Bad News Baseball
Typed out by tsr@atarihq.com
NES-3B-USA
Tecmo(r)
Bad News Baseball(tm)
Instructions
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Beginning the game
Selecting the play mode.
Choose the mode for your game with the select button, and then press the start
button
One Player Game: Play a tournament against the computer.
Two Player Game: Play a three game series against another player.
One Player All-Star Game: Choose either the ultra or the super league, pick
twenty all-star players for your team, and then play a three game series
against the computer.
Two Player All-Star Game: Both players can choose their own all-star teams,
and then play a three game series.
Spectator mode: You can also watch a game played between two computer
controlled teams.
Password: With this password you can stop after you have completed one game
and then pick up the series where you left off the last time.
* You cannot change players when you are in the "Spectator mode".
Zoom-up display
This zoom-up screen enlarges your view of critical close plays and home run
swings. Enlarging the action on the screen makes this game even more exciting
to play.
* You can skip the zoom-up screen by pressing the start button of Controller
I (Controller II can not be used for this function).
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Selecting your team
Move the Control Cross up and down to select your team. In the "One Player
Game" you can choose the computer's team, too. By moving the Control Cross to
the right and left, you can look at the data for the pitchers and fielders
alternately. It's a good idea to do this to find out as much as you can about
the players before choosing your team. When you have finished with your
selections press the start button.
* In the "Two Player Game" the second players can select his team by using
Controller II.
A look at the pitcher's data
Pitcher: The pitchers names.
ERA: Earned run average. Players with a lower earned run average will give up
fewer hits than those with a higher ERA.
T (throw): The player's pitching form.
(R = right, L = left, O = overhand pitch, S = side arm pitch)
ST (stamina): On the left side is the current value, and on the right side is
the maximum value. As this value goes down, this player's pitches begin to
get slower and his breaking balls don't curve like they used to. When the
game is all over he recovers some of his stamina.
RLF (break right, break left, forkball): The sharpness of a pitcher's breaking
balls is ranked from 1-8. The larger the number is, the more the ball
curves.
The sharpness of a pitcher's forkball is ranked from A-C. Pitchers with a
bar mark across from their name can't throw forkballs.
Looking at the fielder's data
Fielder: The fielder's name.
AV (batting average): The higher this number is the greater is the chance that
he will get a hit.
HR (home runs): The player's number of home runs. The more home runs a player
has the greater is his long-ball hitting power.
B (batting): This shows whether he is a right- or left-handed batter.
Ca: The catcher's fielding ability.
1: The first baseman's fielding ability.
2: The second baseman's fielding ability.
3: The third baseman's fielding ability.
S: The shortstop's fielding ability.
o: The outfielder's fielding ability.
* Fielding ability is ranked from A-C.
* The pitcher's fielding ability is always B.
A (arm strength): The strength of the fielder's throwing arm is ranked from
1-8. Players with a larger number can throw the ball faster than those with
a lower number.
R (running strength): The speed of each fielder is ranked from 1-8. Fielders
with a larger number are faster on the base paths than those with a lower
number. They will also be faster going after balls in the field.
* Players who have a bar mark displayed under their fielding strength are able
to play in the field, but they are not good at defense and so you should
avoid using them in the field as much as possible.
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Selecting your starting line-up
You can choose your starting line-up as you please in this game. When you're
picking your line-up be sure to keep in mind the opposing team's roster. For
instance, if you're going to be playing against a team that has a lot of fast
base runners, you'll probably want to use a cacher and outfielders with
strong throwing arms. Or if you're playing a team with a good pitching staff,
then you might want to put all of your best hitters in the starting line-up.
By the way, fast base runners are also quick when it comes to chasing down the
balls in the field, so they are very easy to operate. Putting your fastest
players in the outfield will make your fielding better.
* If you are not going to make any changes to the batting order or fielding
positions, press the start button and go on to the next screen.
Changing your batting order.
First, choose the player you want to replace by pushing the Control Cross up
or down. Then, press the A button, and a star mark will appear next to the
players name. Choose the player whom you want to put in the game to replace
the player with the star mark, and press the A button to change the line-up.
You can get rid of the star mark by pressing the B button.
Changing fielding positions.
When you want to change the players' fielding positions, start by pushing the
Control Cross to the left to change the cursor's direction. You can then go
ahead and change your line-up of fielders the same way as you did your batting
order. You can change your batting order when the cursor is pointed to the
right, and your fielding positions when the cursor is pointed to the left.
