MLB 2006 (PlayStation 2, 2005)

I can't rate baseball games a 5. Something about the player graphics is never 100% correct. The commentating and gameplay gets better and better, but the players doesn't look right yet. I guess it's true for all sports games.

Aside from that minor quibble, you've got either this game, or MVP Baseball by EA Sports. Since by next year, MLB will only be the only franchise left (MLB signed a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball to have exclusive rights to the MLB players, team names, teams, etc), I decided to try MLB 2006 for the first time. The player motions are more true to life than MVP. The gameplay is more difficult, and the scores become more believable with scores like 6-3 instead of 17-1 against the computer opponent. Still, MVP is easier to pickup and play. It is more beginner friendly.

MLB 2006 holds its own. It gets getting used to, but it has its own coolness factor, fielding is more fun, double plays look better, and hitting requires more challenge. Overall a harder game, less arcade, more simulation. The career mode is pretty cool, allowing you to build a player and follow his progression from the minors to the majors. The franchise mode is quite complicated, and you can change a LOT of options, training, coaches, medical research, physical therapy, etc.