3D Baseball

While the existence of this game has long been known, Crystal Dynamics has only recently served up additional details regarding this title.

In addition to the 700 real MLB players, this game will also have stat tracking in more than 25 categories.

The expected exhibition and season modes are here; what's unique is a general manager mode that lets you trade players, modify stats and build your own squads from scratch.

Visually, the game's screens have been vastly changed from the high-res rendered "concept shots" seen in very early previews last year. The screens apparently show the actual 3-D engine up and running with detailed, large-sized polygon ajL fielders. The player animation (derived SB from motion-capture sessions) 9 looks very fluid at this stage, and in Jr some cases, very unique in origin (see sidebar).

On the audio front, the game will boast more than 1,000 sound bites from Van Earl Wright, who will assume his role of Championship Sports commentator.

MANUFACTURER - Crystal Dynamics

THEME - Sport

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1 or 2