Out of the Park Baseball 18 available now

Today marks the official release of the PC management game Out of the Park Baseball 18. Among the new features added this year are a Challenge Mode and historical Negro League clubs. Those who missed out on the pre-order savings can still get the game at a discount as it’s available for 10% off ($36) through March 31. 

♦2017 roster sets with all Opening Day MLB rosters, as well as the complete minor league system from Triple-A down to rookie leagues and the Arizona Fall League. All major league (and over a thousand minor league) player ratings are based on the popular ZiPS player projection system. The 8 international leagues, as well as independent minor leagues in the US, also return this year with accurate rosters.

♦Challenge Mode will allow series newcomers to enjoy a powerful way to learn the intricacies of this deep strategy title, while driving community engagement for all users via the creation of online profiles to share accomplishments on new leaderboards. The Challenge Mode is just the beginning of an all-new, long-term expansion of OOTP’s online platform — more will be unveiled during the course of the 2017 baseball season.

♦Historical Negro League clubs, thanks to a partnership with OOTP’s acclaimed historical database experts and Seamheads.com. This feature allows baseball fans to explore the rich history of a bygone era, create compelling what-if scenarios, pit major league clubs against their Negro League counterparts, and much more.

♦Improvements to 3D mode, including: Even more ballpark detail; better on-field player models and enhanced on-field decisions; and the ability to save all 3D highlights and watch a highlight reel, whether the game was played out or simulated.

♦Custom and real world tournaments for all the teams included in the game. National and international tournaments are a breeze to create, as is the ability to import historical teams.

♦Extensive AI improvements: roster management, trades, in-game decision-making.

♦A redesigned injury system that features detailed injury histories for all players, little nagging long-term injuries, and more.

♦Many more improvements, including: A beautiful new interface – Improved game recaps – An upgraded player morale/team chemistry system – Enhanced play-by-play text and league news – A sophisticated system for team relegation and promotion between leagues – The ability to retain player salaries in trades – The incorporation of many 2017 CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) rule changes – Faster import speeds of historical minor league seasons.