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MLB 11: The Show Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

MLB 11: The Show Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

The Show Returns

Unlike football, baseball is one sport where game developers have remained competitive. Though the 2K MLB series has always done a great job with realism, The Show once again proves that it has the upper hand. Though the newest entry doesn’t exactly re-invent the wheel, The Show has plenty of new features that will keep veterans happy. Though newbies will probably get a little lost at first with its expansive features and modes, the game’s intuitive interface and “Road to the Show” mode ensure that players of all skill levels can sit back and enjoy The Show.

As is the case with all yearly sports titles, The Show does have a fair amount of recycled content. Unfortunately, sports fans have come to expect this type of repetition, as short development times limit what one can do to update a game full of hundreds of character models, extremely accurate physics engines, and enough stats to make a pro fantasy player squeal with delight.

MLB 11: The Show Screenshot

But despite having Franchise and Road to the Show modes that are nearly identical to last year’s offering (with the exception of roster updates and some organizational differences), this year’s The Show is packing a big punch in the form of new “pure” analog controls. Though the Show has had pretty standard controls in its previous iterations, the new approach to the control scheme makes the experience feel even more accurate by using the right analog stick to augment the particulars of the action you are taking. For example, when pitching, you can use the right stick to determine specific throwing stats before you let go. Conversely, the pure analog system, when implemented while you are batting allows for additional precision when striding and swinging.

The learning curve is steep for those who are new to the franchise, or have been away for awhile, but the game smartly weaves small tutorials throughout the game. Despite its somewhat repetitive and derivative nature, the Road to the Show mode is a great vehicle to use to learn all the nuances for the new controls, and though it’s easy to be tempted to jump right into the game’s super-deep franchise mode, following a single-player through a career will give you a deep understanding of the new mechanics, and also still provides the same satisfying experience that fans have come to expect from the series. And of course, if the game sees that you are doing poorly (there’s a very sensitive performance analysis tool) some pretty intense tutorials will be triggered, and the game will lock you out of progression until you do better. It sounds harsh, but if you are jumping feet first into The Show, it is a welcome assist.

MLB 11: The Show Screenshot

In addition to minor changes to the single-player mode, MLB 11: The Show also implements a change to the multiplayer mode that has been a long time coming: four-player co-op. Though two-player co-op has been a staple of the baseball genre for quite some time, there has always been room for larger multiplayer fun, and with this latest release, fans finally get what they’ve been asking for. And the best part? You can take your four-player matches online as well!

And speaking of online modes, MLB 11: The Show also has a weekly challenge mode where players can submit their scores to compete with players around the world. If you are confident in your skills, you can even qualify for some real-life prizes. This mode is a great incentive to keep players engaged, and even though I consider myself more of a “noob” when it comes to baseball, if you are a heavy-hitter, participating in the weekly challenges will be a rewarding experience…literally!

MLB 11: The Show Screenshot

The core game features are enough to make MLB 11: The Show an attractive package all by itself, but the game also has some pretty nifty bonus content for those with premium gaming setups. Since the game is a recent first-party Sony effort, it is presented in full stereoscopic 3D, which is cool if you have a 3D TV. Likewise, if you have the PlayStation Move, the game has a Home Run Derby mode that allows you to swing the bat to hit home runs with the Move motion controller.

MLB 11: The Show Screenshot

Though Home Run Derby doesn’t have the same hardcore sim feeling as the rest of the game content, it works well as a nice diversion, and is certainly the most welcoming mode for those new to the franchise. As the Move’s catalog is still in its infancy, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people pick this game up just for the Move mode, and although it’s far from being as encompassing as the short lived MLB Power Pros series on the Wii (which had an all-motion control mode) the Move is implemented nicely here, and it will be great to see this feature evolve in future releases.

Visually, the game looks great. The player models are all spectacularly detailed, and the different stadiums are presented with loving detail. The sound in the game is also quite well done, and commentary is insightful and relevant. Even the crowd noise is responsive, and depending on whether you are playing a home or away game, you will hear responsive boos and cheers from the stands.

MLB 11: The Show certainly lives up to its name as a “show” title for Sony. It looks great, has solid single-player modes, and has enough new features to keep fans interested. I can definitely see MLB 11: The Show being an entry point in the series for plenty of people (especially those who crave new Move-compatible games) and if you have been thinking about diving in to the best baseball sim series around, you couldn’t have picked a better time to jump in. And of course, if you’re someone who is a longtime fan, then this new iteration of The Show is a no-brainer.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.8 Graphics
Visuals are sharp and extremely detailed. 4.6 Control
New precision controls take some time to learn, but are rewarding for those who want to ultimate sim experience. 4.7 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Commentary track sounds great and feels natural no matter what the context is. 4.5 Play Value
Both the Road to the Show and Franchise modes have plenty of replay ability, and with the added challenge of PlayStation Network weekly challenges, this is one game you won’t be able to put down any time soon. 4.6 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 – 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 – 2.9 = Average 3.5 – 3.9 = Good 4.5 – 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 – 2.4 = Poor 3.0 – 3.4 = Fair 4.0 – 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

  • Pure hitting and pitching: Use the Dual Shock 3 analog sticks as a new way to experience MLB The Show.
  • All-new co-op play: Up to four-player co-op mode with two-on-two online multiplayer.
  • New and improved Road to the Show: Increase your skills and get called up to The Big Leagues.
  • Challenge of the Week online mode: Weekly baseball fix. Big time prizes.
  • New Home Run Derby with PlayStation Move.
  • The authentic MLB experience.

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