The unique pitching system uses a well-designed meter for gauging accuracy and location, but a dual-analog controller is essential for any success hitting or fielding. Customizable replays show the nitty-gritty details, and MLB superstars have their own signature home-run celebrations. The atmosphere of the crowd also is impressive and realistic. Giants announcers Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow offer fantastic play-by-play commentary, with detailed info about each player. The graphics and audio in the game are fantastic. Unfortunately, management-simulation features are only available in the full version.
The demo only allows one three-inning game between the Red Sox and the Yankees, but it's a good introduction to the gameplay mechanics. The pitching-and-defensive system is tighter as well, with a console-style control scheme that's much more enjoyable with a game controller. This second edition of MVP Baseball improves quite a bit from its first release, fixing glaring omissions such as bull-pen pitchers and coaching visits to the mound, and completely revamping the hitting system.
