Bottom of the 9th

It's been almost a year since I was first impressed by this game on the PlayStation and now that I've finally found my way into the Saturn port, I have to say that Bottom of the 9th hasn't lost a beat. Although the texture-impaired visuals don't help this game in the looks department, the game play of this contender can't be faulted.

One of the toughest and most intense baseball games ever released, Bottom of the 9th succeeds on many different levels. It features a full deck of 700 3D polygon pros, an incredible batting system, a great training mode and the usual season options. Bottom of the 9th doesn't have the flash of Sega's exciting World Series II, but it has more than enough depth to compete. This is one more title in Konami's recent 32-bit cannon of sports games that has shown the world just how serious they are about getting it right.

Crooked Bat

You can tell just by looking at the pictures around this review that Bottom of the 9th's graphics are already starting to look a little musty. The flat shaded, rough edged polygon characters are nowhere near the quality of recent Konami shocker, NBA In The Zone 2. Still, when you see how well animated these players are when they run, catch, throw, pitch and bat, the roughness of their makeup really won't matter much. It's the same sort of thing with Gray Matter's superb, NBA Action 97.

For those that worry about such things, the in game graphics of Bottom of the 9th are almost identical to the PlayStation rev, although the set up cinema sequences are much grainier (not surprising) than they were on the PSX.

The option and stadium select screens are colorful but definitely amateurish looking, especially when compared to the slickness of EA Sports, Sony Sports or Sega Sports' games. You have to give Konami credit for focusing on the important things, though. Game play is always where it's at and Konami is on fire in that department.

It's Not Whether You Win Or Lose, It's How You Play The Game

Hitting a pitch properly in Bottom of the 9th is an exceedingly difficult thing to do. As readers of the original review (or happy owners of the game) are already aware, it's not just a question of deciding how hard you want to swing and then going for it. You have to make sure your stance in the box is right, your power meter is sufficiently healthy and your timing is impeccable. Then, in the split seconds after the ball is released from the pitcher's hand, you have to line up your target marker and swing. Sound easy? You try it. I guarantee you'll be both frustrated and extremely impressed by the developers' moxie. Hitting a good pitch in Bottom of the 9th will make you feel like you're ready for the show.

The same can be said for properly diving to snag a pop fly, striking out a resourceful competitor, or completing a smooth triple play. Despite the lack of the official team logos and stadiums, this is pro baseball, boys and girls and it feels great to be a part of it.

I highly recommend that newbies and renters of this title, head into the training camp before attempting to take on the intricacies of the game. Training camp will take you through all of the basic elements of playing this game with a sense of dignity. For those who can't be concerned with such trivial matters as actually learning how to play a sports game, make sure you have the Slaughter rule in place. This allows the computer to automatically win when it reaches an embarrassingly large lead. I did say "when" didn't I?

Like every good sports title, the best elements of Bottom of the 9th begin to reveal themselves the more that you play and get comfortable in it's environment. Konami has made a deep game here. I've heard from more than one true MLB fan who considers this the most satisfying of all the great baseball titles out there. I can understand why.

Shiny Happy Sing Along

The music for Bottom of the 9th is a little too light and bouncy for my tastes but it's not overly offensive. If you can't stand the tunes, which really only pop up in the intro sequence and the set-up screens, you can adjust the volume so they can't be heard.

The sound effects for Bottom of the 9th are competent but not especially dramatic. The play-by-play announcer is on the money. He's not overly enthusiastic but he calls 'em well. The crowds could have used some varied inflection - the effect may have come from the technicians switching to a snowy channel on their TV set. Sliding into a base sounds appropriately grainy, and the sound of a pop fly slapping into the pocket of your fielder's glove is comforting, but hits just don't have enough punch behind 'em. Ah well, you can't have everything.

Summer Today

Spring is almost here. The first whispers of baseball are already starting to crowd late night sportscasts. It's coming back soon. Why not start warming up now? If you're a Saturn sports fan, this game is about as close to a three run triple as you're likely to see on your system. Rent both World Series II and Bottom of the 9th and see which game ends up taking over most of your weekend. You might be surprised.

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