1998 · Baseball · Simulation

MLB '99

PlayStation exclusive

Go out to the old ballgame in MLB '99. Players can choose from modes like Quick Play, Playoffs, Season, and Home Run Derby. The Spring Training mode allows you to create and develop your own player, who must prove himself in a short minor league stint.

Released: 31 March 1998
Platforms: PlayStation
Genres: Baseball Simulation Sports
Developers: —
Publishers: —
Perspective: Third person
Themes: Non-fiction
Country: United States
Age ratings: ESRB E
Languages: English

About

MLB '99 is a 1998 baseball video game developed by Sony Interactive Studios America and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation. Dave Campbell provided the color commentary while Vin Scully is the play-by-play announcer. Baltimore Orioles third baseman Cal Ripken Jr. is featured on the cover.

It was preceded by MLB '98 and succeeded by MLB 2000.

Keywords

baseball
gravity
instant replay
year in the title
san diego padres
penalties

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

This installment of the series introduces a Spring Training mode, in addition to the incumbent exhibition, season, playoff, and home run derby modes.

The game uses a cursor interface for pitching and batting. The player can adjust the batter's position and stance at the plate.

Reception

The game held a 78% on the review aggregation website GameRankings. Reviewers described Vin Scully's commentary as dull and lacking in variety, but praised the animation, controls, and especially the Spring Training mode. GameSpot explained that this mode "gives the game some life by making it feel as though every play counts."

Responses to the "Total Control batting" system were more mixed. John Ricciardi of Electronic Gaming Monthly said it results in an "annoying guessing game" when batting, while GameSpot, IGN, and GamePro all called it an outstanding feature. GamePro elaborated that "This feature really adds intensity to two-player contests because it forces you to outthink your opponent." Six months after the game was released, Next Generation took a middle ground on the issue its review, saying, "For neophytes and casual gamers, such a complex control scheme may seem more like work than fun. Skilled players, however, will rise to the challenge and welcome the flexibility."