It’s becoming more and more evident that the best part of iOS gaming may simply be the wealth of options available. Baseball gamers can revel each year as a mix of series sequels and iPhone rookies fight for their attention. This year is no different, with established names like Baseball Superstars and Homerun Battle offering new apps or meaningful updates, while fresh blood like iOOTP tries to become an established name in the genre. So, as the midpoint of the 2011 season approaches, see everything the App Store has to offer baseball fans with these games.
Baseball Superstars II Pro
The fourth iOS installment of the Baseball Superstars series may be listed as an RPG as opposed to a sports game in the App Store, but don’t let that fool you – baseball is still at the core of this beauty. Baseball Superstars II Pro ($0.99) brings a few new things to the table but remains true to its predecessors, so fans should expect a slightly (but noticeably) enhanced version of the previous games. The storyline is now more involved, meaning you’ll have more to keep you entertained between games, while the biggest new feature is customizable super skills. Other additions include new players and weather effects, though both graphically and gameplay-wise this game will feel very similar. The one caveat is that those looking for a baseball simulator should look elsewhere; but gamers simply wanting to dive into a baseball game owe it to themselves to try Baseball Superstars II Pro.
9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011 & 9 Innings Pro Baseball
Conversely, 9 Innings: Pro Baseball 2011 ($0.99) is the game for those looking for a more realistic baseball experience. Importantly for most gamers, this game has a MLBPA license, so it includes real players with rosters updated as of May 31 (9 Innings Pro Baseball includes fictional players, but the same features). Users can play through a season or participate in a home run derby, but the big difference between 9 Innings and other games is the card system. This feature allows you to acquire and improve players, and provides a nice twist once the game gets a little mundane. With all that said, this game isn’t as good as it’s overwhelming iTunes rating suggests. The graphics are solid but far from great, and while you’ll love that there are real players, you’ll also notice that the gameplay falls a little short of being a simulator. It’s still a good game, and the inclusion of real players is a nice selling point.
iOOTP Baseball 2011
A long-time PC franchise, Out of the Park Baseball has become the go to baseball management game. The release of iOOTP Baseball 2011 ($4.99) only re-enforces its dominance in the genre, as it’s not only the first baseball management game in the App Store, but one of the platform’s first proper sports management games. The game allows you to play through a 16-team or 30-team fictional league, or indulge in the 1923, 1965, 2004 or 2011 seasons with real teams and players. While you have to focus on managing your team on-field, you also have to keep an eye on off-field things such as finances and managing your roster, so while this game lacks typical action there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Still, those looking for an arcade game should look somewhere else, as this simply isn’t that game. It is by far the most realistic iOS baseball game, not to mention one of the most in-depth.
Homerun Battle 3D
Between 9 Innings and Homerun Battle 3D ($4.99), Com2uS has become the pre-eminent baseball company for iOS games. Homerun Battle actually made this list the last time, a statement that shows it’s both the best game of its kind and one that shows just how pitiful the competition is. As the name suggests, this game is based around the home run derby, and includes three standard modes as well as an online mode. There are also a number of customization options, and while this arcade app doesn’t really resemble anything that happens on an actual baseball field, it’s one of the most fun baseball games you’ll find. The big complaint is the price – Baseball Superstars and 9 Innings also offer in-app purchases, but only cost 99 cents, while this game costs a hefty five dollars and still includes pricey add-ons. Despite being around for a while though, Homerun Battle 3D is consistently updated and still the best baseball mini-game available.
AllStar Pro Baseball
Opinions on AllStar Pro Baseball ($0.99) vary wildly, though it’s hard to imagine that some can’t see the charm in this game. It looks like it’s straight out of the ‘90s, and while the gameplay isn’t elite, it’s certainly good enough. The vintage graphics seem to be a big dividing point – you either accept them for what they are and enjoy the style, or you expect more and are incredibly disappointed. There are plenty of faults here, most noticeably the serious translation issues (Double Out — really?), a lack of real players and a fictional league that is a little on the small side with 12 teams. Admittedly, this game should only be an option if you’ve tried the others on this list and they aren’t your taste. Any game with animations for diving catches and close plays at home plate has a part in this reviewer’s heart, just don’t expect too much here.
