The game has modest system requirements and when you see the graphics you will see why. Static 2D images are all you get. That's not too bad because graphics don't figure highly into this game at all. There are no sound effects at all.

This game is not very user-friendly. The start-up screen doesn't really tell you how to start up or play the game. Reading the online manual is a must. Even then, the manual is not a unified document but a series of HTML help topics. The game would be more approachable if the designers would create a text- or Adobe Acrobat-based manual for the player.

OOTPB 4 is challenging because so much goes into creating a good franchise. Players have to hire and bargain with coaches, scouts and athletes. Multiple stats govern the performance of each of these groups and it is a balancing act to get your team to mesh. Also, there is minutiae to contend with, such as scheduling promotional games.This complexity is what makes the game fun for committed players and gives them hours of entertainment. For a casual player, however, this depth combined with the difficulty in navigating the game's options make this a confusing experience. Thankfully, the game gives the player the option to edit almost any statistic in the game. This can give a struggling player the time needed to get up to speed.

The game allows the player to simulate games or manage the games individually. The athletes stats mostly control and predict how the game will come out, but exceptionally good or poor decisions on the players part can change the outcome. The player can control aggressiveness of the pitchers and batters, lineups and substitutions. The game plays out in a text-based manner with the names of the athletes superimposed on a picture of a ballpark.

OOTPB 4 is a bargain software title. That means among other things that it lacks the Major League Baseball license, and that hurts. Like many games with this omission, OOTPB 4 allows you to edit the names of every team and player. Even doing this leaves you without the team logos and graphics that would have made the game more realistic.

OOTPB 4 is enhanced by the contributions of its fans and creators who provide additional stats, leagues and players for the online leagues. The OOTPB 4 Web site is a community of sorts where players can download additions to the game, get tips on creating a good franchise, and playing the game online. The Web site seems to be an integral part of the game and improves the overall experience.

This title is fun for the player who will give the game the time that it needs to shine, but casual players should steer clear.