* When you have changed your batting order the new player's name and data will
replace the old player's, but the fielding positions will remain the same.
So, when you have made changes to the batting order don't forget to change
the players' positions in the field, too. When you are through making
changes press the start button.
Deciding on your starting pitcher.
Push the Control Cross to move the cursor to the name of the player whom you
want to make the starting pitcher, and press the A button. The pitcher whom
you have presently chosen will have a "pitcher mark" (Pi) next to his name.
When you are finished with the selection of your starting pitcher press the
start button.
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The ultimate all-star mode
Selecting your league.
Use the Control Cross to select your league, and then press the start button.
Changing your players.
You can replace the players who are presently shown on the screen by the
following method.
First, use the Control Cross to select the player whom you want to replace.
Press the A button and the player selection screen will come on. Here you can
choose the players that you want to put in the game. Push the Control Cross
sideways to change teams, and up and down to choose your players. A star mark
will appear next to the names of the players who have been chosen. After you
have chosen a player press the A button to put him in your line-up. Press the
B button to return to the screen showing your present team line-up. When you
are playing the two player game, the second player uses controller II to
choose his team. When you are finished making changes to your line-up press
the start button.
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Looking at the messages on the screen
Play screen
Ball and strike count
Score
Batter's name, position in the batting order, batting average, and home run
record
Pitcher's name and ERA (earned run average)
Fielding screen
Runners' position
Chart of the games' results.
When a game ends, a chart with the results of the game will appear on the
screen. It's a good idea to record your score after each game.
* The names of players who have hit inside the park home runs will not be
displayed. Also, if there are more than ten home runs hit in one game, all
the home runs after the tenth will just be displayed as "etc".
Press the start button to go to the password display screen.
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Batting
Batting with the Control Cross and the A button to swing
Use the Control cross to line up the batter's position and then press the
A button to swing. You can bunt by releasing the A button in the middle of
your swing. Change your batting strategy according to the conditions of the
game. On each team, by the way, there is one "hero" who is especially good at
taking advantage of good opportunities. The fans roar when this guy steps into
the batter's box. He's a good bet to hit a long one, maybe out of the park.
Running the bases
Running with the Control Cross and the B button.
When you want a runner who is one base to advance to the next base, use the
Control Cross to select the next base and press the B button. By pushing the
Control Cross downward and pressing the A button you can make a runner stop
between bases for as long as you hold the button down. You can't, however,
stop a runner when he is stealing a base.
Returning to a base with the Control Cross and the A button.
When you want a runner to return to the last base, use the Control Cross to
select the base and press the A button. He can't return, though, once he has
stepped on the next base.
2B
3B 1B
HP
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Pitching
You have control of the pitching throughout the three steps of the pitch.
STEP 1 Choose placement of the pitcher.
Push the Control Cross sideways to choose the spot from which you will pitch
the ball.
STEP 2 Choose speed of the pitch, and start the pitch.
Slow Pitch: Hold the Control Cross upward and press the A button.
Normal : Press the A button only.
Fast Pitch: Hold the Control Cross downward and press the A button.
STEP 3 Decode on curve ball, screwball, forkball or change-up.
After you've released the ball, you can use the Control Cross to make the ball
break right or left. In addition, you can throw a change-up when you are
throwing a fast pitch, and a forkball when you are throwing a slow pitch.
Change-up
Curve ball Screball
Forkball
Make up your own original breaking pitches and use them to keep the other
team's batters off balance. It's a good idea for you to make up names for your
own breaking pitches.
Picking a runner off base.
Press the B button and go to the fielding screen. Then, use the Control Cross
to select the base that you want to throw to, and press the A button to make
your pick-off move.
2B
3B 1B
HP
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Fielding
Fielding with the Control Cross.
Use the Control Cross to move your fielders into the position to catch the
balls that come their way. There are four players, however, who automatically
go to cover a base when the ball is hit, so you have to remember which players
you can move and which you can't.
Throwing with the Control Cross and the A button.
Use the Control Cross to select the base that you want tothrow to, and then
press the A button to make your throw. If you don't push the Control Cross,
the ball will automatically be thrown to first base.
Tagging a runner out with the Control Cross and the B button.
After your fielder catches the ball, use the Control Cross to select the base
and press the B button and the player with the ball will run toward the base
that you have chosen. You can make him throw the ball while he is running,
too.
2B
3B 1B
HP
Leaping play with the Control Cross and the B button.
