Game: Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header| Release: December 22nd, 1995| Genre: Arcade Baseball| Publisher: Jaleco| Developer: Jaleco
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header is a baseball simulation video game released in 1996 for the PlayStation console. Developed by Jaleco and published by THQ, the game was the fifth installment in the Bases Loaded series and received mixed reviews upon its release.
The game features both exhibition and season modes, allowing players to create and manage their own team over the course of a full baseball season. The graphics and sound were generally praised, with the game featuring detailed player models and realistic stadium environments.
However, the gameplay was criticized for being overly simplistic and lacking depth compared to other baseball simulation games of the time. The AI was also seen as lacking in challenge, with opponents often making predictable plays and strategies.
Despite these criticisms, the game did have a loyal fan base, with many players enjoying the arcade-like gameplay and the ability to create custom players and teams. The game also featured a multiplayer mode, allowing for competitive play with friends.
Overall, Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header was a decent addition to the Bases Loaded series, but fell short of being a standout title in the genre. While it offered some fun and engaging gameplay, it lacked the depth and complexity that many baseball simulation fans were looking for.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Gameplay
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, was a baseball simulation game that attempted to offer an arcade-style experience to players. However, the gameplay fell short of expectations, with several flaws that detracted from the overall experience.
One of the biggest issues with the gameplay was the lack of depth and complexity. The game mechanics were simplistic, with limited control over pitching and fielding. Additionally, there was a lack of strategy involved in the gameplay, with opponents making predictable moves and plays. This led to a repetitive and monotonous experience, which could become boring quickly.
Another problem with the gameplay was the inconsistent difficulty level. The game was often too easy, making it possible for players to score runs frequently and win games with ease. On the other hand, the AI would occasionally become difficult to beat, making it frustrating for players to progress through the game.
Despite these criticisms, the game did have some positives in terms of gameplay. The player models were detailed and animated smoothly, making for a visually appealing experience. The game also had a multiplayer mode, which allowed for competitive play with friends.
Overall, Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header fell short in terms of gameplay, with a lack of depth and complexity, along with an inconsistent difficulty level. The game could become repetitive and monotonous quickly, which could make it challenging to stay engaged. However, the visual presentation was a bright spot. Based on these factors, the game earns a rating of 5 out of 10.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Story
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, is a baseball simulation game that did not have a story mode, but it did have a season mode that allowed players to create and manage their own team over the course of a full baseball season.
The season mode featured some basic elements of a sports story, such as building a team and competing against other teams, but the lack of any significant story arcs or character development left much to be desired. There was no overarching narrative or dramatic tension, making the season mode feel like a series of disconnected games rather than a cohesive story.
While the gameplay was the main focus of the game, the lack of a strong story mode was a missed opportunity for the developers to engage players and add an extra layer of depth to the game.
However, it is worth noting that the lack of a story mode is not necessarily a flaw in the game, as it was not marketed as a story-driven experience.
Based on these factors, the game cannot be rated in terms of story, as it did not have a story mode. However, it is worth noting that the lack of a compelling story mode is a missed opportunity for the game to engage players and provide a more immersive experience.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Difficulty
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, had some issues with the game’s difficulty level that affected the overall gameplay experience.
One of the biggest problems with the game’s difficulty was the inconsistency. At times, the game could be very easy, with opponents making predictable plays and strategies that made it easy for the player to score runs and win games. This could make the game feel repetitive and unchallenging, which could lead to boredom for some players.
On the other hand, there were also times when the game was frustratingly difficult. The AI opponents would occasionally become almost unbeatable, making it difficult for players to progress through the game. This inconsistency in difficulty could make the game feel unbalanced and unfair at times, which could lead to player frustration.
Additionally, the lack of depth and complexity in the game mechanics meant that the difficulty level was limited. There were only a few strategies and moves that players could employ, which could make the game feel simplistic and lacking in depth.
Overall, the difficulty level of Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header was a mixed bag, with some elements that were too easy and others that were frustratingly difficult. The lack of depth in the game mechanics also limited the overall difficulty of the game. Based on these factors, the game earns a rating of 5 out of 10 for difficulty.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Graphics
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, had graphics that were generally considered to be a bright spot for the game.
The player models were detailed and well-animated, with realistic movements and actions. The stadiums and environments were also well-rendered, with attention to detail in elements such as lighting and textures. Overall, the graphics were praised for being visually appealing and immersive.
However, there were also some limitations to the graphics. The camera angles and perspectives were sometimes problematic, which could make it difficult to track the ball during gameplay. This could lead to frustration for some players, particularly when trying to field or hit the ball accurately.
Despite these limitations, the graphics of Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header were generally well-received and added to the overall presentation of the game.
Based on these factors, the game earns a rating of 7 out of 10 for graphics. While there were some limitations in terms of camera angles and perspectives, the overall quality of the player models and environments was strong and added to the overall immersion of the game.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Controls
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, had some issues with the game’s controls that affected the overall gameplay experience.
One of the biggest problems with the controls was the lack of depth and complexity. The game mechanics were simplistic, with limited control over pitching and fielding. This could make the game feel repetitive and monotonous, with little room for strategic play.
Additionally, the controls could be difficult to master for some players, particularly when it came to hitting the ball accurately. The camera angles and perspectives were sometimes problematic, which could make it difficult to track the ball during gameplay. This could lead to frustration for some players, particularly when trying to field or hit the ball accurately.
However, there were also some positive aspects to the controls. The player movements were generally smooth and well-animated, and the game’s menu system was intuitive and easy to navigate. This made it easy for players to create and manage their own team over the course of a full baseball season.
Overall, the controls of Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header were a mixed bag, with some elements that were frustrating and others that were well-executed. Based on these factors, the game earns a rating of 6 out of 10 for controls. While there were some limitations in terms of depth and complexity, the overall quality of the player movements and menu system was solid.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Sound
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header, developed by Jaleco and published by THQ for the PlayStation console, had sound that was generally considered to be adequate but not outstanding.
The game’s soundtrack consisted of generic rock music, which was not particularly memorable or engaging. The sound effects, such as the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, were well-executed and added to the overall immersion of the game, but they did not stand out as exceptional.
One notable flaw in the sound design was the lack of commentary or announcer, which could make the game feel somewhat empty and devoid of personality. This lack of audio cues could also make it difficult for players to keep track of what was happening on the field.
Despite these limitations, the sound design of Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header was serviceable and did not detract significantly from the overall gameplay experience.
Based on these factors, the game earns a rating of 6 out of 10 for sound. While the generic rock soundtrack and lack of commentary were flaws, the sound effects were well-executed and added to the overall immersion of the game.
Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header Overall Rating
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