Very Nice! The graphics in EA Sports' Triple Play 2001 are very nicely rendered in 3D. There is a small amount of clipping noticeable when there is both a base runner and an infielder on the same base, but this is not a 'Major League error.' The players themselves are great and the stadiums are extremely accurate in detail (as far as I can tell). The sounds of the game are exactly what you would expect from the everlasting quality of EA Sports. From the crack of the bat to the announcing team's comments, you will feel like you are right in the action. The moment I heard a remix of Steppenwolf's 'Magic Carpet Ride' during the intro movie, I knew I would love this game!

It's baseball...Triple Play baseball! If you have ever played a previous version, you will be able to pick up the controller and perform a 'Pete Rose' slide right into home plate with this title. And if you are looking for variety, Triple Play 2001 has got it! In addition to the typical Exhibition and Season modes, EA has added an 'Big League Challenge' mode, which in 'Extreme' mode incorporates the Home Run Derby with target shooting. Instead of racking up home runs, you are trying to hit a variety of targets and objects for points! Addictive, very addictive!!! (Not to mention the uncanny commentary during the Derby!)

If you're not into the special modes, you can rack up bonus points in 'Season' mode and unlock special stadiums, legendary players, or increase your player attributes. Still not satisfied? How about the create-a-player option? All in all, there are a lot of features in Triple Play 2001 to keep you running around the bases with your arms in the air.

In general, I wish EA would go back to the old way of pitching, however. As with recent titles of the Triple Play series, you have to select your pitching angle before you pitch, whereas once upon a time, you could control direction during the release of the throw. Also, base running is a bit tricky at first, and it is inevitable that the computer will pick your runners off one by one if you get too aggressive on the base paths.

Triple Play 2001 is a great all-around game. It has 3 difficulty settings to satisfy all levels of competition. The computer's AI increases in difficulty nicely as you increase your settings. Learning the controls of the game is pretty easy, although I am currently having trouble with base running. I think that your skills will improve with practice, though, and base running will eventually come to you second nature.

With the many modes of play, any fan of baseball games will thoroughly enjoy Triple Play 2001. If you are into more than just playing a typical baseball game with your favorite team, you will love the different mode of the Home Run Derby and other features. Unfortunately, EA requires you to save your game during a season before each and every game you play. Although this is supposed to discourage those who want to cheat by shutting off the machine when you lose, it is simply annoying, and slows load-times to a standstill. Also keep in mind that Triple Play 2001 only allows 2 players to compete at one time, making this not the ideal 'party game' (unless you're into tournaments or seasons, which you can all take your favorite team/player and 'Play Ball' to your heart's content). On a final note: Those of you lucky enough to have a widescreen TV will love the option to 'widen' the game screen to fill your TV completely! If you love baseball, you'll love Triple Play 2001!!!