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0:48 I can retire already and "ride off into the sunset like a true professional." After one game? Really?

0:49 I have a viewable Upper Deck baseball card! Joe Random has hit the big time!

0:50 Between the music and the number of options, I could happily play around on the menu all day. Instead, I'm gonna retire. "Good luck with your much-earned retirement," says the game. HA! "Random had a short-lived career and retires as just another player who couldn't hack it in the big leagues!" Yup!

0:52 On to the "quick game." I hammer the first pitch opposite field for an off-the-wall single. Whoo!

0:54 "Let's go Red Sox. Let's go Red Sox!" Screw you, virtual fans!

0:55 I just noticed the pitching is from the batter's perspective in the quick game. In the other mode, it was from the pitcher's perspective. I'm not sure which I like more. This one makes it easier to position pitches, but the other looks more like real baseball. Hmm.

0:56 My first fielding play is a ground ball that gets thrown a bit high and lets the runner reach first. Am I doing something wrong?

0:58 I have a new appreciation for major league batters. Reading these pitches in the split second from mound to plate is TOUGH!

1:00 I rip it down the first base line but the first baseman dives for it to end my time. D'oh!

Would I play this game for more than an hour? Yes.

Why? It's the most complete baseball simulation I've ever seen. To be honest, though, I probably don't have enough time to give it the attention it deserves.

This column was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.

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