By Steve Marinucci
Published Friday, April 29, 1988, San Jose (CA) Mercury News
So you called people you haven't seen since kindergarten and still couldn't drum up a ticket to either of Bruce Springsteen's shows Monday and Tuesday? And you're depressed because even your boss is going to see the Boss and you're not? Or maybe you just can't get enough Bruce? Is that what's got you feeling blue, bucko?
Well, cheer up. MTV will help ease the pain with "Bruce Springsteen Weekend," a tribute running from 3 a.m. Saturday to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Bruce news and videos will, of course, be plentiful.
Highlighting the two days will be an hourlong special, "Bruce Springsteen -- Inside the Tunnel of Love," containing concert and interview footage of Bruce and the E Street Band from the band's Detroit stop on the current tour. The special will be broadcast at noon and 7 p.m. Saturday, and also close out the weekend at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Friday, April 29, 1988
Sunday, April 10, 1988
Want to manage Babe Ruth's Yankees? Computer games give you the chance
By STEVE MARINUCCI
Mercury News Staff Writer
Published Sunday, April 10, 1988
WANT TO MANAGE BABE RUTH'S YANKEES? COMPUTER
GAMES GIVE YOU THE CHANCE
BASEBALL SOFTWARE TAKES THE FIELD
BASEBALL SOFTWARE IS IN A LEAGUE BY ITSELF
Nothing beats the smell of the hot dogs and the crack of the bat at a baseball game. But if your favorite team gets rained out or you yearn for a little bit of that play-by-play action without the dirt and sweat, your personal computer can go to bat for you. All you need is a computerized baseball game. Computer baseball games fall into two categories: statistical and arcade games. Statistical games are suited to the fan who would rather be Giants Manager Roger Craig than first baseman Will Clark. These games test your strategic knowledge of the game.
Statistical games are based on major-league players' lifetime records and allow you to set up dream situations. You can pit one player against another he would never face in real life. For example, you could have Red Sox ace Roger Clemens pitch to Babe Ruth. The statistics and the player's decisions as a manager determine the outcome of the games.
Arcade games are much less complicated and more like video games. They rely on a player's agility and decisions as a manager, not on the performance of actual players. For the most part, they have better graphics and more on-screen action than the statistical games.
Statistics, players' performances and team rosters change from year to year, which is why most statistical games issue annual updates to keep the games current.
Here's a look at several computer baseball games. I played them on an IBM-compatible Tandy 1000 SX, but most are available for other personal computers, too. The games are rated on a scale of one to five baseballs, with five being the top rating.
Now, play ball!
Arcade games
HARDBALL (from Accolade Inc., Cupertino): Although Hardball uses statistical elements to rate its fictional players, this is basically an arcade game and a superb one at that. It's easy to play without a detailed study of the manual. A joystick is recommended, though the program will let you use the keyboard or a mouse.
Pitchers are given a selection of four types of pitches, based on the ones they throw best. One hurler's menu consists of fastball, fastball, fastball and fastball!, the last being an even faster fastball.
Though this is either a one- or two-player game, be forewarned: Playing the computer can be a humiliating experience. Playing with a human opponent is much more gratifying.
On the IBM monochrome version, it's tough to follow the ball at times. The Macintosh version features high-resolution graphics and fantastic sound effects, including a realistic crack of the bat. For Tandy 1000 owners, there's a free upgrade with 16-color Tandy graphics.
Comments: Joystick, keyboard or mouse. Copy protected. (Backups available for $10.) IBM package comes with both monochrome and EGA versions.
Price: Apple II ($34.95), Apple IIgs ($44.95), Atari 800 ($29.95), Atari ST ($39.95), Amiga ($44.95), Commodore 64/ 128 ($29.95), IBM PC and compatibles ($39.95), and Macintosh ($44.95).
four little baseballs
CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL (from Gamestar, distributed by Activision, Mountain View): Both are arcade games, but any similarity between Hardball and Championship Baseball ends there. Hardball may have the edge in realism, but Championship Baseball plays more like a video game and is more fun.
The game features very colorful graphics and cute animated figures. Though either a joystick or the keyboard can be used in game play, a joystick is really the best way to execute both offensive and defensive plays.
