All-Star Baseball 99 (GB)

**All-Star Baseball 99** for Game Boy Color delivers a comprehensive portable baseball experience, recreating the sport as authentically as possible on a handheld platform. Players take control of famous Major League Baseball (MLB) teams and players, engaging in intense matches with the goal of victory.

The gameplay of **All-Star Baseball 99** focuses on three core aspects of baseball: batting, pitching, and fielding. When pitching, players can choose from various pitch types such as fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, each with its own speed and trajectory. Precise aim and release timing are crucial to deceive opponents and execute effective strikeouts. A simple yet effective targeting system allows players to direct the ball to different locations within the strike zone.

On the batting side, players need to time their swings accurately. The batting interface displays a targeting reticle; players must move this reticle to match the ball's anticipated location and press the swing button at the right moment. Deciding between a regular swing and a bunt is also an important strategic choice depending on the game situation. The ability to anticipate the opponent's pitch type will give players a significant advantage.

Fielding and base running are largely automated, but players can still intervene in some critical decisions, such as throwing the ball back to bases to catch runners or executing diving catches. The intuitive control system makes it easy for players to perform basic actions; however, to master the game, players need to practice their reflexes and quick decision-making.

**All-Star Baseball 99** offers a variety of game modes. The Exhibition mode allows players to quickly jump into a single game for practice or casual play. The Season mode is where players lead their favorite team through a long MLB season, facing other opponents and striving to qualify for the Playoffs. The Playoffs mode allows players to directly participate in the knockout rounds to win the World Series championship.

Despite being a Game Boy Color game, **All-Star Baseball 99** still strives to accurately represent MLB players and teams with relatively precise names and stats. The 2D isometric graphics provide an overhead view of the field, while player animations, though simple, are sufficient to convey the action. Game sounds include bat cracks, ball drops, and other basic effects, contributing to the match atmosphere.

Overall, **All-Star Baseball 99** is a worthwhile baseball game on the Game Boy Color, especially for fans of the sport. It combines simple controls with enough strategic depth to keep players engaged for many hours.