MVP Baseball 2004 (Sony PlayStation 2, 2004) Tested! Albert Pujols

EA SPORTS comes running onto the field with the sophomore release in its MVP Baseball series, MVP Baseball 2004. At the plate, the new "Pure Swing System" is designed to give players improved control, with the ability to swing for the fence, pull the ball down the baseline, or swing for an opposite field; players have command of each type of swing for every situation. With this edition's new character control system, called "Big Play Control," players will be able to leap walls to rob home runs, drop down for a hook slide to avoid being tagged out, and even bully the catcher at home plate to force the extra run.<br><br>EA SPORTS has also included minor league teams from the AA and AAA classes, such as the Durham Bulls and Toledo Mud Hens. In "Dynasty" mode, players can build up their team through the farm system, negotiate contracts, and maintain team chemistry using information from unique player personality models. In "Manager" mode, players control the game from the dugout, using a collection of strategic, per-at-bat decisions -- call the steal, have the batter go deep, or lay down the sacrifice bunt. Players can even have the pitcher go after a batter with a bit of chin music.<br><br>Available only on the PS2 console, all of this can be taken online using the EA SPORTS Nation network, where players can greet other players, set up tournaments, and download roster updates. Also new in MVP Baseball 2004 is the Cooperstown Collection, featuring legendary players outfitted in