Bad News Baseball
System: NES
Release Date: June 1990
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Tecmo
Genre: Sports
Tecmo’s back with another trip to the ballpark in Bad News Baseball. Folks, I’m not going to lie to you, there’s not much new in this outing. It’s a baseball game that plays most similar to MLB, which I enjoy, so it has that going for it.
Like many of Tecmo’s games, Bad News Baseball brings the occasional cinematic display with it. Make a close play at the base and safe or out, you get a little cutscene with the bunny umpire. They’re hawking Tecmo Beer on the walls. Pitching, batting, running, and fielding all work as they have a dozen times already. You do get to make jumping or diving catches with the help of the B Button, so that’s helpful.
The one player mode puts you in a tournament where you play all the other teams. Pitcher stamina keeps between games, so you don’t want to run your whole team ragged. That shouldn’t be much of a problem, as this is a hitter’s game. There are going to be multiple home runs hit each game and you may catch a cameo glimpse of Rex Beat at the end of the line.
There’s also an all star mode where you can pick from anyone to make your team. Put together the best of the Super or Ultra leagues and see who comes out on top. Outside of their batting average and home runs swatted, you can see how good they are at each position, as well as arm strength and speed. If you want to take a break, you get a password after each game that you can enter later. Go Detroit!
Graphics: 2.0
The game looks fine. I think it’s funny when the baserunners fall when they are called out.
Sound: 2.0
Music is fine and sound effects aren’t offensive by any means.
Gameplay: 3.0
Pitching is simple. Batting has nothing special. Fielding long flies are a bit difficult.
Difficulty: 2.0
None of the games I played were difficult, though it’s possible they were getting more difficult the further I went.
Fun Factor: 3.0
I wanted to keep playing, but that was not deemed an appropriate use of my time.
Overall Grade: 2.4
Bad News Baseball earns a C+. This is a good baseball game that I recommend you play. I never had and wish that I did!