App Name: iOOTP 2012
Developer: Out of the Park Developments
Cost: $1.99 USD
Market: iTunes
Review:
I grew up and am still a huge baseball fan. Yes baseball has taken its lumps over the last few years but it is still a great game. I have played a lot of baseball related games on mobile devices but I have been looking for one that I could get into the management side of the sport. During my search I came across iOOTP 2012.
iOOTP is the portable version of Out of the Park Baseball, a baseball management game for the PC. This iOS app is playable on iTouch, iPhone, and iPad. The version I have is for 2012. Each year a new version comes out. The 2011 version is also available for $0.99 USD.
After playing this game for a while, all I can say is WOW! This game is a baseball fanatic’s dream. The depth and options available in this game is incredible. Almost every facet of the game is covered and something you can control. There is no way I can cover it all in this review. You will need to experience it.
The game is divided into 3 sections:
- Major Leagues- where you can play your favorite MLB team for 2012. The game has the complete major league rosters with real players and teams.
- Fictional League – where you can create your own league, schedule and game
- Historical League – where you can play past baseball seasons, which have detailed player histories, along with real schedules.
The game comes with 3 historical seasons and you can use in-app purchases to collect more of those or past MLB seasons.
When you start up a league, you can determine how much is automated and how much you control, DH? trades? injuries? finances? You name it; the developers have done a great job covering the ins and outs of baseball.
I would definitely recommend you check out their online manual. It has screen shots and a very good explanation of things.
This game is for those who know and understand baseball and want to deal with the strategy and management aspect of the game. I thought I knew what I was doing but after my initial team when 3-6, I decided to step back and go over the manual and start over! I wish you could do that in the real MLB!
When you finally get into a game, you have the option to use pitch-by-pitch mode, rather than at-bat mode and you have the ability to switch between them during a game. Also you have the ability to hit “quickplay” where you can quickly finish part or all of the game, to speed things up. I particularly enjoy this feature since I want to work on the strategy aspect of things. Before you enter a game, there is “Finish the week” and “Finish today” where games are played instantly.
The game gives you the ability to save numerous games/season. Another things which I do not like, is that there is no sound in the game but with all of the details put into this game, I can over look it.
As I wait for Spring Training to start and a new baseball season to begin, iOOTP 2012 gives me a great way to satisfy my baseball cravings. If you are a baseball fan and enjoy team management, then you need to get this game today! Play Ball!
