Back in the 1980's we were used to playing rotiserrie league baseball with games like Strat-O-Matic. I remember the first time going to the store with my family and seeing the box titles Microleague Baseball. This was the first time I had the opportunity to play manager is a baseball game.
And what a game it was. Being able to use real players and call all the shots on and off the field. No longer was I going to play baseball with cards. This game ushered in the real challenge of baseball and made it accessible to everyone.
You could play as one of the games past greats or you could play as the champions of that day and age. I was an Orioles fan and yes they had the 1983 Championship team there. Imagine for a minute being able to play a league championship team against the greatest players of all time!!! How many time did I play these games out. The opportunity to recreate history.
All management decisions were made by you the manager. Bottom of the 9th inning and the bases loaded. Do you keep the starter in that has been pitching a gem of a game? Or do you bring your closer in to finish off the victory? Should I steal second? Or sacrifice bunt the man over to ensure
his safe passage?
Ever important management decision in baseball is a part of this game. Every gut wrenching home run given up teas at you like it did in real life. Except it was you who were rolling the dice.
This game also allowed for two player games where you would matchup against a live foe and tangle strategy and decision making. My brother and I spent literally hours upon hours matching up. The game keeps terrific statistics and allows you to immerse yourself into all the intricacies of live baseball.
The graphics were par for the course in that day and age. But unlike most other games made during the day it was gameplay and not eye appeal that made the game as great as it was. Oh, how developers today would learn from making games with less eye candy and more pure gameplay.
What wonderful memories I have of playing game. I highly recommend this game to anyone on a nostalgia trip into the eighties or the baseball fan looking for an accessible yet compelling game of baseball. The game did not disappoint me then, and it will not disappoint you today. Few games stand the test of time.
