REDMOND, Wash., April 30, 1999 — Microsoft® Baseball 2000 will make baseball gamers and fans think they are getting seats right behind home plate for the price of the “nosebleed” seats. At an estimated price of only $19.95, Microsoft Baseball 2000 brings the intensity, strategy and excitement of Major League Baseball® (MLB) to the PC in stunningly rich graphical detail. Fully featured and licensed by MLB and the MLB Players Association® , Microsoft Baseball 2000 delivers authentic and engaging gameplay using real MLB rosters and the inclusion of all 30 graphically re-created MLB ballparks.
“We are excited about releasing a fun, high-quality game like Microsoft Baseball 2000 at such a low price point,” said Ed Fries, general manager of Microsoft’s Games Group. “We believe this broadens the marketplace to allow both the computer gamer and avid sports fan to enjoy baseball on the PC.”
Superior player and stadium graphics, motion-captured animation and realistic location-based sounds make Microsoft Baseball 2000 the next best thing to being at an actual MLB game. Taking inspiration from a favorite player or team, users can outsmart the competition by playing the right combination of fielding, throwing, batting and running. Gamers are a part of the competition, able to go out and beat their favorite team’s fiercest rival in a midsummer three-game series or a fight for the pennant.
Whether the Microsoft Baseball 2000 gamer is making a spectacular diving catch or ripping a line drive up the middle, he or she will be accompanied by the familiar voice of Arizona Diamondbacks announcer Thom Brennaman calling the action. His play-by-play commentary brings the action from the field to the screen without losing any of the excitement or intensity of an MLB game.
Cutting-edge gameplay combined with easy-to-use controls allows Microsoft Baseball 2000 to be fun and accessible for amateurs, and robust and challenging for die-hards. Microsoft Baseball 2000 installs quickly, plays fast and allows players to step onto the virtual field within a few mouse-clicks of game time.
Microsoft Baseball 2000 provides a first look at Microsoft’s new packaging for its sports line of games. MLB pitching ace Al Leiter of the New York Mets is featured in action on the box cover.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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