**Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header**
**Definition**
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* is a baseball video game developed and published by Jaleco for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995. It is part of the long-running *Bases Loaded* series and features updated rosters, enhanced graphics, and multiple gameplay modes.
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# Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* is a baseball simulation video game released exclusively for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995. Developed and published by Jaleco, it is the eighth installment in the *Bases Loaded* series, which began in the late 1980s. The game is notable for its updated player rosters, improved graphics, and a variety of gameplay options that aimed to provide a comprehensive baseball experience for fans of the sport and video games alike.
## Development and Release
The *Bases Loaded* series was one of the earliest baseball video game franchises to gain popularity on home consoles, with its first release dating back to 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). By the time *Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* was developed, the series had evolved significantly, incorporating more realistic gameplay mechanics and enhanced audiovisual presentation.
Jaleco, the Japanese company behind the series, developed *Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* specifically for the SNES platform. The game was released in 1995, during a period when baseball video games were becoming increasingly sophisticated, with competitors such as *Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball* and *Triple Play* series gaining traction.
The title „Double Header” refers to the game’s ability to simulate two games in one session, a nod to the real-life baseball term for two games played consecutively between the same teams.
## Gameplay
### Modes and Features
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* offers several gameplay modes designed to appeal to both casual players and baseball enthusiasts:
– **Exhibition Mode:** Players can select any two teams to play a single game.
– **Season Mode:** Players manage a team through a full baseball season, competing for the championship.
– **All-Star Game:** A mode that allows players to compete with a selection of the best players from the league.
– **Double Header Mode:** This unique feature allows players to play two games back-to-back, simulating a doubleheader scenario.
### Teams and Rosters
The game features a roster of fictional teams modeled after Major League Baseball franchises, though the teams and player names are not officially licensed. The rosters were updated to reflect the 1995 baseball season, with player statistics influencing in-game performance.
### Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in *Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* emphasizes a balance between arcade-style action and simulation realism. Players control pitching, batting, fielding, and base running with intuitive controls. The pitching system includes a variety of pitch types, such as fastballs, curveballs, and sliders, each with distinct effects on the ball’s trajectory.
Batting requires timing and precision, with players needing to anticipate pitch types and locations. Fielding is controlled through a combination of automatic and manual inputs, allowing players to make strategic defensive plays.
### Graphics and Sound
The game features 16-bit graphics typical of the SNES era, with detailed player sprites and stadium backgrounds. Animations are smooth, and the game includes various camera angles to enhance the viewing experience.
The sound design includes digitized crowd noises, umpire calls, and a soundtrack that complements the gameplay without being intrusive. Commentary is minimal, consistent with the technical limitations of the time.
## Reception
Upon release, *Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised the game for its comprehensive gameplay modes and faithful representation of baseball mechanics. The inclusion of the doubleheader mode was noted as a unique feature that added depth to the gaming experience.
However, some reviewers criticized the lack of official MLB licensing, which meant that team and player names were fictional, potentially detracting from the immersion for some players. Additionally, while the graphics were considered solid for the SNES, they did not significantly advance beyond previous entries in the series.
## Legacy
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* represents one of the final entries in the *Bases Loaded* series for the SNES. The franchise itself gradually declined in prominence as newer baseball games with official licenses and more advanced technology emerged on subsequent consoles.
Despite this, the game remains a notable example of mid-1990s baseball video games, reflecting the transitional period between simple arcade-style sports games and more complex simulations. It is remembered by fans of the series for its gameplay depth and nostalgic value.
## Technical Specifications
– **Platform:** Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
– **Developer:** Jaleco
– **Publisher:** Jaleco
– **Release Date:** 1995
– **Genre:** Sports (Baseball)
– **Game Modes:** Single-player, Multiplayer (two players)
– **Graphics:** 16-bit sprites and backgrounds
– **Audio:** Digitized sound effects and music
## Comparison to Other Baseball Games of the Era
During the mid-1990s, the baseball video game market was competitive, with several franchises vying for players’ attention. Compared to contemporaries such as *Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball* (Nintendo) and *Triple Play 96* (EA Sports), *Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* offered a more traditional baseball experience without the benefit of official MLB licensing.
While *Ken Griffey Jr.* and *Triple Play* featured real player names and teams, *Bases Loaded ’96* relied on fictional representations, which may have limited its appeal to fans seeking authenticity. However, the game’s multiple modes and the doubleheader feature provided a unique selling point.
## Conclusion
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* is a significant entry in the *Bases Loaded* series and the broader landscape of baseball video games on the SNES. Its combination of gameplay modes, updated rosters, and the doubleheader feature offered players a varied and engaging baseball experience. Although it lacked official licensing and faced stiff competition, it remains a noteworthy title for enthusiasts of classic baseball video games.
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**Meta Description:**
*Bases Loaded ’96: Double Header* is a 1995 baseball video game for the SNES by Jaleco, featuring updated rosters, multiple gameplay modes, and a unique doubleheader feature. It is part of the long-running *Bases Loaded* series known for its blend of arcade and simulation baseball gameplay.