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Great baseball management game
It is Spring again and that means it is the beginning of another baseball season. I am once again hopeful that my lovable New York Mets might actually do something awesome this year. As I wait for that, I turn myself to fantasy baseball and iOOTP (Out of the Park Developments) Baseball. I covered iOOTP 12 last year and now am ready to try iOOTP 13.
From the developer here is a list of some of the updates to this year’s edition.
- Real 2013 rosters. Every player on every major league team is available, along with the top 20 minor league prospects for each team. Major league player ratings are based on PECOTA by Baseball Prospectus,the best player projection system today.
- Import custom ballpark images through iTunes
- Redesigned interface
- Improved play-by-play commentary and news stories
- Brand new trading AI
- New player development system
- Improved roster and contract negotiation AI
- Historical career play with real rookie import each season (requires successive years via in-app purchase
- Universal build: the iPad HD version is included for free
In addition to these upgrades, the developer is planning on updating the app as the major league season progresses. Please check out my initial review of the game because the basics have not changed.
First off I must say I like the new interface. I played on my iTouch 5 but will definitely use it on my iPad instead because my eyes like the bigger screen. But even on the smaller screen, I found it easier to move around and see the buttons. Game play was smooth and just like the 2012 edition I love the 2013 edition.
I started a simulated Major League season and was of course the Mets. After about 2 weeks they are 2-5 and 3 games back. Apparently I am not that good of a manager as the real life time is doing a whole lot better!
The aspect of iOOTP13 that I really appreciate is the complexity of the game. You can control or deal with almost any aspect of the game of baseball: free agents, trades, injury, minor leagues, disabled list, rotation, and team strategy. Now if that is too much, no worries. You can simply setup your team and rotation and go. You can play through a game or just say complete game and/or the week and you are done.
I usually enjoy playing the current season, but I should mention you can play any historical (past) season (via an in-app purchase) or a fictional league
If you love baseball and all of its aspects and really enjoy managing fantasy teams, then iOOTP13 baseball is for you.
