The Sirloins take the field
Electronic Arts has announced that the next game in Metalhead Software’s franchise, Super Mega Baseball 4, is arriving June 2, 2023. While this is exciting, the fact that EA now owns the developer and property sticks in my craw.
With EA’s money pushing development, the presentation is getting upgraded for the new generation. The presser states that “All-Star character models have been refreshed, lighting has been updated, game cameras and cutscene animations have been overhauled, and audio has expanded and improved throughout the game.”
They’re also touting the implementation of pro baseball players, which made me pause. With names like “Hammer Longballo” on the usual roster, I’m not sure where real players would fit in. I also don’t want to see Super Mega Baseball 4 guide the franchise into just being another MLB license. Thankfully, real-world baseball players are being relegated to just being older legends like Babe Ruth and Luis Tiant. I’m still not jazzed, but I’ll let it slide.
They’re adding six new stadiums to the mix, bringing the franchise total up to 20. They have announced that three more will be coming down the line as DLC. They’ve also expanded the traits system and increased customizability, but they haven’t offered much as to the new career mode.
Super Mega Publisher
This is also going to be the first time the series has been localized in Japan. While this doesn’t mean a whole lot to me as a Canadian, Japan is a huge baseball market.
Overall, I’m excited to try out Super Mega Baseball 4. I’m just having so much trouble getting over seeing EA’s name pasted on the trailers. If they manage to get their hands on the MLB license, I can only imagine that the fun and accessible days of the property will be numbered. EA will always chase the biggest market, and more people look for the MLB name rather than just the best baseball game. I guess I’ll just enjoy it while it’s still fun.
Super Mega Baseball 4 is coming to PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, and Switch on June 2, 2023.
