Gekitou Pro Yakyuu (2003)

Summary

Release Year: 2003
Genres: Sport
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
Developers: WOW Entertainment
Publishers: Sega

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu (激突プロ野球, lit. “Clash Pro Baseball”), known as Power Pros in North America and Europe, is a baseball video game developed by Konami and published by Nintendo for the GameCube. It was released in Japan on July 17, 2003, and in North America on March 8, 2004. The game is the first installment in the Power Pros series to be released on a Nintendo console.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is a realistic baseball simulation game that features all 12 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams and their respective players. The game also includes a number of unlockable teams, including the Japanese national baseball team and a team of all-stars from the Pacific League and Central League.

The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including exhibition games, season mode, and a create-a-player mode. In exhibition games, players can choose to play as any of the available teams and compete against either the CPU or another human player. In season mode, players can manage their own team through a full 140-game season. The create-a-player mode allows players to create their own custom player and add them to any team.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is known for its deep and realistic gameplay. The game features a variety of pitching and batting mechanics, as well as a number of different fielding positions. The game also includes a number of different camera angles, allowing players to customize their view of the game.

In addition to its realistic gameplay, Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is also known for its quirky and humorous characters. The game features a number of over-the-top characters, including a pitcher who throws fireballs and a batter who can hit home runs with his eyes closed. The game also includes a number of minigames and side activities, such as a home run derby and a batting practice mode.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realistic gameplay, deep feature set, and quirky characters. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling GameCube games of all time.

Gameplay

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is a realistic baseball simulation game that features a variety of gameplay modes. The game can be played by one or two players, and it supports both local and online multiplayer.

In exhibition games, players can choose to play as any of the available teams and compete against either the CPU or another human player. Players can also customize the game settings, such as the number of innings, the difficulty level, and the weather conditions.

In season mode, players can manage their own team through a full 140-game season. Players can make decisions about their team’s lineup, pitching rotation, and defensive alignment. Players can also trade players and sign free agents.

The create-a-player mode allows players to create their own custom player and add them to any team. Players can customize their player’s appearance, attributes, and abilities. Players can also create their own custom teams.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu features a variety of pitching and batting mechanics. Pitchers can throw a variety of pitches, including fastballs, changeups, and sliders. Batters can swing for power or contact, and they can also bunt or steal bases.

The game also includes a number of different fielding positions. Players can play as a pitcher, catcher, infielder, or outfielder. Each position has its own unique set of controls and abilities.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu features a variety of different camera angles. Players can choose to view the game from behind the pitcher, behind the batter, or from the outfield. Players can also zoom in and out to get a closer look at the action.

Characters

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu features a number of quirky and humorous characters. The game’s main protagonist is a young pitcher named Go Gomaki. Go is a talented pitcher with a strong sense of justice. He is also a bit of a klutz, and he often gets into trouble.

Other notable characters in the game include:

Homerun Hachi – A powerful hitter who can hit home runs with his eyes closed.
Strikeout King – A legendary pitcher who has never given up a home run.
Knuckleball Noda – A pitcher who throws a devastating knuckleball.
Wild Thing – A pitcher who throws a variety of wild pitches.
The Professor – A catcher who is known for his intelligence and his ability to call pitches.

Reception

The game received positive reviews from critics. IGN gave the game a score of 8.5 out of 10, saying that it is “a great baseball game that offers a lot of depth and replayability.” GameSpot gave the game a score of 8.0 out of 10, saying that it is “a solid baseball game that is fun to play.”

The game was also a commercial success. It sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling GameCube games of all time. The game was particularly popular in Japan, where it sold over 800,000 copies.

Legacy

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is considered to be one of the best baseball games ever made. The game’s realistic gameplay, deep feature set, and quirky characters have made it a favorite among fans of the sport. The game has also been praised for its innovative use of the GameCube’s hardware.

The game has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs. The most recent installment in the series is Gekitou Pro Yakyuu 2023, which was released in Japan on March 30, 2023. The game is scheduled to be released in North America and Europe later this year.

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu is a classic baseball game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s realistic gameplay, deep feature set, and quirky characters have made it a timeless classic.

Review Score

8.5/10

Gekitou Pro Yakyuu (2003)

Summary