Boston Red Sox player Jon Lester is featured in a new 3D mobile video game that lets users test their hitting skills against the pitcher.

?Jon Lester Hardball Ace? is available to download for free from the Apple iTunes store and Android Market. It is the first to use detailed motion capture-simulation technology to recreate an athlete?s skill in action, per the developer.

?We believe that consumers will be demanding more of their casual gaming experience and that motion capture technology is a tool that we can provide to meet their needs,? said Jeremy Bargiel, CEO of Face the Ace Games, which developed the game.

?We believe that consumers will want a gaming experience that allows them to compete with their favorite athlete on the digital field and then chat with them over Twitter,? he said. ?We believe this is the next step in the gaming experience.?

Through the use of detailed motion capture-simulation technology, the game is able to provide detailed simulations of Mr. Lester?s movements, including pitch selection, ball trajectory, arm speed and shoulder angles.

In-game prizes
Players can improve their scores over time as they learn Mr. Lester?s tendencies.

The game has algorithms programmed in to simulate Mr. Lester?s left-handed, three-quarters arm angle delivery, his command of the outside strike zone and his proficiency at mixing speeds.

?Our focus is to create the most realistic and engaging game experience environment for mobile gamers,? Mr. Bargiel said. 

?We use motion capture technology to re-create the experience of facing Jon Lester in the batters box,? he said.

The game also features fans in the stand, a locker room and a batter?s box to help create an immersive experience.

As players? scores increase, they can redeem them for in-game sponsored prizes.

This is the first release from 3D mobile development production company Face the Ace Games.

?This simply is the closest one can come to playing against Jon Lester without stepping to the plate at Fenway,? Mr. Bargiel said.