While all sports have their hallowed grounds, it's this writer's opinion that none come close to matching baseball's in beauty, scope or originality. Perhaps it's the ingrained sense of history, or the elegant symmetry that's required by rule. It could also be because baseball is one of the few sports where the design of the stadium actually changes the playing area, allowing for a unique experience in each venue.
Regardless of the reasons for baseball stadium superiority, no game has captured the look and feel of being at the ballpark like MLB 08: The Show. High-definition graphics and modern processing power have allowed this title to shine when it comes to reproducing the intricate details and overall atmosphere of today's baseball stadiums. While hardcore fans and real-life visitors may find a few inaccuracies, these virtual reproductions stand among the most visually striking constructs of any current games. Here's a brief rundown of the best stadiums to look at and play in while enjoying MLB 08: The Show.
Chase Field (Arizona): When future historians study 21st century American culture, there will no doubt be comparisons to ancient Rome -- especially when looking at this stadium. It's a literal Colosseum, with its towering outfield walls, bright signs, and technological wonders. When playing here in The Show, you quickly get a feel for its structural size. The daytime shadows and homers landing in the pool add to its uniqueness.
PNC Park (Pittsburgh): The skyline sets this park apart from the other "modern-retro" designed stadiums. It's especially nice at night.
Minute Maid Park (Houston): Perhaps one of the most unique venues in all of sports, it features classic architecture combined with modern innovations like a retractable roof. The old train station wall, the train itself, and Tal's Hill make it a joy to virtually play here in The Show.
Wrigley Field (Chicago): There's something about playing here during the day that just epitomizes "baseball." The classic scoreboard, roof-top bleachers, and ivy are part of baseball lore, and are faithfully reproduced here.
Fenway Park (Boston): While I'm not a part of Red Sox Nation, I love playing here. The Green Monster is beautiful and intimidating all at once. The strange dimensions can be frustrating when in the field and a savior while at the plate. Like Wrigley Field, the historical aspects of this yard are translated well in the virtual form, with "vintage" ads and the worn look of the green wood.
Yankee Stadium, All-Star Edition (New York): From the fly-in on the monuments to the All-Star banners to the flags circling the outfield, virtually playing at this stadium is a treat. And unless we get "classic parks" DLC in the future, it might be the last chance to play in the house that Ruth built.
Citizen's Bank Park (Philadelphia): A great scoreboard in left, strange wall dimensions in center, and the Liberty Bell in right make this a fun park all around.
Miller Park (Milwaukee): Similar to Chase Field, this park just looks immense. SCE did a great job getting the reflection on the outfield windows to be just subtle enough to still be noticeable. Plus, you can't forget about Bernie Brewer and his slide.
Blue River Stadium (Minor League Park): With a tower skyline, illuminated bridge, lighthouse and timbered architecture, this park, although imaginary, is a wonder to behold. If you want to see something like it in real life, check out Cambell's Field in Camden, NJ.
Red Rocks Stadium (Minor League Park): The stadium itself is not much to look at, but it's hard to not be impressed when batting. You are essentially staring at giant Monument Valley-like rocks that are not only huge, but look amazing. Those farther away are even slightly hazy.
Also worth mentioning: Camden Yards (Baltimore), PETCO Park (San Diego), AT&T Park (San Francisco), SAFECO Field (Seattle), and Nationals Park (Washington, DC)
While MLB 08: The Show plays a superior game of baseball, its recreations of these stadiums truly set it apart from its competitors and provide some of the best visuals in sports gaming today.
Feature Article
Top Ten Places to Play in MLB: The Show
Submitted on: 07/10/2008 by
Caley Roark
Member Comments
Post A Comment