Super Mega Baseball 3

Whether you want to play this sports game like a straightforward arcade title or prefer more simulation-like depth, it's the best in the series to date. Despite a couple of issues, including a couple of random crashes, Super Mega Baseball 3 hits it out of the park. Baseball fans will no doubt find the stylized charm in this indie title. Along with the sleeker presentation and tweaked graphics, the first thing you'll notice are the refined controls for pitching and batting. Pitching requires a lot of finesse and practice to deliver a solid pitch (including Power pitches that require precise power and timing). Plus, Super Mega Baseball 3 introduces wild pitches, pitch-outs, passed balls (with success based on stamina, skill level, and other variables) and the option to pick off base runners. With batting, it feels similar to the previous game, but more responsive. Fielding controls are also tighter.

The game offers many returning modes like Exhibition, Season, Elimination, and the online Pennant Race, but Franchise mode will give you more depth -- should you want it -- where you take a pre-made or custom-built team and take them all the way to the championships. Features of the Franchise mode include player development (where you spend virtual currency to upgrade your team in several areas), aging and retirement, signing and releasing of free agents, and more. You'll have fun creating your ideal league with a suite of options including season length/structure, team names, uniforms and logos, as well as player names, attributes and appearance. Aside from the odd technical glitches (odd crashes, or outfielders that seem to float over the field), there isn't much to complain about with this family-friendly title. Between it's unique look and easy controls, several solo and multiplayer game modes, and availability on all major game platforms, Super Mega Baseball 3 is worth the investment in time, money and energy for fans of the coveted national pastime.