The game allows you to warm up with batting practice, then take the field in either exhibition or league play.
Don't expect to jump in and knock a few balls out of the park or demonstrate some sharp defensive moves with this game right away. Batting practice is essential to get a feel for the speed and location of the various pitches, especially the fastball, which is almost impossible to hit. And it takes practice to keep a ball meant for the first baseman from ending up in the catcher's mitt because of a wrong tug of the joystick.
The behind-the-plate view that the player sees when batting or pitching gives the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. Bunts, leads, steals, slides and pick-offs are all possible.
Comments: Copy-protected. Joystick or keyboard.
Price: Commodore 64/128 ($29.95), IBM PC and compatibles (CGA required), Amiga, Atari ST and Apple II (39.95).
three little baseballs
Statistical games
APBA MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS BASEBALL (from Random House Software, New York): The APBA board game has been extremely popular with armchair managers for years. This 1985 computer version is similar, but the dice and cards used in the board game are omitted. The computer determines play results and keeps statistics.
Playing this text game is surprisingly simple. Press P to pitch. Press W and the batter draws an intentional walk.
Press ENTER (for an ordinary swing), B (for bunt), R (hit and run) or S (steal) to set the play in motion. Unlike some games, the pitcher has no choice of pitches. A pitcher's pre- set rating determines what he will throw in each situation.
The program lets you track the availability of players who are ejected or injured, allows you to draft your own team of actual major league players and even allows a pitcher to pitch from a stretch position. The game also has instant replay (the last play is repeated in text, not graphics) and updates cumulative game statistics for league or season play. APBA Major League Players could have been a better game -- for instance, bunting for a base hit with the bases empty is not allowed -- but it still can be fun to play.
Comments: Copy protected. (Backups available for $2.95.)
Price: IBM PC and compatibles (supports monochrome or CGA), Apple II ($59.95).
two and a half little baseballs
MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER (from Spinnaker Software Corp., Cambridge, Mass.): The graphics aren't flashy here, but what this game lacks in flash it makes up in versatility. You can play games with all the major-league teams of the 1986 season, 16 classic teams of the past or teams you create from real or fictional players. Not only that, the game keeps an incredible array of detailed statistics for players who compete against others in leagues.
The game is easy to play, although the play options aren't as numerous as with some of the other games. This is a very nice value.
Comments: Line graphics. Requires 192 kilobytes of random access memory, one disk drive and DOS 2.0 or later. (Color monitor optional.)
Price: IBM PC and compatibles ($14.95)
two-and-a-half baseballs
MICRO LEAGUE BASEBALL (from Micro League Sports Association, Newark, Del.): This game stands out in one respect. It carries the endorsement of Major League Baseball, and all 26 team emblems are reproduced on the cover. As one might expect, it is better than average and includes many realistic touches. For example, teams are shown running on and off the field.
The game is statistics-based, but the action takes place on the screen with animated figures much like those of an arcade game. More than 20 teams of the past, all included on the game disk, can be matched up in one- or two-player games.
Acting as a manager, you can choose from an assortment of pitches, position fielders or visit the mound. Your relief pitchers must warm up in the bullpen before coming into the game. On offense, you can bunt, steal, hit and run, sacrifice bunt or bring in a pinch hitter or runner. Play results are indicated in text that reads like a radio broadcast.
Comments: Copy protected. Newsletter for registered owners.
Price: IBM PC/PCjr (CGA), Apple II, IIc, IIe, Commodore 64/ 128 ($39.95). Atari ST ($59.95).
three little baseballs
PURE-STAT BASEBALL (available by mail from Software Simulations Inc., 959 Main St., Stamford, Conn. 06497): Like Micro League Baseball, Pure-Stat Baseball is a statistics-based game but displays game action on the screen with animated figures.
Unlike any other game, Pure-Stat Baseball owners can get three stadium disks that contain representations of all 26 major-league parks. The Candlestick Park and Oakland Coliseum graphics, while not perfect, include details that any fan who has seen either park will recognize.
The game comes with all 26 1985 season teams and eight classic teams, including the 1962 San Francisco Giants. One- player, two-player or computer-only games are possible.
