RBI Baseball 21
- March 16, 2021
- MLB
- 24h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Epic Games Store"RBI Baseball 21" is a fast-paced baseball simulation game with easy-to-learn controls and new features like Create-A-Player, play-by-play commentary, and progressive time-of-day. Players can create their own slugger and guide their team to a World Series title in Franchise mode, or play a quick exhibition game. With immersive visual improvements, this game is perfect for both casual and dedicated baseball fans.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game provides a fun arcade-style baseball experience, especially for PC users who want to play baseball until MLB The Show is available.
- The graphics and player models have improved, and the addition of commentary adds a nice touch to the gameplay.
- The pitching mechanics are enjoyable and satisfying, making it a highlight of the game.
- The game is plagued with numerous bugs and glitches, making it frustrating and at times unplayable.
- Fielding and baserunning mechanics are poorly executed, leading to unrealistic gameplay and AI behavior.
- The overall presentation and depth of the game are lacking, with outdated graphics and minimal game modes.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing the batting mechanics for feeling random and the baserunning as poorly executed. While some appreciate the improved pitching mechanics and variety in viewing angles, others find the overall experience lacking in depth and excitement, often comparing it unfavorably to previous titles. Despite its potential, the game struggles with outdated graphics, limited modes, and a need for more engaging gameplay elements.
“Astounding variety in viewing batting or pitching angles during gameplay is another great addition/improvement from past RBI games.”
“In terms of gameplay mechanics, it is definitely worth mentioning that this game is slowly getting closer to a simulation style similar to The Show with each yearly revision.”
“I really enjoyed the franchise mode gameplay so far.”
“The baserunning mechanics are still pitiful, along with the graphics.”
“Mechanics don't make sense, the AI hardly contains any baseball knowledge.”
“This in between of arcade/sim isn't working here because the gameplay doesn't have enough depth and is overall just not fun.”
- stability22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, with many players experiencing frequent freezes and gameplay issues that detract from the overall experience. While some find it enjoyable despite these problems, the consensus is that the game's stability is unacceptable at launch, leading to calls for refunds and urgent updates to address the issues. Overall, players recommend caution, suggesting potential buyers wait for fixes or sales before purchasing.
“I can look past bugs and glitches, but this is just unacceptable.”
“To release a game this buggy is criminal and everyone should get a refund.”
“It's not awful, but it launched with some serious glitches that I don't really understand how they weren't ironed out before launch.”
- graphics21 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising their quality and aesthetic appeal, particularly in comparison to previous titles, while others criticize them as outdated and plagued by glitches. Many users note that while the visuals are decent for a baseball game, they fall short of modern standards and are marred by frustrating physics issues. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight for some, but significant improvements are needed to enhance the overall experience.
“I find the game runs really well and has pretty good graphics for a baseball game.”
“On the positive side, it's a baseball game with fairly good looking graphics and it's officially licensed so you are using real ball players instead of goofy big-headed avatars.”
“The game looks very nice, and the graphics and modeling have come a long way.”
“Graphics and celebrations are dull as hell.”
“This is either a graphics issue or something else entirely, but it's a very frustrating outcome that I've run into in my first 10 games.”
“The graphics look old and dated; there are no player intros, the announcer only calls play-by-play, and while the sound and controller support are good, the graphics are lacking.”
- music18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players finding it dated, annoying, or simply terrible, leading some to turn it off entirely. While a few users appreciate the indie and alternative tracks, the overall sentiment leans towards a desire for more customizable music options. Despite the music being a secondary concern for some, it remains a notable aspect that could benefit from improvement.
“The soundtrack is really good.”
“It’s filled from top to bottom with super dope indie songs and they are really really catchy.”
“I dig the soundtrack a lot.”
“The soundtrack is the most annoying garbage music I've ever heard.”
“There are few modes of gameplay, the music stinks, there isn't any real cinematic, but baseball is the most important to me.”
“Half the music in here is terrible; I had to turn it off completely, which coming from a musician says a lot.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with users expressing disappointment over the lack of a career mode despite promises of a create-a-player feature. Many feel that the developers are not investing adequately in the game's quality, leading to a perception of minimal effort aimed at maximizing profits.
“MLB could easily afford good developers and develop a game equal to The Show; the bottom line is, they don't want to. This is easily a minimum effort cash grab.”
“I have more hope for the Orioles to win 60 games this season than MLB to fix the problems with this game before they make another cash grab next year with RBI.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mix of tedium and enjoyment, indicating that while it can become repetitive, it also offers a fun experience overall.
“Grinding becomes incredibly tedious after a while, making the fun aspects of the game feel overshadowed.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding can drain the enjoyment out of the game, turning it into a chore.”
“While there are enjoyable moments, the constant grinding can feel like a never-ending slog.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users note that the game lacks an easily replayable tutorial option, which may limit its overall replayability.
“The game offers a variety of choices that make each playthrough feel unique and engaging.”
“With multiple endings and different character paths, I find myself coming back for more every time.”
“The dynamic gameplay mechanics ensure that no two sessions are ever the same.”
“I've rarely played a game that doesn't have a tutorial option that's easily replayable.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely absent, with players expressing disappointment over the lack of engaging features in the franchise mode, leading to an overall underwhelming experience that fails to elicit any amusement.
