R.B.I. Baseball 16
- March 29, 2016
- MLB.com
- 2h median play time
While its competitor MLB: The Show swings for the fences, R.B.I. Baseball 16 is happy to bunt this year round – and that's okay. The controls are easy to pick up, the games are short and sweet, and the simplicity of it all is what makes this year's edition appealing to casuals. Still, its lack of innovation and modes mean that the title gets to second base – but not much further.
Get on SteamR.B.I. Baseball 16 is a baseball simulation game with enhanced graphics, improved batting and defensive AI, and new fielding moves. Play Season, Postseason, Exhibition, or Multiplayer modes featuring all 30 MLB teams and accurate ballparks. Track stats, download roster updates, and adjust difficulty for a personalized gaming experience.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Mobile Platform
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Fun and easy to play, offering a nostalgic arcade-style baseball experience.
- Decent graphics and updated MLB rosters, making it a good option for casual players.
- Quick gameplay with a straightforward control layout, suitable for those looking for a simple baseball game.
- Poor controls and clunky gameplay, making it difficult to hit and field effectively.
- Lack of depth and features, such as no player career mode or the ability to make trades.
- Numerous bugs and technical issues, including problems with online play and inconsistent performance.
- graphics18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting that they feel outdated and reminiscent of older consoles like the Nintendo GameCube or original Xbox. While some appreciate the retro aesthetic and find the visuals tolerable, others criticize them as subpar for a 2016 release, citing issues like lack of animation and glitches. Overall, the graphics are described as adequate but not impressive, with a focus on gameplay over visual fidelity.
“Retro gaming with modern graphics, current rosters, and beautiful models of actual stadiums to play in.”
“The graphics themselves are more realistic than R.B.I.”
“Plays like an old console game but with pleasant yet rudimentary visuals.”
“The graphics are tolerable; it really feels like this could have been released for Nintendo GameCube or the original Xbox, albeit the graphics are much better (running a Vega 64).”
“The graphics aren't quite major league quality (more like double A), but it's merely adequate.”
“The graphics are terrible and there is no skill involved in the game.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Gameplay has been criticized for its lack of control cooperation, slow and clunky mechanics, and unreliable base running and fielding commands. While some players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of the original RBI Baseball series, many express frustration with the game's controls and overall execution, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Additionally, the absence of tutorials and poor pitching and batting mechanics further detract from the gameplay quality.
“I loved the RBI Baseball series growing up, and to be honest, the game mechanics and gameplay style have remained true to the original series that was released in the early '90s.”
“Graphics are smooth and pretty, but I care more for gameplay than I do how good it looks.”
“Quick gameplay.”
“Lack of control cooperation and overall slow and clunky gameplay.”
“The base running mechanics are unreliable, (i.e. having to spam the advance button to get the runner moving or pressing the advance all runners button only to end up with 2 runners on 2nd), base stealing command never works, fielding can be buggy at times (i.e. pressing the button for throw to 3rd and it throws to 1st).”
“Refund sim, where do I start? No tutorial, poor controls, and with the pitching and batting mechanics looking like a 4-year-old made it. I don't recommend it; don't waste your money.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received negative feedback, with users describing the soundtrack as "horrid" and "crappy." While some players enjoy playing with their own background music, the overall audio experience is considered lacking, contributing to a clunky interface and limited game modes.
“I like to put on music in the background while I'm playing, so it is a decent arcade-style baseball game if on sale.”
“The soundtrack is horrid!”
“The music is crappy and really detracts from the overall experience.”
“The interface is clunky, and the music is just not enjoyable.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for unreliable base running mechanics, ineffective base stealing commands, and occasional fielding bugs, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Many users feel that these issues, combined with low graphics quality, make the game not worth its price.
“The base running mechanics are unreliable, having to spam the advance button to get the runner moving or pressing the advance all runners button only to end up with 2 runners on 2nd. The base stealing command never works, and fielding can be buggy at times, such as pressing the button for a throw to 3rd and it throws to 1st.”
“This game isn't worth the money for such low graphics and numerous glitches.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story has been criticized for lacking depth and originality, with users expressing disappointment in the developers' apparent focus on profit over quality narrative.
“The story feels disjointed and lacks any real depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character motivations are poorly developed, leaving players confused about their actions.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real impact or surprise.”
