MLB 2004 was a game released in 2003 it featured stats from the 2002 Major League Baseball season. There were two versions released. The first version was released on Play Station One, and the second on the new Play Station Two. I actually have both versions. I had already reviewed the PS version, so today I thought I would compare the PS 2 version.

Plot/Story- Well there is not much of a story as this is a sporting game. Sports game often suffer due to lack of plots. Basically, its a new season for MLB and you can build your favorite team up and play through a regular season. Can you guide your team to the World Series? There are other side games as well such as the home run derby, and spring training.

I did not really change my rating compared to the PS One version of this game. Its a sports game its not like a Mario or Mega Man game were you have a bonafide story. Therefore, I will give the plot a 4 simply because you can do side games.

Graphics- Well I had a hard time rating the graphics. The PS One version did not the charm concerning graphics like MLB 2002 and MLB 2003 had. This version graphics were not really different from the PS One version of this game.

Now, the graphics are colorful and the players look real. The fans in the stand look real. Also the stadiums were nicely done. But here is why I have a hard time rating the graphics. MLB 2002 and MLB 2003 had amazing graphics and showed what the PS could do. Since this came out the following year or two after those games I thought the graphics would be improved, but they went backgrounds a little bit. I was expecting the PS Two version to have better graphics since its supposed to be an upgrade. I did not really see an upgrade here. The graphics are decent but nothing that blew me away.

On the other hand, what was improved in this version compared to the PS version was the better controls. Unlike other PS baseball games. The PS version of this game felt like the controls could get a little stiff at times. This version fixed that problem. The controls are very good and were a huge upgrade from the PS version. Taken all that in I give the graphics and controls a 7.

Sound- Like the other MLB games such as 2001, 2002, and 2003 2004 really shined in its sound. The PS 2 version did not change that much. It still maintains that solid sound. The broadcasters are Vin Scully and Dave Campbell. They sounded like they did in real life. That is what makes these games good is the broadcasters voice sound so real. That was unchanged from the PS One version. Given how this version kept the same sound. I give it a 9 out of 10.

Replay Value- I have played this one a few times. As I stated I have both versions of this game. This is a fun game and it is nice to play. However, to me it does not have the charm that MLB 2002 and MLB 2003 had. It just seems like something is missing with this game. I still play it but I go back to this one less compared to the others. Still, its a fun game to play and its fun to play an entire MLB season. I give the replay value a 7

Depth- Shockingly there is a lot of depth to this game. The depth for the most part was unchanged from the PS one version. You can choose your favorite teams and play an entire season. If you have multiple teams like I do you can try to play through each team's season. There are also side games in this game such as spring training, and the home run derby players can play. Therefore, I give the depth a solid 8 out of 10.

Difficulty- Okay the difficulty was hard for me to rate like the first version. You can make trades for your team and put any player you want on your team. You can also create 24 players. If a player you like is not in here well you can create him. Basically, you can make the game easy for yourself.

On the other hand, if your team in 2002 gave up a lot of home runs. The game will try to show that such as pitchers may give up more home runs. If your team made errors in 2002 well that will show up in this game as well. Your team is based off of the 2002 stats.

The difficulty among the two versions is the same. Therefore, I will give the difficulty a 6 out of to.

Overall, I give the game a 7.8 and here is why. Both Versions are good games and you really cannot go wrong with either version. I give the PS 2 one the edge because the controls are better. However, both versions seem to like the charm that MLB 2002 and MLB 2003 had. I could tell Play Station really developed those games.

As I stated earlier it just seems like something is missing. I think part of the problem was both versions were rushed. I think Play Station knew in a year or two sells would start to drop for PS One. PS Two had just come out and was marketed more. I think they rushed to release this game to get it out on both systems. The graphics are not smooth like the previous two games. I really expected more with the PS Two version.

Overall this is a good game, it just has some flaws for me. Now, maybe these are not flaws for you. I do recommend this game though. The game has a lot of good going for it the sound, depth, and controls. However, the graphics could have been better. Which version would I recommend both versions are good but I think I give this one the edge over the PS one version simply because the issues with the graphics have been fixed. I think a rating of 7.8 is about right for this type of game.