Description

"Pete Rose Baseball" is a video game developed for the Atari 2600 / VCS, released in 1988, featuring the likeness of famous Major League Baseball player Pete Rose. Developed by Absolute Entertainment and designed by Alex DeMeo, the game offered a unique perspective on baseball video games of that era. Unlike most baseball games on the Atari 2600, which typically presented a top-down view, "Pete Rose Baseball" introduced a television broadcast-style camera angle, showing the pitcher and batter from a side view during pitches. This innovative approach provided a more dynamic and engaging experience for players, mimicking the real-life broadcast angles seen on TV, while also integrating elements like strike zones and variable pitch speeds.

The game itself allowed for one or two players to compete in nine innings of baseball, trying to outscore each other in a simulation that included batting, pitching, and fielding mechanics. Players could select from four different pitches (fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup) while on the mound, and when batting, they had to strategically decide when to swing for singles, doubles, or home run hits—including the ability to bunt. Despite its relatively late release in the lifespan of the Atari 2600, "Pete Rose Baseball" stood out among sports titles for the console due to these gameplay innovations and its relative complexity, making it a memorable entry in the sports genre for the system. Its use of a celebrity endorsement, from Pete Rose himself, added to its appeal, highlighting a common marketing tactic of the era in video games.

Title

Pete Rose Baseball - Title

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Gameplay

Pete Rose Baseball - Gameplay

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