As a manager, you control all aspects of offensive and defensive play, right down to indicating aggressive baserunning if the ball is hit to a certain outfielder. Pitchers' ratings include a "tiring factor" that indicates how long they will be effective before getting tired.
Comments: Newsletter available.
Price: Apple, Commodore 64/128, IBM PC or compatible (CGA/ EGA, 256K required), ($39.95). Data disks from 1987 and 1986 seasons and stadium disks are $19.95.
three little baseballs
PURSUE THE PENNANT PC BASEBALL (available by mail from Pursue the Pennant, 13555 Bishops Court, Suite 255, Brookfield, Wis. 53005): Pursue the Pennant also has its roots in a board game. It is easy to learn and easy to play.
All the usual offensive and defensive options are available, and the program automatically figures in the characteristics of the various teams' ball parks in deciding game situations.
Game play can be either in the exhibition, National or American leagues. As general manager, you can make roster changes by putting players on the disabled list, calling up players from the minors and even signing free agents. The game compiles league statistics and even rates good clutch hitters as "terrors."
Comments: Not copy protected. Newsletter available through PTP Club.
Price: IBM PC and compatibles ($69.95). 256K of RAM required. Supports monochrome or color graphics. Season player disks from 1986 or 1987 are $24.95. four little baseballs
Combination Games
EARL WEAVER BASEBALL (from Electronic Arts, San Mateo): The company has been crowing loudly about this game since its release last year and with good reason: It is the best computer-baseball simulation on the market.
It can be played either in arcade mode (where former Baltimore Orioles Manager Earl Weaver selects the lineups) or regulation mode (where you do). The game can re-create your favorite ballpark or let you build one of your own design.
You can play this game as an arcade game or just manage and let the computer carry out the plays. You can play against a human opponent or the computer. Weaver's strategy tips can be called up from within the program.
The game comes with eight all-star teams, four each from the National and American leagues, composed of players from the turn of the century to 1975.
This is also the only game that gives you the option of allowing either one pitch per hitter or a full at-bat. (All the others are one-pitch games.) Graphics are impressive, too. The game employs a split screen that gives you views from behind the plate and from the stands onto the field. Earl Weaver Baseball gives you almost every play option you could ever want.
Comments: Not copy protected.
Price: IBM PCs and compatibles (256K of RAM required), Amiga ($49.95). 1986 and 1987 season updates available for $19.95. 3 1/2-inch disk available by mail for $7.50.)
five little baseballs
CAPTION: DRAWING: Charles Waltmire -- Mercury News
KEYWORDS: BASEBALL COMPUTER GAME SOFTWARE REVIEW RANKING
Mercury News Staff Writer
Published Sunday, April 10, 1988
WANT TO MANAGE BABE RUTH'S YANKEES? COMPUTER
GAMES GIVE YOU THE CHANCE
BASEBALL SOFTWARE TAKES THE FIELD
BASEBALL SOFTWARE IS IN A LEAGUE BY ITSELF
Nothing beats the smell of the hot dogs and the crack of the bat at a baseball game. But if your favorite team gets rained out or you yearn for a little bit of that play-by-play action without the dirt and sweat, your personal computer can go to bat for you. All you need is a computerized baseball game. Computer baseball games fall into two categories: statistical and arcade games. Statistical games are suited to the fan who would rather be Giants Manager Roger Craig than first baseman Will Clark. These games test your strategic knowledge of the game.
Statistical games are based on major-league players' lifetime records and allow you to set up dream situations. You can pit one player against another he would never face in real life. For example, you could have Red Sox ace Roger Clemens pitch to Babe Ruth. The statistics and the player's decisions as a manager determine the outcome of the games.
Arcade games are much less complicated and more like video games. They rely on a player's agility and decisions as a manager, not on the performance of actual players. For the most part, they have better graphics and more on-screen action than the statistical games.
Statistics, players' performances and team rosters change from year to year, which is why most statistical games issue annual updates to keep the games current.
Here's a look at several computer baseball games. I played them on an IBM-compatible Tandy 1000 SX, but most are available for other personal computers, too. The games are rated on a scale of one to five baseballs, with five being the top rating.
Now, play ball!
