RBI Baseball 2015 Review – More Minor Than Major

Game Reviewed: RBI Baseball 2015

Release Date: March 31, 2015

Developer: MLBAM

Publisher: MLBAM

Platform: [Reviewed: PlayStation 4] Xbox One, Mobile

Genre: Sports

Rating: E for Everyone

Take me out to the ball game but feel free to leave the peanuts and crackerjacks at the concession stand. We’re looking to hit the plate and swing a ball of two out of the park.  No it’s not MLB: The Show, but all of your favorite teams are here. Welcome to RBI Baseball 2015.

MLB RBI Baseball 2015 keeps all the rules of MLB but gives you that retro look and feel that was so popular back in the early console days such as the SEGA Genesis. Button controls are easy to master and very simplistic. And to the gamers that’s looking to save by all means, its $19.99 to own the full game. That’s an entire season if you choose, online or a quick exhibition game.

Prior to stepping on the plate or the outside for the opening inning, you are given the options of choosing the time of day, game length, roster size and more. In addition you can also change team uniforms, current to retro, all authentic from top to bottom.

The first thing you’ll notice is the visuals. You’re players aren’t physically recognizable, but the numbers and player stats are clearly there.  Second are the mechanics which bring back those old MLB moments. Whether you’re up at bat or pitching you are in full control while everything is in motion. When you throw the ball can you have the ability to manipulate the pitch and steer it any direction you wish.  Same goes the batter as you can adjust your position in the box to the very last second.

One thing you’ll have to adjust to is playing the outfield. When the ball Is popped into the air you’ll have a chance to follow the indicator displaying where the ball is heading. It’s a bit tricky though as the ball tends to fly a bit further than the indicator causing you to miss your fair share of catches. And even worse, there’s no way to dive catch for any fly to the outfield. For that matter, why does every straight hit rolls straight through the pitcher legs.

When stepping up at bat homeruns are pretty epic; just not when you’re the pitcher. The majority of the homeruns you land will make your screen adjust to the fly ball heading out into the crowd or the park, notifying you how many feet the ball flew. Who doesn’t love to smack one or two into the lot? I know I would’ve, just didn’t happen for me my few games in.

There’s no commentary for RBI 2015, just the empire calling the pitch. The crowd effect was fairly decent, increasing the excitement of homeruns and shunning the pitchers for hitting the players at bat. Replay value is definitely there for the baseballs fans looking to seek redemption or play with friends on or offline.

RBI Baseball 2015 turned out to be a fun experience that channels a handful of flaws, but not enough to completely turn away. I’d say it’s sort of worth the price of admission.

Gameplay: 3/5

Visuals: 3/5

Controls: 2.5/5

Audio:  3/5

Replayability: 2..5/5

Overall Rating: 3/5