OVERALL RATING		4.0
Presentation		4.0
Control		4.0
Gameplay		4.0
Fun factor		4.5
User Rating		4.0

Homerun Derby 3D, like all other derby games, gives players the chance to become homerun king, this time around with full 3D visuals.  The two modes available for single players are Challenger and Training.  Challenger is the usual play style where 10 pitches are sent your way to knock them out of the ballpark.  This is great for a quick experience but interestingly enough, you might end up playing the Training mode more often.  That’s because in Training you have the option of choosing variables such as type of pitcher, speed of pitches, and even what pitches to have sent your way such as screwballs, curve balls, knuckle balls and six other types.  It’s fairly customizable but there’s still one more mode that will keep you even more hooked and that’s the Network Game mode.

In this online mode, you’ll get the opportunity to challenge other players for total bragging rights and virtual money that can be used to purchase new equipment for your batter.  Simply log on and hit Quick Start to be matched up against another player.  The way this plays out is that both of you are up to bat and try to fill a homerun gauge before the other.  The first one to completely fill it wins the match and the cash.  Afterwards, you can visit the store and buy better equipment such as helmets, shorts, bats and more to improve your player in both Power and Contact. 

While playing online, you can also set up your own public or private games, dependant on skill set and ranking, as well as view overall standings.  Also, if you happen to choose Quick Start and there is no opponent available, you can select Practice and as soon as someone becomes available, the competition can begin.  This is a great touch to ensure that you’re never idle.

Batting throughout the game is handled with the D-pad for High, Medium or Low swings, simply press up, OK, or down respectively.  This allows you to make better contact on the ball dependant on what type of pitch it is.  You can also pull or slice the hit in order to try and hit all three sectors of the stands, in which case you’ll earn major bonus points.  In some instances, special balls are launched your way to make hitting them more difficult, and these add a cool touch.

As a standard derby game, Homerun Derby 3D does a very good job of providing a fun time…but with the Network Game mode, it takes it to a whole new level.  The abilities to purchase upgrades, create your own games and take on other players are way above what’s been offered before and from this point on, any other derby game that doesn’t come with this will be sorely under-whelming.  If you love baseball and have a competitive spirit, you need this game.