Arcade games
HARDBALL (from Accolade Inc., Cupertino): Although Hardball uses statistical elements to rate its fictional players, this is basically an arcade game and a superb one at that. It's easy to play without a detailed study of the manual. A joystick is recommended, though the program will let you use the keyboard or a mouse.
Pitchers are given a selection of four types of pitches, based on the ones they throw best. One hurler's menu consists of fastball, fastball, fastball and fastball!, the last being an even faster fastball.
Though this is either a one- or two-player game, be forewarned: Playing the computer can be a humiliating experience. Playing with a human opponent is much more gratifying.
On the IBM monochrome version, it's tough to follow the ball at times. The Macintosh version features high-resolution graphics and fantastic sound effects, including a realistic crack of the bat. For Tandy 1000 owners, there's a free upgrade with 16-color Tandy graphics.
Comments: Joystick, keyboard or mouse. Copy protected. (Backups available for $10.) IBM package comes with both monochrome and EGA versions.
Price: Apple II ($34.95), Apple IIgs ($44.95), Atari 800 ($29.95), Atari ST ($39.95), Amiga ($44.95), Commodore 64/ 128 ($29.95), IBM PC and compatibles ($39.95), and Macintosh ($44.95).
four little baseballs
CHAMPIONSHIP BASEBALL (from Gamestar, distributed by Activision, Mountain View): Both are arcade games, but any similarity between Hardball and Championship Baseball ends there. Hardball may have the edge in realism, but Championship Baseball plays more like a video game and is more fun.
The game features very colorful graphics and cute animated figures. Though either a joystick or the keyboard can be used in game play, a joystick is really the best way to execute both offensive and defensive plays.
The game allows you to warm up with batting practice, then take the field in either exhibition or league play.
Don't expect to jump in and knock a few balls out of the park or demonstrate some sharp defensive moves with this game right away. Batting practice is essential to get a feel for the speed and location of the various pitches, especially the fastball, which is almost impossible to hit. And it takes practice to keep a ball meant for the first baseman from ending up in the catcher's mitt because of a wrong tug of the joystick.
The behind-the-plate view that the player sees when batting or pitching gives the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. Bunts, leads, steals, slides and pick-offs are all possible.
Comments: Copy-protected. Joystick or keyboard.
Price: Commodore 64/128 ($29.95), IBM PC and compatibles (CGA required), Amiga, Atari ST and Apple II (39.95).
three little baseballs
Statistical games
APBA MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYERS BASEBALL (from Random House Software, New York): The APBA board game has been extremely popular with armchair managers for years. This 1985 computer version is similar, but the dice and cards used in the board game are omitted. The computer determines play results and keeps statistics.
Playing this text game is surprisingly simple. Press P to pitch. Press W and the batter draws an intentional walk.
Press ENTER (for an ordinary swing), B (for bunt), R (hit and run) or S (steal) to set the play in motion. Unlike some games, the pitcher has no choice of pitches. A pitcher's pre- set rating determines what he will throw in each situation.
The program lets you track the availability of players who are ejected or injured, allows you to draft your own team of actual major league players and even allows a pitcher to pitch from a stretch position. The game also has instant replay (the last play is repeated in text, not graphics) and updates cumulative game statistics for league or season play. APBA Major League Players could have been a better game -- for instance, bunting for a base hit with the bases empty is not allowed -- but it still can be fun to play.
Comments: Copy protected. (Backups available for $2.95.)
Price: IBM PC and compatibles (supports monochrome or CGA), Apple II ($59.95).
two and a half little baseballs
MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER (from Spinnaker Software Corp., Cambridge, Mass.): The graphics aren't flashy here, but what this game lacks in flash it makes up in versatility. You can play games with all the major-league teams of the 1986 season, 16 classic teams of the past or teams you create from real or fictional players. Not only that, the game keeps an incredible array of detailed statistics for players who compete against others in leagues.
The game is easy to play, although the play options aren't as numerous as with some of the other games. This is a very nice value.
Comments: Line graphics. Requires 192 kilobytes of random access memory, one disk drive and DOS 2.0 or later. (Color monitor optional.)
