Super Mega Baseball 3
- May 13, 2020
- Metalhead Software
- 27h median play time
The excellent franchise mode adds loads of depth and decision making, and on-field play is livelier than ever.
"Super Mega Baseball 3" is the latest edition of the popular franchise, offering an enhanced on-field simulation, expanded offline and online modes including Franchise and Online Leagues, and new content like revamped UI, audio, characters, and stadiums. The game features improved graphics and fluid gameplay that caters to players of all skill levels, as well as advanced baseball mechanics and immersive ballpark environments.
Reviews
- Super Mega Baseball 3 is a fun and engaging arcade-style baseball game that balances simplicity with depth, making it accessible for both casual and hardcore players.
- The Ego difficulty system allows players to fine-tune their experience, providing a tailored challenge that keeps gameplay fresh and exciting.
- The game features extensive customization options for teams and players, along with a humorous take on player names and character designs, enhancing the overall enjoyment.
- The AI can feel overly scripted, with noticeable catch-up mechanics that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially at higher difficulty levels.
- Franchise mode lacks depth, with no trading system or multi-year contracts, making player management feel limited and less engaging over time.
- Fielding mechanics can be inconsistent, leading to errors and misplays that detract from the overall experience, particularly when controlling players manually.
- gameplay276 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Super Mega Baseball 3 is widely praised for its intuitive mechanics that balance arcade fun with realistic baseball elements, making it accessible for newcomers while offering depth for seasoned players. Reviewers appreciate the customization options, the engaging franchise mode, and the satisfying pitching and batting mechanics, although some express concerns about AI catch-up mechanics and the need for further refinement in certain gameplay aspects. Overall, the game successfully combines a lighthearted aesthetic with solid, enjoyable gameplay that keeps players engaged.
“Both pitching and batting mechanics are simple and easy to understand but are challenging enough at higher difficulties to make the game exciting.”
“Every aspect of the gameplay is well crafted, easy to learn, hard to master, intuitive, and incredibly juicy.”
“The gameplay is arcade-inspired, but also somehow the most realistic baseball gameplay I've ever experienced.”
“The gameplay felt a little laggy to me... like it took a split second longer than it should to recognize button pushes... and then it was too late... also too much junk... I felt like I had to memorize the encyclopedia to play... I guess I am just more used to simpler baseball games.”
“The gameplay is second to none and to have coop so my buddy can play with me?”
“The catchup mechanics are horrible.”
- graphics133 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a cartoonish and humorous art style that some players find charming, while others criticize it as unappealing. Despite the stylized visuals, many reviews highlight that the gameplay is deep and engaging, often comparing it favorably to more realistic sports titles. Overall, while the graphics may not be ultra-realistic, they contribute to a fun and accessible gaming experience that appeals to a wide audience.
“The graphics are very well done and the gameplay is seamless.”
“Despite its cartoonish graphics, in terms of simulating the feel of actually playing baseball, this is the most realistic thing out there.”
“The graphics upgrade is awesome, great looking textures.”
“Horrific cartoony graphics.”
“Graphics are a terrible cartoon style.”
“I didn't expect AAA graphics, but come on, the players look hideous.”
- humor46 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humorous elements, particularly through creative player names, funny animations, and a light-hearted art style that adds charm. While the gameplay remains serious and refined, the humor shines through in various aspects, including quirky character enhancements and amusing commentary, making it enjoyable for players even if they aren't baseball fans. Overall, the blend of humor and gameplay creates a fun and engaging experience, though some players noted that the jokes can become repetitive over time.
“The real joy of this game is the depth, the details, and the hilarious player enhancements.”
“The customization is awesome, the made-up sponsors are funny, the umpire voicing... there are so many little things to enjoy about this game and this series.”
“There's a huge amount of silly humor throughout the game and Metalhead doesn't take themselves too seriously with regards to it.”
- optimization21 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews. While some players report improvements and smoother performance after updates, others continue to experience issues such as stuttering and frame drops, particularly on PC. Despite enhancements over previous iterations, many users feel that the game still requires further optimization to meet expectations, especially given its price point.
“A big step up from SMB2, and there are a lot of improvements in optimization and gameplay.”
“The game now runs smoothly with very few, if any, issues.”
“Great game, runs smoothly, the tutorials are very clear and accessible.”
“This is a great franchise, and while there are many improvements in this iteration, visually and otherwise, the game continues to suffer from performance issues, despite patches.”
“It's poorly optimized; you have been warned.”
“It could stand some optimization; some of the stadiums are significantly more choppy than others, and I do see some stutter/dropped frames.”
- music14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the original soundtrack and sound effects, while others find the music lackluster compared to the environmental sounds. Many appreciate the ability to customize their own music, enhancing the gameplay experience, but some express disappointment over the limited variety in player customization options. Overall, the sound effects are praised, but the soundtrack could benefit from more depth and variety.
“The customization is awesome, the animations are nice and cartoonish, and the sounds/music rock!”
“The soundtrack complements the scenes excellently; the story is dramatic while still being grounded in a grim dystopian future.”
“The intro music, the walkup songs, the crowd, umpire, and bat sounds from hitting to breaking just sound fantastic.”
“The soundtrack, in my opinion, is kind of lackluster in comparison to the sound effects that are for sure on point.”
“Was disappointed to find over 200 plate songs but like... no changes to player customization.”
