High Heat Baseball 2002

High Heat on PlayStation was a huge disappointment visually, especially considering its award-winning PC credentials. But don't expect the rag-tag graphics to hold it back any longer. On the PS2,3DO's latest baseball incarnation is gunning for the big boys. First off, know that Slammin' Sammy Sosa ("It's so reeeeal!") isn't the cover boy this season. They've gone with Montreal Expos' five-tool superstud Vladimir Guerrero who actually uses the game, according to a Sports Illustrated article, to scout opposing pitchers. That definitely speaks to the realism. Other promising notes: Expect mapped faces from the biggest stars (think Nomar, Jeter, ARod, Big Mac, Sammy), and every MLB stadium in full detail, including Milwaukee's new Miller Park and Pittsburgh's throwback beauty, PNC Park.

Probably the sweetest part of HH2002 is the attention the rosters are getting. Every trade up until training camp will be accounted for, and expect the minor-league standouts to be good enough to call up from Triple A. This one has all the promise of Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki. Look for it in April.