Price: IBM PC and compatibles ($14.95)
two-and-a-half baseballs
MICRO LEAGUE BASEBALL (from Micro League Sports Association, Newark, Del.): This game stands out in one respect. It carries the endorsement of Major League Baseball, and all 26 team emblems are reproduced on the cover. As one might expect, it is better than average and includes many realistic touches. For example, teams are shown running on and off the field.
The game is statistics-based, but the action takes place on the screen with animated figures much like those of an arcade game. More than 20 teams of the past, all included on the game disk, can be matched up in one- or two-player games.
Acting as a manager, you can choose from an assortment of pitches, position fielders or visit the mound. Your relief pitchers must warm up in the bullpen before coming into the game. On offense, you can bunt, steal, hit and run, sacrifice bunt or bring in a pinch hitter or runner. Play results are indicated in text that reads like a radio broadcast.
Comments: Copy protected. Newsletter for registered owners.
Price: IBM PC/PCjr (CGA), Apple II, IIc, IIe, Commodore 64/ 128 ($39.95). Atari ST ($59.95).
three little baseballs
PURE-STAT BASEBALL (available by mail from Software Simulations Inc., 959 Main St., Stamford, Conn. 06497): Like Micro League Baseball, Pure-Stat Baseball is a statistics-based game but displays game action on the screen with animated figures.
Unlike any other game, Pure-Stat Baseball owners can get three stadium disks that contain representations of all 26 major-league parks. The Candlestick Park and Oakland Coliseum graphics, while not perfect, include details that any fan who has seen either park will recognize.
The game comes with all 26 1985 season teams and eight classic teams, including the 1962 San Francisco Giants. One- player, two-player or computer-only games are possible.
As a manager, you control all aspects of offensive and defensive play, right down to indicating aggressive baserunning if the ball is hit to a certain outfielder. Pitchers' ratings include a "tiring factor" that indicates how long they will be effective before getting tired.
Comments: Newsletter available.
Price: Apple, Commodore 64/128, IBM PC or compatible (CGA/ EGA, 256K required), ($39.95). Data disks from 1987 and 1986 seasons and stadium disks are $19.95.
three little baseballs
PURSUE THE PENNANT PC BASEBALL (available by mail from Pursue the Pennant, 13555 Bishops Court, Suite 255, Brookfield, Wis. 53005): Pursue the Pennant also has its roots in a board game. It is easy to learn and easy to play.
All the usual offensive and defensive options are available, and the program automatically figures in the characteristics of the various teams' ball parks in deciding game situations.
Game play can be either in the exhibition, National or American leagues. As general manager, you can make roster changes by putting players on the disabled list, calling up players from the minors and even signing free agents. The game compiles league statistics and even rates good clutch hitters as "terrors."
Comments: Not copy protected. Newsletter available through PTP Club.
Price: IBM PC and compatibles ($69.95). 256K of RAM required. Supports monochrome or color graphics. Season player disks from 1986 or 1987 are $24.95. four little baseballs
Combination Games
EARL WEAVER BASEBALL (from Electronic Arts, San Mateo): The company has been crowing loudly about this game since its release last year and with good reason: It is the best computer-baseball simulation on the market.
It can be played either in arcade mode (where former Baltimore Orioles Manager Earl Weaver selects the lineups) or regulation mode (where you do). The game can re-create your favorite ballpark or let you build one of your own design.
You can play this game as an arcade game or just manage and let the computer carry out the plays. You can play against a human opponent or the computer. Weaver's strategy tips can be called up from within the program.
The game comes with eight all-star teams, four each from the National and American leagues, composed of players from the turn of the century to 1975.
This is also the only game that gives you the option of allowing either one pitch per hitter or a full at-bat. (All the others are one-pitch games.) Graphics are impressive, too. The game employs a split screen that gives you views from behind the plate and from the stands onto the field. Earl Weaver Baseball gives you almost every play option you could ever want.
Comments: Not copy protected.
Price: IBM PCs and compatibles (256K of RAM required), Amiga ($49.95). 1986 and 1987 season updates available for $19.95. 3 1/2-inch disk available by mail for $7.50.)
five little baseballs
CAPTION: DRAWING: Charles Waltmire -- Mercury News
KEYWORDS: BASEBALL COMPUTER GAME SOFTWARE REVIEW RANKING
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