Computer Baseball
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1981 |
| Products | Computer Baseball |
Computer Baseball is a sports simulation title launched by Strategic Simulations in 1981. Initially available on the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers, it was subsequently ported to platforms including the Commodore 64, Macintosh, IBM PC, and Amiga.
Gameplay
The game allows players to oversee matchups featuring teams from 14 distinct World Series events or to enter statistics for other squads. For instance, users can control the Brooklyn Dodgers or New York Yankees in a reenactment of the 1955 World Series. Available modes include head-to-head multiplayer, single-player against the AI, or fully computer-controlled simulations.
Gameplay centers around strategic management choices such as lineup configuration, pitching substitutions, pinch hitting, defensive alignment, and offensive maneuvers like bunting, base stealing, or executing hit-and-run strategies.
Reception
At the 1982 Arcade Awards, Computer Baseball received the accolade for "Best Computer Sports Game," recognized for translating traditional statistical table sports games into a computerized format with an appealing and accessible interface.
In a 1985 review, Computer Gaming World remarked that despite its age, Computer Baseball "continues to be among the top offerings," praising its thorough documentation and comprehensive statistical features while noting the AI opponent's limited challenge. The 1986 issue of Ahoy! acknowledged that although it lacked the graphical polish of MicroLeague Baseball, it was preferred for full-season replays due to its detailed statistical engine and extensive supplementary disks provided by SSI.
The title achieved sales exceeding 30,000 units.
Reviews
- Computer Gaming World #1 (Nov-Dec 1981)