You have the ability to make brilliant fielding plays - jumping and diving
catches. Push the Control Cross in the direction that you want to leap and
then press the B button. But, be careful. If you get too confident and try to
make an impossible play you could wind up making an error.
Push the Control Cross to the right and press the B button to dive to the
right.
Push the Control Cross to the left and press the B button to dive to the left.
Push the Control Cross upward and press the B button to jump straight up.
Push the Control Cross downward and press the B button to make a sliding catch
in front of you.
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Changing players during the game
Sending in a pinch runner.
Press the start button to call time-out and then the player whose team is at
bat should press the B button. Use the Control Cross to choose the runner whom
you want to replace and press the A button. Then, choose your pinch runner and
send him into the game by pressing the A button. If you decide that you don't
want to put in a pinch runner, press the B button to return to the play
screen.
Sending in a pinch hitter.
Press the start button to call time-out and then the player whose team is at
bat should press the A button. Use the Control Cross to choose your pinch
hitter and then send him into the game by pressing the A button. If you decide
that you don't want to put in a pinch hitter, press the B button to return to
the play screen.
Changing pitchers during the game.
Press the start button to call time-out and then the player whose team is in
the field should press the A button. The player's name that has a "pitcher
mark" (Pi) next to it is the current pitcher. Use the Control Cross to select
the player you want to put in the game and then press the A button to make the
change. If you decide you don't want to switch players, press the B button to
return to the play screen.
Changing fielders during the game.
Press the start button to call time-out and then the player whose team is in
the field should press the B button. First, use the Control Cross to select
the position of the player whom you want to replace and press the A button.
Then, use the Control Cross to choose the player you want to put in the game
and press the A button to make the change. If you decide you don't want to
switch players, press the B button to return to the play screen.
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Operating the players
Batting and running.
Batting: Use the Control Cross to pick your spot and then press the A button
to swing.
Running bases: Use the control Cross to choose the base you want to go to and
then press the B button.
Stopping runners: Push the Control Cross downward and press the A button. The
runner will not advance as long as you keep both buttons pressed down. (The
function cannot be used when the runner is advancing but now when
retreating.)
Returning to a base: Use a Control Cross to choose the base you want to return
to and then press the A button.
Fielding
Catching: Use the Control Cross to move your fielders into position.
Throwing: Use the Control Cross to choose the base you want to throw to, and
then press the A button.
Tagging a runner out: After you have caught the ball, use the Control Cross to
choose the base you will make your play and then press the B button.
Leaping play: Use the Control Cross to choose the direction you're going to
leap in, and then press the B button.
Pitching
Pitching spot: Choose your position on the mound by pushing the Control Cross
sideways.
The pitch: Adjust the speed of the pitch by pushing the Control Cross and A
button.
Pitch's course: Change the pitch's course by pushing the Control Cross to the
right or left as the pitch is being thrown.
Breaking balls: Throw breaking balls by pushing the Control Cross after a fast
pitch has been released.
Change-up
(Fast pitch)
Curve ball Screwball
(breaks to the left) (breaks to the right)
Forkball
(Slow pitch)
Picking-off runners: Try to pick a runner off by pressing the B button and
going to the fielding screen, then picking the base you want to throw to by
pushing the Control Cross, and throwing by pressing A button.
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The girls' mode
To use this mode, start the game by pressing the reset button while you push
Controller I to the lower left and Controller II upward. If a heart mark
appears on the title screen, then you know that you are in the girls' mode. Go
ahead and enjoy the game.
* Unfortunately, in this mode, the zoom-up display shows only boy players.
Sorry for letting you down.
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Password
Every time a game ends a password will be displayed on the screen. Be sure to
make a note of this password.
* Press the start button to go on to the next screen
Starting over where you left off last time.
Select "Password" and press the start button to go to the password input
screen. Use the Control Cross to choose the letters that you want to input,
and then press the A button to enter them. If you make a mistake when choosing
your letters, press the B button to bring back the cursor so that you can
reenter your letters. Once you have finished entering your letters, press the
start button to begin the game. If you have made a mistake when entering your
password, however, the screen will look like the photo below ("Wrong
Password"). Be careful that you don't make mistakes when entering your
password.
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"Bad News Baseball" rules
If one of the teams gets a lead of ten runs or more, the game will be called.
If the game goes into extra innings and neither team wins by the end of the
twelfth inning, then the game ends as a tie.
The rules of this game are designed to make it as close to real baseball as
possible, but there are certain points that differ due to the nature of the
game.
All of the teams and athletes who appear in this game are fictional and have
no relation to existing teams or athletes.