Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: DOS, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
HardBall III (1992): A Swing for the Fences
HardBall III, released in 1992 by Sierra Sports, is the third installment in the Hardball baseball series. This revision boasts a number of improvements over its predecessors, including 256-color VGA graphics, digitized player animations, and the voice of legendary sportscaster Al Michaels providing running commentary.
Gameplay
HardBall III features a variety of gameplay modes, including:
- Exhibition: Play a single game against the computer or a human opponent.
- Season: Manage a team through a full 162-game season, complete with playoffs.
- Home Run Derby: Compete to hit as many home runs as possible in a limited amount of time.
The game’s controls are simple and intuitive. The player uses the arrow keys to move their fielder, and the mouse to swing the bat or throw the ball. HardBall III also features a number of gameplay options, such as the ability to adjust the difficulty level, the number of innings, and the weather conditions.
Graphics and Sound
HardBall III’s 256-color VGA graphics are a significant improvement over the previous games in the series. The player sprites are large and detailed, and the backgrounds are lush and colorful. The game also features digitized player animations, which add to the realism.
The game’s sound is equally impressive. Al Michaels’ commentary is informative and engaging, and the sound effects are realistic and well-produced.
Reception
HardBall III was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its improved graphics, sound, and gameplay. It was also a hit with baseball fans, who appreciated the game’s realistic simulation of the sport.
HardBall III has been ranked as one of the best baseball games of all time. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and it remains a classic example of the sports simulation genre.
Legacy
HardBall III had a significant impact on the sports simulation genre. The game’s realistic graphics, sound, and gameplay set a new standard for baseball games. HardBall III also helped to popularize the use of digitized player animations in sports games.
The Hardball series continued to be successful in the years that followed the release of HardBall III. HardBall 6, released in 1995, was the last game in the series to be developed by Sierra Sports. The rights to the Hardball series were later acquired by Atari, which released HardBall 7 in 2000.
Conclusion
HardBall III (1992) is a classic baseball game that still holds up today. The game’s realistic graphics, sound, and gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of the sport. HardBall III is also a significant historical artifact, as it represents a major step forward in the development of the sports simulation genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
