Game: Arc Style Baseball 3D
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Developer: Arc System Works
Release Date: 30th May 2014
Casual sports games are usually easy to guiltlessly overlook, often containing simplified kids versions of the sports they are intending to portray. In the case of baseball however, this may well be a good thing, since simulation baseball games take absolutely forever to complete a single game, thanks to there being 18 innings per match. With it's arcade style, this game shortens and simplifies baseball whilst retaining the elements of choice that make it fun.
Players can choose from teams with various skillsets in batting, fielding and pitching or make their own with a ton of customisation options. Whilst batting players choose which type of shot to make, with harder hitting shots requiring more accuracy and timing to pull off. When pitching players are in control of the type of pitch and any throwing and catching that needs to be done. The controls and game mechanics work well, but can feel a little simple at times.
The real issue is in the AI difficulty; depending on the teams picked players can either expect to be 20+ homeruns up by the end of the first innings or be completely unable to score at all. In tournament mode both of these variable tend to occur at different stages of the tournament. Without a difficulty balance, it's pretty hard to enjoy a sports game though on the rare occasion things work out evenly, there can be some enjoyably tense spots. Graphically the game has a cartoonish Mii type feel, which tends to work against it as the animations are aimed at a younger audience.
Overall Arc Style Baseball 3D is better than some players might expect for a casual sports game, but not good enough that it's replayably enjoyable. After a few tournaments or exhibition matches, players will have seen all the game has to offer, and without any season modes or deeper gameplay to offer, there's little likelihood of gamers coming back for more.
Rating: 60/100
Grade: D
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