The annual series MLB The Show requires significant effort to maintain, with new features to add, issues to fix, and new content to produce each year. The latest installment, MLB The Show 25, faces the common question of whether it’s worth upgrading from the previous year. Thanks to significant changes in the Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty modes, MLB The Show 25 confidently answers that question with a resounding yes.
While the core gameplay of baseball remains relatively unchanged in MLB The Show 25, there are notable tweaks and improvements throughout the game. New features like two-way players, adjustments to shift rules, and the pitch clock have been fully incorporated. Additionally, quick time events have been added for individual player control, such as the swim move to avoid tags, adding a fresh dynamic to gameplay without making it too easy. Infielders now have different initial reactions, affecting their defensive capabilities and emphasizing the value of skilled defenders in Franchise mode.
What we said about MLB The Show 24
Hank Aaron’s famous motto, “Always keep swinging,” could not be truer for MLB The Show 24. The game continues to push boundaries by honoring the sport’s history and delivering excellent gameplay. The Negro League season 2 and the addition of women in Road to The Show highlight Sony San Diego’s commitment to inclusivity. With new features like Custom Game Entry and seamless integration of MLB’s updates, MLB The Show 24 provides an exceptional baseball experience. – Justin Koreis, March 20, 2024
Score: 8
Read the full MLB The Show 24 Review.
MLB The Show 25 introduces an ambush hitting feature, allowing players to ‘cheat’ towards inside or outside pitches for improved batting control. While hitting mechanics feel satisfying overall, there is room for improvement in terms of perfect contact outcomes, which often result in less rewarding hits. The Franchise mode, where players manage their favorite teams, offers familiar gameplay with new features like custom game entry and an enhanced free agent contract system.
The focus of MLB The Show 25 is on incremental updates rather than drastic changes, refining existing features like Franchise and March to October modes. The new G.O.A.T. difficulty level provides a challenging experience for players seeking a test of skill.
Road to the Show
Road To The Show mode undergoes significant changes in MLB The Show 25, offering players a fresh experience year after year. Players now start as amateurs in high school, allowing for a more immersive journey from the grassroots. The revamped player upgrade system, using tokens instead of a gradual improvement model, enhances the overall player development experience.
Storyline
The Negro League storyline in MLB The Show 25 continues to impress with its documentary-style presentation and historical context. Despite its engaging content, the lack of significant advancements in gameplay challenges within the mode is noted, leaving room for future developments.
The absence of a robust individual player storyline, like the Derek Jeter storyline in MLB The Show 24, is a missed opportunity for MLB The Show 25 to expand on its narrative elements.
Diamond Dynasty
Diamond Dynasty mode in MLB The Show 25 includes notable improvements, such as the removal of Sets and Seasons limitations on player usability. The addition of Diamond Quest, a single-player mode with roguelite-inspired gameplay, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for players.