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MLB The Show 24 review

March 31, 2024

MLB The Show 24 hits a home run with its latest installment. It offers an immersive baseball experience that captures the essence of many people’s favourite pastime. Developed by San Diego Studio, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and MLB, this annual franchise continues to evolve, bringing fans closer to the action on the field.

With enhanced gameplay mechanics, new features like Impact Plays, and a focus on defensive strategies, MLB The Show 24 offers an exciting and authentic baseball simulation. Let’s dive and explore all the highlights of this beloved sports game.

MLB The Show 24 Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer(s): San Diego Studio
Publisher(s): Sony Interactive Entertainment, MLB Advanced Media
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

New features and additions

In MLB The Show 24, several new features have been added to enhance the gameplay experience. Let’s take a look at the top 3 new features added this year.

Impact plays

Impact Plays in MLB The Show 24 are a new feature that adds a layer of excitement and interactivity to the gameplay experience, particularly in the defensive aspect of the game. These plays are essentially Quick Time Events that are specific to each position on the field. Giving you more opportunities to directly impact the outcome of the game.

I found that Impact Plays made defensive plays more engaging and immersive. They require quick reflexes and precise button inputs. This adds a level of skill and challenge to fielding that can lead to rewarding moments of making game-changing plays such as diving catches, relay throws, or robbing home runs.

On the other hand, these Quick Time Events started to feel a bit repetitive and predictable at time. And, I could see that some players, who prefer a more traditional and skill-based approach to fielding, may find these to be too scripted or artificial, detracting from the realism of the game. However, when all is said and done, I really enjoyed this new addition. It kept me on my toes toes during crucial defensive situations. And, it brought a new level of excitement to the game.

Derek Jeter storyline

The inclusion of a storyline centered around New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter offers a unique insight into his career. The format of the storyline mirrors that of the Negro League storyline, with Jeter narrating episodes of his journey in becoming one of the best players in baseball. At the end of the episodes, you are rewarded with a Subway Series Captain Derek Jeter player card to use in Diamond Dynasty.

I found Jeter’s storyline to be interesting and commend San Diego Studio at doing a good job of giving us a look into Jeter’s career and the iconic moments that defined his legacy. Another nice touch is the fact that Jeter himself narrates. This adds authenticity and depth to the storytelling, making it a compelling and engaging experience for fans of the sport.

Female ballplayer creation

In my opinion, the most important addition this year is the ability to create female ballplayers. This is a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the game. You now have the option to create your own custom female player and guide them on the journey to becoming a professional baseball player.

This unique feature allows female gamers to immerse themselves in the game and experience the thrill of pursuing a career in baseball, breaking barriers in the virtual sports world. Furthermore, the inclusion of female players in the game not only adds diversity but also showcases the talent and skill of women in baseball.

The remastered animation, commentary audio, and storytelling in the Road to the Show mode provides a platform for female players to pave their way to the Major Leagues, challenging stereotypes and celebrating their achievements in the sport.

The most authentic looking and sounding ballpark experience

MLB The Show 24 goes above and beyond in recreating each of the MLB league’s baseball stadiums with meticulous detail and accuracy. The game’s visuals truly shine in this aspect, with realistic depictions of iconic stadiums like Fenway Park, Dodger Stadium, and Yankee Stadium. Each stadium is faithfully recreated, capturing the unique architecture, atmosphere, and feel of the real-life venues.

You really feel like you are stepping onto the field of your favourite team’s home stadium. The attention to detail extends to the smallest features like the outfield walls, scoreboards, and even the crowd animations. And, MLB The Show 24’s dynamic lighting system, which changes based on the time of day and weather conditions, adds another layer of realism to each and every game you play. It doesn’t stop their either. San Diego Studio has improved player animations and likenesses. The attention to detail in the animations, from batting stances to pitching motions makes it feel like you are watching real players on the field.

Sound plays a crucial role in recreating the stadium experience. MLB The Show 24 features authentic crowd noise, player chatter, and stadium announcements adding to the atmosphere. The game’s announcers provide insightful commentary, making you feel like they are truly part of the game. MLB The Show 24’s recreation of each baseball stadium is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of San Diego Studio, creating an immersive and authentic experience that will delight any baseball fan.

Multiplayer modes in MLB The Show 24

MLB The Show 24 offers an engaging multiplayer experience with various modes and online features that enhance the overall gameplay. You can compete against friends or other gamers in online matches, testing your skills and strategies in real-time. In my experience, I found the game’s matchmaking system to be fair. I never got matched up with someone who was a significantly better or not as good player as myself.

MLB The Show 24’s online features allow you to join leagues, tournaments, and events, adding a sense of community to the overall gaming experience. Whether you prefer head-to-head matchups or cooperative gameplay, San Diego Studio did a good job with MLB The Show 24’s multiplayer modes offering a dynamic and immersive way to enjoy the game with others. With seamless connectivity, engaging online gameplay and modes, it’s easy to see that MLB The Show 24 provides a thrilling and interactive multiplayer experience that ensure you will keep coming back for more.

MLB The Show 24 caters to every kind of fan with a variety of modes and a more refined experience

MLB The Show 24 offers a comprehensive and immersive baseball gaming experience that caters to fans of all levels. With a variety of modes like Storylines and Road to the Show, players can dive into the rich history of the sport and create their own path to stardom. The gameplay improvements, especially in defensive mechanics with Impact Plays, add a new layer of excitement and engagement to each match.

The biggest highlight and addition to MLB The Show 24, in my opinion, is the inclusion of female players. This is a huge positive step towards diversity and representation in sports gaming and I can’t wait to see how this is expanded upon in the coming years. The game’s outstanding gameplay, enhanced presentation, and attention to detail in replicating real-life MLB experiences make it a must-play for any baseball enthusiast.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a returning fan, MLB The Show 24 offers a refined and exciting gaming experience that captures the essence of baseball for everyone.

+ Impact Plays enhance defensive gameplay, making matches exciting and fresh
+ Female ballplayer creation helps to bring new players to the field and promotes inclusivity in the game of baseball
+ Road to the Show mode offers a refined experience for players

– Some objectives in the Storylines mode may feel repetitive
– The addition of Quick Time Events in a sports game might initially seem odd and potentially off-putting to some players