Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Simulator, Sport
- Platforms: DOS, PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: Cygnus Studios, MindSpan
- Publishers: Accolade, SPS
HardBall 5: The Best Baseball Sim of the 90s
HardBall 5, released in 1995, is widely considered to be the best baseball simulation game of the 90s. It was the fifth installment in the HardBall series, and it featured a number of improvements over its predecessors, including updated graphics, more commentary, and improved league play.
Gameplay
HardBall 5 is an action-oriented baseball sim that allows players to take control of any team in Major League Baseball. The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including single games, season play, and playoffs. Players can also create their own custom teams and players.
The gameplay in HardBall 5 is fast-paced and exciting. The controls are simple and easy to learn, but the game is still challenging, especially on the higher difficulty settings. The AI is also very good, and it provides a realistic challenge for players of all skill levels.
Graphics
The graphics in HardBall 5 are some of the best in any baseball game of the 90s. The players and stadiums are all rendered in 3D, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The game also features a variety of weather effects, which can impact the gameplay.
Commentary
HardBall 5 features commentary by Al Michaels and Tim McCarver. The commentary is informative and entertaining, and it helps to bring the game to life. Michaels and McCarver also provide a lot of historical context, which can be helpful for new fans of baseball.
League Play
HardBall 5 features a full set of 1994 major leaguers, plus a bonus “legends” league. The legends league includes some of the greatest players in baseball history, such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Willie Mays.
The league play in HardBall 5 is very deep and challenging. Players can manage their team’s finances, make trades, and sign free agents. They can also create their own custom leagues and tournaments.
Multiplayer
HardBall 5 supports multiplayer for up to two players. Players can compete against each other in single games or season play. The multiplayer mode is a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to test your skills against a friend.
Overall
HardBall 5 is a classic baseball simulation game that still holds up today. It features fast-paced gameplay, great graphics, informative commentary, and deep league play. If you’re a fan of baseball, then you owe it to yourself to check out HardBall 5.
Here are some of the pros and cons of HardBall 5:
Pros:
- Fast-paced and exciting gameplay
- Great graphics
- Informative and entertaining commentary
- Deep league play
- Multiplayer support
Cons:
- Can be challenging for new players
- AI can be difficult to beat on higher difficulty settings
- Limited number of teams and players
Overall, HardBall 5 is a great baseball simulation game that is still fun to play today. It’s a must-play for fans of the sport.
Review Score
8.5/10
