Jan 20, 2011 Brief gameplay video of this under-rated 1993 DOS baseball game from Stormfront and SSI. Computer Gaming World in 1993 stated that Tony La Russa Baseball 2 was especially strong in league play.
EA Sports's latest baseball entry is an updated version of 1992's Tony La Russa Baseball. Regrettably, La Russa '95 is a disappointing follow-up, especially when compared to superior, more intense Genesis baseball titles like World Series Baseball and Hardball '94.
Kirrrby Puckett!
Tony Larussa Player Stats
La Russa does bring solid strategy to the stadium. Thanks to the MLBPA license, La Russa '95 features actual 1994 Major League rosters and enough player stats to satisfy any would-be manager.
ProTips:
- Give your relievers one full inning to warm up.
- This game is brainy, so use all the strategies -- like the hit and run and sacrifice bunt -- that you can.
You don't just get top-ten lists, you get bottom-ten lists, too. To take advantage of all the offensive and defensive numbers, you can substitute or trade players at any time. Choose from the 28 pro teams and two custom teams for a wide variety of playing styles.
Weak controls, however, impede your enjoyment. Unlike other baseball games, you can't just start a full season. Here you must wander through a dozen menus, then select every individual game for the season. That's 162 games you have to highlight one by one! When you finally play, your frustration will build as you try to swing against a pitch that floats like a Whiffle ball. Batting is very difficult in this game, so don't plan on scoring lots of runs with La Russa.
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- Use the Pitcher's View. It's a lot less frustrating for both the pitcher and batter.
- Novice gamers should take advantage of the CPU Field option until they're comfortable with the fielding controls.
- Pay attention to La Russa's advice between innings. He'll give you valuable ProTips that you can incorporate into your strategy.
Rain Out
The graphics aren't great, but they're competent. You get two views: behind the pitcher or behind the batter. However, the color isn't strong, the outfielders are small, and the fields are pretty plain. On the plus side, pitchers and batters are detailed (watch the pitcher's gestures on close calls), and the six stadium background facades do look real.
- Keep apprised of your pitcher's status via the Pitching Coach Reports before he goes to the mound each inning.
The audio will disappoint you as well. The screams of the crowd sound more like a running faucet, and the fans only come alive for home runs. Other sound effects -- such as the ump's calls and the three tunes played by the organ -- resemble standard noises found in other baseball games. Only the good crack of the bat stands out.
![Tony Larussa Baseball 2 Download Free Tony Larussa Baseball 2 Download Free](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124816510/505861540.jpg)
Tony Larussa Baseball Video Game
In a Slump
Accolade's original Hardball from the late '80s was better than La Russa '95. Stat fans might like it, but fans of high-scoring sports action looking for great graphics, sounds, and controls will take their ball to another field.
Play Tony Larussa Baseball 2 Online
Overall rating: 7.5