make for some great plays. Another concern was that the computer seemed to be awfully good when playing in one-player mode, whichever experience level is chosen, which got rather frustrating at times. Thankfully, there's always the ability to play against someone else.
Rating: 8.9/10
Rating Issues: "Slugfest" is rated "E" (Everyone). Although the on-field fighting becomes an issue, the game is pretty light in tone and the "E" rating is appropriate.
Final Thoughts: "MLB Slugfest" is an inspired take on baseball that will likely delight fans of the game and may even entertain those who aren't. Terrific graphics and sound certainly add to the experience, too. Recommended.
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