Step up to the plate with MLB The Show 25, offering key improvements, making it a must-play for baseball fans, my full review.
A new MLB season is just around the corner, and fans everywhere are gearing up for baseball action. MLB The Show 25 hits the mound with its latest installment in the series celebrating its 20th anniversary. As someone who’s been playing The Show since its early days, I couldn’t wait to dive into this year’s iteration—it’s made some key improvements in the offseason and come out swinging. While it doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel on the diamond, it adds enough to stand out as the most refined entry yet. But does MLB The Show 25 truly hit it out of the park? Let's dive in.
MLB The Show 25 Review Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 Pro and Xbox Series X
Developer: San Diego Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player and Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
MLB The Show 25 Gameplay Improvements
The gameplay in MLB The Show 25 feels more authentic than ever. The introduction of hundreds of new animations, especially in fielding, makes player movements more realistic and immersive, resembling the real thing more closely. For instance, I've seen new details in reactions to deep hits, from players hopping by the warning track to crashing into the wall to make a quick play.
"The gameplay in MLB The Show 25 feels more authentic than ever."
These unique animations enhance the overall authenticity on the virtual diamond. Let’s take a look at other key gameplay improvements that are on the field this season:
Ambush Hitting Mechanic
A new batting feature called "Ambush Hitting" rewards you for predicting pitch locations before they're thrown. Guessing correctly provides a boost to contact and power, adding a layer of strategy to at-bats. However, if you guess wrong, you’ll be whiffing at the ball like a rookie. Misses can be discouraging, making it a feature that some may love while others might avoid.
New G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Difficulty
The new “ultra-hard difficulty” mode in The Show 25 cranks the challenge to the max, delivering an experience tailored for the most seasoned players. G.O.A.T mode sees fastballs blaze past with increased velocity, off-speed pitches are more unpredictable, and the timing for swings has been tightened considerably.
"The new “ultra-hard difficulty” mode in The Show 25 cranks the challenge to the max, delivering an experience tailored for the most seasoned players."
To further raise the stakes, batter PCIs are significantly reduced, making it even tougher to make solid contact. Pinpoint pitching inputs demand greater precision for those on the mound, while pitcher PARs (Perfect Accuracy Regions) are larger, adding another layer of complexity. In essence, this mode is not for the faint of heart—it’s a brutal but exhilarating gauntlet meant to push even the most skilled players to their absolute limits.
MLB The Show 25 New Modes and Other Improvements
This year, MLB The Show 25 brings some noteworthy additions to new and legacy modes while also making some fan-requested subtractions that help to make the overall package more appealing. Let’s take a look at the additions and subtractions that have brought a better line-up of content to the diamond this season:
Road to the Show Amateur Expansion
This year, Road to the Show offers a more in-depth career mode by allowing players to start their journey in high school, progress through college, and enter the MLB Draft. Your choices during these stages influence your draft stock, adding depth to player progression.
"Your choices during these stages influence your draft stock, adding depth to player progression."
There are very few high school and college teams available, but it feels like a step in the right direction for Road to the Show.
New Diamond Quest Mode
This was an unexpected addition for me but a welcome one that does something different. Diamond Quest introduces a roguelike-inspired mode with risk-reward decisions. This brings fresh challenges but doesn't drastically alter the core gameplay loop.
MLB The Show 25 Graphics and Presentation
Visually, MLB The Show 25 is comparable to last year’s instalment in many ways, with few notable upgrades outside of new animations. Player models still look great, with many super-star players featuring close likenesses to their real-world counterparts. Stadiums are recreated with impressive accuracy; as a Jays fan, I spent quite a bit of playtime in the SkyDome, and it looks great in comparison to IRL.
"Stadiums are recreated with impressive accuracy; as a Jays fan, I spent quite a bit of playtime in the SkyDome, and it looks great in comparison to IRL."
In terms of presentation, it’s quite impressive, with UI changes and some truly awesome video packages for some game modes. Outside of that, I am still hoping for greater graphical upgrades in the future from a new engine like Unreal 5.
Final Thoughts on MLB The Show 25
MLB The Show 25 is a testament to two decades of dedication to baseball simulation. Its refined gameplay mechanics and immersive modes its a must-play for both hardcore fans and newcomers. While minor areas could benefit from further polishing, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"MLB The Show 25 is a testament to two decades of dedication to baseball simulation."
As a Toronto Blue Jays fan, leading my team to a virtual World Series victory felt incredibly satisfying. Whether you want to relive historic baseball moments or create new ones, MLB The Show 25 delivers a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
MLB The Show 25 Pros
+Enhanced batting and fielding mechanics
+Expanded Road to the Show
+Better Diamond Dynasty Experience
MLB The Show 25 Cons
-Occasional frame rate drops
-Minor delays in defensive animations
-Pacing issues in Diamond Quest's early stages
Overall Assessment of MLB The Show 25
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Lasting Appeal / Replayability: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 33/40 = 83%
Thanks to PlayStation for providing a copy of the game to conduct this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a way for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.
留言