MLB The Show 25 Review
MLB The Show 25
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Developer: San Diego Studio
Genre:
PEGI: 7
Comments:
MLB The Show 25 does live up to its name as the most realistic and immersive baseball gaming franchise. Developed by Sony San Diego, this latest installment features a number of new features alongside an improvement of its fundamentals, providing old fans with a similar but new flavor.
The play remains as good as it can get with adjustments that make it rich in depth and authenticity. Amongst its new features is the “Ambush Hitting” feature, where players can predict pitch location. When predicted successfully, the Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) expands and hitting becomes easier. However, when missed, the PCI contracts, adding an aspect of risk and strategy. Fielding has also been improved, with quicker reaction times for fielders and a redesigned throwing meter that changes dynamically according to the degree of difficulty in the play. These changes add defensive play, making the game harder and more rewarding.
Graphically, “MLB The Show 25” is still beautiful with realistic player models and stadiums. The graphics have been tweaked to give a more realistic feel, simulating the complexities of America’s favorite sport. The presentation is also excellent, with real commentary and crowd sounds that add life to the game.
The game has a plethora of modes to cater to different play styles:
Diamond Dynasty: This popular fan mode has been enhanced by eliminating the limiting “Sets and Seasons” aspect, so players can play with any cards they have accumulated at any time of the year. The new “Diamond Quest” mode introduces a roguelike feature, where players move around a board game-style map to gain rewards.
Storylines: By expanding baseball history, this mode places in the limelight the careers of the likes of such Negro League greats as James “Cool Papa” Bell and Buck Leonard. It’s informative and rewarding, with defined challenges and insight into the sport’s rich history.
Road to The Show: This mode has been reworked with a more sophisticated system that further refines the amateur stage of a player’s career and makes it more immersive and customized.
Three of the stars of tomorrow from this year are featured on the cover: Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson. It is a nod to the game’s dedication to presenting the future of baseball.
Pros:
Great gameplay and presentation.
New features such as Ambush Hitting and Diamond Quest.
Depth of historical content in Storylines mode.
More accessibility and flexibility in Diamond Dynasty.
Cons:
Some players will have some trouble with new hitting mechanics.
Rare problems with Perfect/Perfect contact that leads to outs.
MLB The Show 25 perfectly balances change with tradition by presenting a broad baseball experience which is appealing for casual players and hardcore fans. From creating your ideal team within Diamond Dynasty or recreating historical baseball moments through Storylines, this game promises to deliver what anyone wants from a baseball title. It is an absolute necessity for any die-hard baseball fan.
Trailer
Article By Kevin Austin
Kevin Austin has been in gaming journalism in one way or another since the launch of the Nintendo Gamecube. Married and father of 3 children he has been gaming since the ripe age of 6 when he got his first NES system and over 30 years later he is still gaming almost daily. Kevin is also co-founder of the Play Some Video Games (PSVG) Podcast network which was founded over five years ago and is still going strong. Some of his favorite gaming series includes Fallout and Far Cry, he is a sucker for single player adventure games (hence his big reviews for Playstation), and can frequently be found getting down in one battle royale or another. If it's an oddball game, odds are he's all about it.
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