“Sakda song is all I have to say.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as minimal and lacking in depth, with some players noting a dramatic yet grounded narrative set in a dystopian future. While the franchise mode adds a layer of realism by giving players their own lives, many reviewers express a desire for more substantial story arcs and character development throughout the seasons. Overall, the story is seen as short and underdeveloped, with potential for greater customization and narrative depth.
“Franchise mode is a blast, and it really makes the game feel more realistic and, dare I say, story-driven as all of the players have their own lives separate from what you control.”
“The soundtrack complements the scenes excellently; the story is dramatic while still being grounded in a grim dystopian future.”
“That is the story of development throughout the entire franchise.”
“There aren't story arcs over the season.”
“Short story.”
“Would like more players, more customization, story line of players, etc.”
- replayability9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game boasts near infinite replayability, primarily due to its enhanced franchise mode, which introduces strategic team-building and a wealth of achievements. Players appreciate the granular difficulty settings and the option for online competitive play, although some desire additional features like trading and press conferences to further enrich the experience. Overall, it is regarded as a highly enjoyable baseball game with substantial single-player and multiplayer replay value.
“The franchise mode makes the game endlessly replayable and adds a bit of strategy to the way you build your team year after year, and the achievements are always fun to accomplish.”
“Amazing baseball game for PC with fun mechanics, a wide and granular difficulty range, and extremely high single-player replayability in franchise mode.”
“Customization is great, the new franchise mode gives season play an endless amount of replayability, and the online competitive mode is perfect if playing against AI doesn't do it for you.”
“It's a fun game, but franchise mode needs more features for replayability, like trading, a calendar, press conferences, and a career mode.”
“Customization is great, but the new franchise mode lacks depth, limiting its replayability despite the endless season play.”
“While the franchise mode is a massive improvement, it still falls short in terms of replayability compared to the first two games.”
- stability9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs well on various platforms like Steam Deck and laptops, users report several bugs, including framerate dips and occasional freezes during gameplay. Despite these issues, many find the game enjoyable and worth purchasing, though some glitches need addressing for a smoother experience.
“Also, runs great on Steam Deck.”
“If you want a baseball game that's fun, wacky, bug-free, and works directly after installation, this is the game for you.”
“Runs great on my laptop.”
“Seem buggy too.”
“Few launch glitches that need to be addressed, for starters framerate dips (even after 3 updates) happen after a completed game (should not happen at 1080p on an RTX 2080 Ti with a Ryzen 9 3900X), and the baserunning AI needs to improve.”
“Unable to get through a whole game - for the second time, while mid-game, while going into the substitution screen and coming back it freezes the game.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -29 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is generally positive, as it is free from intrusive microtransactions and loot boxes, offering a fun arcade-style experience. However, players should be cautious of misleading advertising, as the game includes some in-game ads and commentary that may detract from the experience. Overall, it provides a refreshing alternative to other sports games that heavily rely on monetization strategies.
“It's a sports game that isn't riddled with intrusive microtransactions and it's really fun!”
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't hinder gameplay, allowing players to enjoy the game without constant pressure to spend money.”
“I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content and rewards, making it accessible for everyone.”
“Just be aware of the deceptive advertising if you want to play online.”
“It's advertised as more than that; those advertisements are wrong.”
“If you don't touch the controls for a time, the announcer will begin to comment on your lack of engagement or start doing advertisements.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is characterized by a vibrant, cartoonish style that enhances the overall experience, making it feel lively and engaging. Players appreciate the quick-paced gameplay and the immersive environments that capture the essence of a true baseball game, reminiscent of popular titles like Fortnite and PUBG. Overall, the combination of fun elements and dynamic settings contributes to a captivating and enjoyable atmosphere.
“The quick-paced games and fun atmosphere make for a time-fly-by experience!”
“Takes all the positives of SMB2 and adds it to SMB3 for a whole new atmosphere.”
“Very cartoony, but the atmosphere it creates more than makes up for it.”
“The stadium lighting and atmosphere are impressive.”
“All aspects of a true baseball game are there with an animated atmosphere (think Fortnite to PUBG, with the show being PUBG).”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game surprisingly emotionally engaging, with heartfelt moments woven into the gameplay, particularly during intimate romance sequences. The emotional highs and lows experienced during matches enhance the overall enjoyment, making players feel deeply invested in their fictional baseball franchises.
“Of course, just as juicy, goofy, and heartfelt as this game, and as overly dramatic as this review!”
“I did not expect to be so emotionally invested in my fictional baseball franchise.”
“The intimate romance sequences that occur during a few seconds of downtime during baseball are so touching.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly during pitching sequences where extended at-bats can feel repetitive, especially when leading by a significant margin. Some users suggest that the grind can be overwhelming at times, indicating a need for additional lives or breaks.
“It can be a bit grindy sometimes.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“It gets a bit grindy sometimes.”
“Pitching gets pretty tedious when you're up 10 runs and every batter is fouling off 7 pitches.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the character designs may appear whimsical, they do not detract from the game's strong character development, which adds depth and engagement to the overall baseball experience.
Critic Reviews
Super Mega Baseball 3 review
The excellent franchise mode adds loads of depth and decision making, and on-field play is livelier than ever.
90%Super Mega Baseball 3 Review – Bottom of the Ninth and Just Barely Trailing
Super Mega Baseball 3 is a fun arcade sports game with plenty to offer for those looking for something to pick up and play. It lacks depth, but makes up for it in simple fun.
70%Super Mega Baseball 3 review
Super Mega Baseball 3 is a solid baseball sim, proving grounded gameplay that allows anyone to jump in. With loads of customisation options and a great Franchise mode, it's easily the best in the series.
85%