HardBall II is a baseball video game developed by Distinctive Software and published for MS-DOS in 1989 by Accolade. Classic Mac OS and Amiga versions were released in 1990. It is the sequel to HardBall!, which was released in 1985.
Gameplay
HardBall II maintains the game play mechanics from HardBall! and adds the following features:
- Updates and stores stats in “virtually every conceivable category.”
- Stats change from at-bat to at-bat, from game to game.
- Pickoffs
- League play
- Team editor
- More frames of animation per player.
- Shift the infield and outfield according to each hitter.
- Addition of seven different stadiums and five different views.
- TV Instant Replay feature.
- Pull-down menus make managing the game easier.
Release
The Hardball II package includes:
- Two floppy disks
- 60 page manual
- Batting commands sheet
- Fielding commands chart
- Copy protection code wheel
The code wheel contains three wheels. The outer wheel contains the last name of baseball players. The middle ring contains the players’ first names. The inner ring contains years. When the rings are properly aligned, cut outs in the third ring reveal the players’ baseball stats. These stats must be entered into the program before the game will load.
Reception
HardBall II sold roughly 100,000 copies.
In the June 1990 edition of Games International, Brian Walker admired the available customization options, saying that it added a “subtlety” to the game. He called the graphics “excellent”, and thought that this would help popularize the game of baseball in the United Kingdom. He concluded by giving the game above-average ratings of 9 out of 10 for game play and 8 out of 10 for graphics, saying, “Quality products like Hardball II can only spread the word.”
References
External links
- HardBall II at Amiga Hall of Light
- HardBall II at MobyGames
Gamer24h Editor's Take
HardBall II has made quite a name for itself in the gaming world, captivating us with its distinctive atmosphere and compelling gameplay dynamics. Thanks to Distinctive Software's meticulous craftsmanship and Accolade's strong presentation, the high production quality is evident in every moment of the game. Masterfully blending Sports mechanics with modern standards, the game's fluid gameplay makes hours fly by unnoticed. In short, an outstanding and immersive gaming experience awaits genre fans — we highly recommend giving it a shot!