"Animations still hit to this day": College baseball fans react to nostalgic clips from MVP: NCAA baseball video game series

MVP: NCAA Baseball was a video game series that caught the eye of several baseball fans back in the day. While its publishers, EA Sports, made only two editions of the game, certain aspects of those editions still invoke fond memories from baseball fanatics today.

EA first published the Triple Play video game series, based on the MLB. They replaced it with a new series, MVP Baseball, the first edition of which was released in 2003. After producing three editions, they discontinued the series after Take-Two Interactive signed an exclusive licensing deal with the MLB.

In response to this, EA released a college baseball video game titled MVP 06: NCAA Baseball. The game received glowing reviews from critics, receiving a rating of 8.7 from IGN and a score of 75 from Metacritic. They added a 'load and fire' hitting system in the game, which impressed fans.

The cover star for the game was Texas Longhorns star David Maroul, who won the 2005 College World Series' Most Outstanding Player award.

The following year, they launched MVP 07: NCAA Baseball with ex-Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver, who starred for the Long Beach State Dirtbags in college baseball as their cover star. This edition of the game saw the addition of a 'rock and fire' pitching system that enhanced the game further.

Jered Weaver was the last cover star for the MVP: NCAA Baseball video game series. (IMAGN)

In recent days, footage from the game triggered flashbacks from fans, who praised the series for its interactive gameplay, mini-games and animations.

"Animations still hit to this day," said one fan.

"Played it on an emulator this morning. Was the first game to have analog stick hitting and the mini games are so fun," added another.

Another fan added, "I would pay 20 extra dollars on the show just to unlock metal bat sound."

Some fans also went one step further, hoping the game would make a comeback in the future.

One fan said, "Fantastic game i wish they would bring it back. Arizona was unstoppable."

Another fan added, "Of course! Will MVP or NCAA ever be on the current gen consoles?"

"I loved that game. Honestly, I wish the people that make MLB the show would get the rights to college baseball and do something with it. They would kill it," said another.

EA discontinued the MVP: NCAA Baseball series in 2008

After releasing two editions of the game, EA decided to let its two-year license expire due to a lack of sales. Then EA Sports president Peter Moore admitted the difference in interests between MLB and college baseball was massive, indicating a trade-off was necessary.

In 2013, CEO Andrew Wilson shut down rumors of a possible return for the game by citing barriers to entry as a key reason for the same. Whether a new college baseball video game comes up to match its popularity today, only time will tell.