MVP Baseball 2003 Critic Reviews

Without question, EA's latest baseball title is our choice for best baseball game for 2003.

A remarkable start to a new franchise that should only get better next year.

The gameplay exceeds any baseball title to date!

While not the most detailed baseball game around (in fact, this game takes a distinctly reductionist approach to many areas of its play), MVP Baseball 2003 is the most fun and exciting of the recent batch. The new pitching system, quick tempo and cool new mechanics really sets this one apart from the rest.

It’s easy to say that the graphics are great or that EA delivered another game with impeccable presentation style, but the pitching and batting engines really thrive here and the game is fun to play.

One of the really neat things about this game is the new base running interface. There is now three screens on the top right that show where all the base runners are, this makes it very easy to know where all of your runners are, and help out when you try to steal bases.

While the stronger features like the new pitcher/batter interface are outstanding, I'm not sold that this is the king of the mound. The major problem is with the defense, and I think defense wins championships.

The game might not feature the depth of its competitors, and like I said, MVP's not without its faults, but in terms of pickup-and-play ease and excitement and two-player competition, it still proves to be one of your Most Valuable Purchases this season.

If you're looking to play the game, stick with MVP Baseball 2003. If you want to manage a team, go with "World Series Baseball 2K3."

Strikes a near perfect balance of fun and realism, and it should be on any baseball fan's must-try list.

MVP executes one element of its game far better than any other title this year: It’s just stone-cold beautiful.

After adding the best franchise mode ever to NCAA Football 2003, EA may have topped itself here.

Scores major points with its new graphics engine (gorgeous), two-man commentary (perfect) and revamped pitcher/batter interfaces (serviceable).

It should satisfy players who don't care about all the miscellaneous nuances of the sport, or who aren't looking to immerse themselves in a complicated franchise mode.

For the first time ever, pitching is actually as much fun as htting, thanks to a strategic, realistic interface that perfectly balances risks and rewards.

It's too hard to steal bases against the computer and throw computer stealers out. Computer batters are far too patient at the plate... It is worth checking out.

A totally new game. Unfortunately, it lacks the depth of the other games here, and therefore won't satisfy hardcore baseball fans.

It'll take some getting used to, but but for the first time, a game has made pitching as much fun as hitting.

If you can get past some of MVP’s fielding glitches, and appreciate this offensive driven baseball title, then you will be in for a delightful surprise this season.

With more options and extensive play modes (such as a fantasy draft or minor league system), fewer restrictions placed on defense, and the added ability to tweak computer AI, this series can help set a new benchmark.