Out of the Park Baseball 17
- March 21, 2016
- Out of the Park Developments
- 151h median play time
Still the best baseball management sim ever, and predictably so given its similarity to last year's great game.
"Out of the Park Baseball 17" is a detailed baseball simulation game that allows players to manage their own baseball team. The game features real players and teams from around the world, as well as historical seasons to play through. Players can handle all aspects of team management, from drafting and trades to setting lineups and strategies.
Reviews
- Incredible depth and detail, allowing players to manage every aspect of a baseball team, from rosters to finances.
- The game offers a realistic simulation experience, with historical and fictional leagues available for play.
- The addition of the MLB license enhances immersion, providing real player names and teams.
- The game can be overwhelming for new players due to its complexity and steep learning curve.
- There are frequent crashes, especially in 3D mode, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to lost progress.
- The AI trading system can be unbalanced, often leading to unrealistic trade offers and decisions.
- graphics26 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are generally considered functional but not groundbreaking, with many users noting that the focus is more on gameplay and simulation depth rather than visual appeal. While some appreciate the clean and colorful graphics, others feel that significant improvements are needed to enhance immersion and realism. Overall, players who prioritize roster management and strategy over visuals will find this game satisfying, but those seeking a visually stunning experience may be disappointed.
“The combination of graphics, strategy, and presentation, in my opinion, make Football Manager the best sports sim of this genre.”
“Colorful, clean graphics.”
“They've stepped up the graphics once again and finally added multi-core processor support.”
“Again, in my opinion, graphics are important and improved game graphics would make this sim so much more entertaining.”
“The state of the computer graphics is a decade or more behind current game examples.”
“The 3D graphics need some major work... balls fly random places and so do the players (once you get used to it, it's fine).”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily focused on managing games rather than traditional play, with a strong emphasis on realistic simulation and franchise continuity through save file transfers. While the mechanics are praised for their quality and improvements, particularly in trading, some users note minor issues with AI and performance. Overall, the game offers a deep and engaging experience, though it could benefit from enhanced graphics and more intuitive presentation.
“You can transfer your save files when the new version comes out every year, which is a huge plus to get the gameplay additions while not having to start over your franchise.”
“The amount of work put into the game has shown in its quality gameplay. While some games focus on improving graphics, the developers have prioritized the actual simulation experience, making the season as realistic as possible.”
“I've got over 800 hours logged on the OOTP franchise, and this year they made some changes that really improve the gameplay, especially in regards to trading.”
“Basically, I thought there was actual gameplay, but all you can do is manage games.”
“I honestly don't believe that any one person could experience every situation and human interest story possible in the game in even so much as a full 1000 hours of gameplay.”
“I'd rate it a 12 if they'd up the graphics engine for gameplay just a bit.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with users noting a significant performance boost but also highlighting that the overall changes are minimal and do not justify a full-price purchase. Additionally, there are concerns about the user interface needing further refinement and the game's simulation of real-world sports performance feeling inconsistent and unrealistic.
“Along with team performance, you have to manage your finances.”
“The UI could still use some optimization.”
“If you don't mind waiting, I would advise you to not purchase this version, as the changes outside of the performance boost don't warrant a full-price purchase.”
“Overall, this version of the game had little tweaks, and a huge performance boost, along with updated 2017 MLB rosters.”
“- The UI could still use some optimization.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its infinite replayability, offering endless options and possibilities that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers highlight that the official MLB license further enriches the gameplay, ensuring it remains engaging and enjoyable for a long time.
“Infinite replayability and the official MLB license has only added to the experience.”
“This game has unlimited replayability.”
“The epitome of replayability... endless options.”
“The infinite replayability and the infinite possibilities mean this sports sim will be installed and played on my PC for a long time to come.”
“Limitless replayability.”
- stability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is a mixed bag; while some users report a smooth experience and recommend it, others highlight significant bugs and glitches that render it unplayable at times, particularly in the new 3D mode. Overall, the game shows potential but suffers from stability issues that need addressing.
“It runs great now, and I highly recommend it to any baseball aficionado.”
“The game has been incredibly stable since the last update, making for a smooth experience.”
“I've had no crashes or bugs, which really enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“At this point, this game is so buggy it's literally unplayable.”
“There are just too many glitches in the product at this point for me to invest more time in it.”
“Though it's a very good game from OOTP as always, it can be a bit buggy at times in the new 3D mode.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game features a rich and expansive storytelling element, with numerous leagues and thousands of players contributing to a highly moddable experience. Reviewers highlight the depth and unpredictability of the narratives, suggesting that players could spend extensive hours without experiencing every possible storyline or situation.
“Loads of leagues, thousands of players, almost infinitely moddable, great storylines.”
“I honestly don't believe that any one person could experience every situation and human interest story possible in the game in even so much as a full 1000 hours of gameplay.”
“To make each game more unpredictable, storylines are added so players can miss games for anything under the sun.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the frequent injuries that can disrupt gameplay, although this can be adjusted in the settings. Additionally, the setup and execution of online games are seen as cumbersome, contributing to the overall grind.
“My only complaint is the frequency of injuries (this can be changed in the settings), and how tedious setting up and running an online game is.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the amusingly exaggerated depictions of real players, which are intentionally unrealistic and add a lighthearted touch to the experience.
“The pictures of the real players are hilarious and not at all like the real players (nice try).”
“The witty dialogue and absurd situations had me laughing out loud.”
“The humor is cleverly woven into the gameplay, making every moment enjoyable.”
Critic Reviews
1.000: Out of the Park Baseball 17 review
Out of the Park Baseball 17 is a culmination of hard work over several years that has resulted in a perfect sports simulation experience. A game with simulations that are accurate and hyper realistic, full of easy to use menus and navigation, boasting an interesting and ever improving game display, and the full glut of game customization nails every single aspect of what players desire with sports sim titles. Simply perfect, this game is the one you’ll want to pick up first if you’re itching to crunch some earned run average numbers.
100%Out of the Park Baseball 17 review
Still the best baseball management sim ever, and predictably so given its similarity to last year's great game.
89%