The pitcher dives to his right, snaring the smash up the middle and turning it into a seemingly easy out.

Now there is something you don’t see every day – a pitcher actually fielding his position like a gold-glover. But that is part of the package when you launch Acclaim Sports All-Star Baseball 2003 for the Game Boy Advance.

This is a game loaded with options, from playing modes to difficulty levels. The game may give players a break when it comes to fielding – there is an auto-field option which can produce its own levels of satisfaction and frustration – but makes sure that each time you step up to the plate, you are working hard.

The game uses the same batting model as on other platforms. The strike zone is defined, and there is a locator icon that can be adjusted so that the batter locates the ball. If you aren’t fast enough to get the locator to where the ball is entering the strike zone, you’ll whiff. You may get a piece of it, and, depending on whether the weak grounder has eyes or not, may reach base.

Other game features include six modes of play (Quick Game, Exhibition, Season, World Series, All-Star Game, Batting Practice and Home Run Derby – and you can adjust the length of season if you wish), all 30 Major League teams and stadiums, more than 700 MLB players, multiplayer capability, the opportunity to collect and trade cards earned during game play, and team management (set game lineups, bullpens and/or trade players).

Needless to say, this is an option-rich game.

There are some drawbacks, one of which is common to some baseball games. Your batter drills the ball through the infield to left-center and takes off for first. The outfielder comes in and picks it up, and fires to first, as though to get the runner before reaching base. Well, that isn’t exactly the way the game really works – which may mean the AI is suspect.

If in auto-field mode, you may encounter some frustration in that your fielder may get a good jump on the ball, but won’t get rid of it quickly, and may throw to the wrong location. With a runner on first, the ball is grounded to deep short and the shortstop does come up with, and apparently bobbles it. Rather than go to first with the throw, he fires to second, well behind the runner, who is safe. The second baseman then turns the throw to first, but clearly not in time to catch the runner. Had the shortstop thrown to first, the side would have been retired. Now, you don’t have to play in auto-field mode, and you will have complete control over where the ball is thrown. But you also have to anticipate where the batted ball is heading, and angle to cut it off. This adds challenge to the game, but may exclude successful participation by novice gamers.

All that aside, though, this game does play well, and the animation is very well done. The game does seem to lack individuality in players’ batting stances, but movements are realistic, and watching players (like the pitchers) dive for and come up with a ball, is quite enjoyable. The controls are kept very simple, which will cut done of learning curve – unless, of course, you count the amount of time it will take to get comfortable with batting. This is one of the more difficult games on the market when it comes to that portion of the game. That also translates to it being one of the more satisfactory accomplishments once you get fast enough to reposition that pitch locator and catch up to, and pound, that 98-mile-an-hour Randy Johnson fastball.

For those who are looking for simple, easy baseball action on the Game Boy Advance handheld, Acclaim’s title may not be for you. However, if you are looking for one of the more challenging games, with excellent graphics, on this platform, this is a game you won’t want to miss.

This game is rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 7.8
Some of the computer-controlled fielding casts suspicions on the game’s AI, but in terms of actually playing a nine-inning game, this program moves quickly and effortlessly through the innings.

Graphics: 8.5
There are little quirks, like fielders raising the ball over their heads, that may not seem quite right, and there is a lack of player individuality, but overall the graphics are strong.

Sound: 8
The game features “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” over and over, which can be irritating, but the game sounds are well rendered. The announcer also does a solid job.

Difficulty: Hard
This is one of those games that will challenge reflexive ability. If you play the game straight away, about the easiest thing you will do in the game is deliver the pitch. Fielding is about anticipation, and may be a bit arcade-like, but the batting is quite hard and newcomers to the game – especially if a rookie to the genre – may find it daunting.

Concept: 7
Having the computer throw from the outfield to first to get a runner should have been removed from programming designs a long time ago. Or, if the runner reaches first before the outfielder gets to the ball, there are times with the fielder will throw it into the pitcher. Nope, that isn’t the way the game goes either. Throw to the base ahead of the runner, and then the throw is relayed to the pitcher. So the game does have some breakdowns in these regards. However, it does have a solid options package that will entice many to overlook those fundamental errors.

Multiplayer: 7
The Game Boy Advance Link will allow two players, each with the game, to go head-to-head.

Overall: 8.2
This is a challenging game with excellent graphics, sound and options. Players who haven’t jumped into the baseball mode before may want to try a different game, but if you are looking for a game that will push your abilities, this is one you will want to try out.