First Look: Triple Play Baseball PS2

The transition of Electronic Arts' major sports franchises to the next-generation consoles continues with Triple Play Baseball for the Sony PlayStation 2. Like the PlayStation version of the game, there will be three primary modes of play: single game, season, and playoffs. Key PlayStation 2 features include advanced pitching and fielding AI; new depth of field effects; all-new pitcher and batter interfaces with a visible strike zone and pitching and batting cursors; and scripted animations of umpire arguments, high fives, and end-of-game celebrations.

Electronic Arts hopes to make Triple Play Baseball's on-field experience come to life with more-detailed visuals in the PlayStation 2 version of the game. The game includes realistic real-time lighting in three distinct atmospheres (day, dusk, and night); reflections on surfaces and player equipment; a more realistic set of player models that features signature pitching and batting styles and true-to-life facial textures for more than 150 star players; and enhanced stadium sounds and celebrations from the crowd. The game's ambient atmosphere has also been improved with newly rendered ballparks that were designed using blueprints of the real-life stadiums.

Newly appointed Toronto Blue Jays manager Buck Martinez and veteran announcer Sean McDonough handle the in-game commentary. EA has recorded new play-by-play scripts for the PlayStation 2 version, which should provide commentary that is more detailed and relevant. The MLBPA-licensed big league challenge mode returns, featuring a home run hitting tournament held at Las Vegas' Cashman Field with 12 Major League Baseball stars competing for the top prize. Naturally, the up-to-date 2001 rosters and schedule will be included in the game.

Triple Play Baseball for the Sony PlayStation 2 is being developed by Treyarch, and it will support up to two players. The game is currently on schedule to be released in late March.