Summary

Release Year: 1987
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Family Computer, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii, Wii U
Developers: HAMSTER, Jaleco, Tose
Publishers: HAMSTER, Jaleco

Bases Loaded (1987): The Ultimate Baseball Showdown

Released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System and arcades, Bases Loaded is a baseball game that quickly became a classic. Developed by Jaleco and TOSE, it was the first installment in the Bases Loaded series, which spanned three generations of consoles and spawned seven sequels.

Bases Loaded is known for its innovative gameplay, which focused on the confrontation between the pitcher and the batter. The game put the player in control of both the pitcher and the batter, giving them the ability to throw a variety of pitches and swing for the fences. This made for a much more realistic and engaging baseball experience than previous games, which had focused primarily on the fielding aspect of the game.

One of the most unique features of Bases Loaded is its behind-the-plate perspective. This perspective gives the player a clear view of the pitcher’s release point and the batter’s swing, making it easier to time pitches and hit the ball. However, it also makes it more difficult to field the ball, as the player cannot see the entire field.

Bases Loaded also features a number of other innovative features, such as the ability to create and customize your own players and teams, and a variety of different game modes, including exhibition games, season mode, and a home run derby. The game also has a number of hidden features, such as the ability to play as a secret team of all-stars.

Overall, Bases Loaded is a classic baseball game that offers a unique and engaging experience. Its focus on the pitcher-batter confrontation and its behind-the-plate perspective make it a must-play for any baseball fan.

Gameplay

Bases Loaded is a baseball game that is played from a behind-the-plate perspective. The player controls both the pitcher and the batter, and can throw a variety of pitches and swing for the fences. The game features a number of different game modes, including exhibition games, season mode, and a home run derby.

Pitching

When pitching, the player can choose from a variety of different pitches, including fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and changeups. The player can also control the speed and location of each pitch. To throw a pitch, the player simply presses the A button.

Batting

When batting, the player can choose to swing for a hit, bunt, or take a walk. The player can also control the power and direction of each swing. To swing for a hit, the player simply presses the A button.

Fielding

Fielding is controlled by the D-pad. The player can move their fielder to any position on the field, and can catch the ball by pressing the A button.

Game Modes

Bases Loaded features a number of different game modes, including:

Exhibition Games

Exhibition games are one-off games that can be played against the computer or another human player.

Season Mode

Season mode is a full 162-game season. The player can choose to play as any of the 26 Major League Baseball teams.

Home Run Derby

Home run derby is a mode where the player tries to hit as many home runs as possible in a limited amount of time.

Features

Bases Loaded features a number of innovative features, including:

Create-a-Player

The create-a-player feature allows the player to create and customize their own players and teams.

Hidden Features

Bases Loaded features a number of hidden features, such as the ability to play as a secret team of all-stars.

Reception

Bases Loaded was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, realistic graphics, and addictive gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Bases Loaded has been ranked as one of the best baseball games of all time by a number of publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Nintendo Power.

Legacy

Bases Loaded is a classic baseball game that has had a lasting impact on the genre. Its innovative gameplay and behind-the-plate perspective have been copied by many other baseball games, and its create-a-player feature has become a standard feature in many sports games.

The Bases Loaded series has continued to be popular over the years, and the latest installment, Bases Loaded 2023, was released in 2023.

Review Score

7.5/10

Bases Loaded (1987)