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Maintaining an annual sports series like MLB The Show must be a monumental task. The pressure is on to introduce fresh features, fix past grievances, and produce new content like the season of The Negro Leagues. It all boils down to one crucial question for fans each year: is the newest installment a worthwhile upgrade? Thanks to significant improvements in the Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty modes, MLB The Show 25 delivers an emphatic “yes.”
Baseball itself hasn’t seen drastic changes this year, but that’s not necessarily a downside. With full integration of two-way players, revisions in shift rules, and the pitch clock, the game feels more authentic. A new quick time event, allowing players to execute a swim move to dodge tags, spices up single-player control situations. While I was initially worried this might make base-stealing a breeze, it pops up rarely enough to feel like a pleasant surprise rather than a cheat. Infield reactions now differ more noticeably based on player skill, enhancing the authenticity of gameplay—poor defenders really have to struggle, which ups the value of top-tier defenders, especially in Franchise mode.
### Reflecting on MLB The Show 24
Hank Aaron’s advice to “always keep swinging” captures the spirit of MLB The Show 24 perfectly. By honoring the sport’s legacy alongside its sharp gameplay, this installment continued to push the boundaries of what a baseball simulation can do. Season 2 of the Negro Leagues was a standout feature, its inclusion of women a testament to Sony San Diego’s dedication to diversity in baseball. Notwithstanding a couple of lukewarm aspects like the storyline, the innovative features and apt integration of MLB’s latest changes made it a commendable experience. – Justin Koreis, March 20, 2024
### Score: 8
Check out the full MLB The Show 24 Review for more insights.
A fresh addition this year is the ambush hitting feature, where players can predict inside or outside pitches for a tactical advantage. Although conceptually appealing, I have personally found greater success by maintaining a neutral approach. Hitting feels robust overall, yet there’s something slightly off with perfect contact. Despite the delightful sound of a perfect hit, these often lead to merely hard-hit outs or singles, which feels inadequate given the effort. I hope future updates tweak this.
In Franchise mode, which allows you to manage everything about your favorite team, much remains familiar from last year. I still love the custom game entry feature, allowing for seamless transition into pivotal moments during auto-simulated games. Free agency offers a revamped experience, requiring prioritization of targets and the strategic collection of interest over time. This simplifies processes and introduces intriguing decisions between big-name acquisitions and roster enhancements.
The enduring strength of MLB The Show 25 is underpinned by subtle yet meaningful updates instead of outright overhauls. While Franchise and March to October modes aren’t completely reimagined, they benefit from production enhancements like player comparisons. The new G.O.A.T. difficulty, aptly named, challenges players with its blisteringly fast pitches and minuscule Plate Coverage Indicator, making it a haven for those seeking an intense challenge.
### Road to the Show
Major changes breathe new life into Road To The Show, where you guide a custom player from high school to the big leagues. This year introduces a thrilling beginning where players start in high school, offering a fresh yet brief experience of impressing scouts and dodging opposing teams. My custom player, Pinky Rogers, was a standout, capturing the attention of major league scouts and college talent searchers alike.
Decisions become significant here: jump to the professional stage or develop skills through college first? I chose the collegiate path, accepting an offer from TCU among eight real college teams. The level of detail, from team jerseys to the unique metal bat sound during college playoffs, was impressive. This path also allowed for accelerated advancement through the minor leagues, a notable improvement over past grinds.
The new progression system shifts from the traditional “use it to improve it” model to a token system, allowing for more tailored player development. Every action on the field contributes to progress, greatly amplifying the game’s addictive nature. While some lengthy training minigames may seem less rewarding, the overall upgrade system has kept Road To The Show remarkably engaging.
### Storyline
The return of the Negro League storyline, now in its third season, is a highlight of The Show. It’s one of the most engaging modes, blending mini-documentaries about Negro League legends like “Cool Papa” Bell with playable career moments, enriched by narratives from Bob Kendrick. The content remains largely unchanged, which, while still excellent, leaves room for more dynamic and varied gameplay.
Absent is a comprehensive storyline focused on a single player as seen with Derek Jeter in The Show 24. Despite its imperfections, that approach hinted at untapped potential within the Storylines concept. MLB The Show 25’s lack of exploration in this direction leaves a bittersweet taste, as it misses the chance to dive deeper into baseball’s rich century-long history.
### Diamond Dynasty
Diamond Dynasty returns with several compelling updates, particularly the abolition of the Sets and Seasons mechanic. No longer are your prized card acquisitions bound to time limits, making it more rewarding to invest in specific players and maintain them as key team members. The change adds value and permanence to your efforts.
A new single-player mode, Diamond Quest, brings a refreshing twist with its roguelite-inspired format. It sounds unconventional, but it’s a delightful dice-rolling adventure. Each move might present a challenge or reward, with Stadium games capping off the quest for great prizes. Its randomized nature and adjustable difficulty enhance replayability, making it an exciting addition that offers strategic depth and satisfying rewards.
