MLB The Show 18 PS4 Game Review

By: Max Cannon

I've heard of how amazing each and every iteration of MLB The Show is but, as someone who doesn't follow baseball very closely, the opportunity has never presented itself to actually play the game. Well, if a casual fan like myself can have such a blast with MLB The Show 18 then I can't imagine how thrilled true sports fans will feel to have the chance to try it out for themselves. It's never too late to try out the best baseball game around.

Stepping Up to the Plate

While games like Forza Horizon 3 have left me rolling my eyes with their melodramatic live-action intro, something about the opening of The Show really sells what it is about baseball that seems to enrapture fans both young and old. There's a deep appreciation for the sport shown on every inch of The Show from the roster of players both in the major and minor leagues to the engaging commentary which really makes a mistake sting and victory feel validated, especially if you're taking a character on his Road to the Show.

Playing as Babe Ruth is a great distraction from the meat of the game.Courtesy of Sony San Diego

The game quickly shows you the ropes while also giving a ton of flexibility to keep the game controlling the way you'd like to. With multiple different control schemes to either pitch or hit, it won't be long before you're striking people out and hitting home runs. While you can quickly jump into an exhibition game with your favorite team, the sort of story mode, which is becoming increasingly common in sports games,  is what demanded most of my time. Building up a player from a prospects team to the MLB is an engaging journey that helps you feel the frustration of being benched and the thrill of being picked up by a team. Sometimes there are inconsistencies though, while I really love the commentary I've heard the same quotes on my first game as I did my last (also if pitching a perfect game doesn't get me out of the minors what will!?)

MLB The Show 18 | Gameplay Trailer | PS4

A View From the Bleachers

While The Show is definitely visually superior to nearly every other sports games on the market, there is a wide spectrum of quality here. You'll have some gorgeous moments, especially when you're on the mound at sunset, but moments later you'll see some shockingly poor visuals. No one in the industry seems capable of making realistic crowds but when you head into a giant stadium you'll see MLB The Show 18 shine -- though it's pretty painful in the smaller venues. 

The larger stadiums look absolutely goregous especially when in motion.Courtesy of Sony San Diego

The players all look awesome and even maintain some mannerisms from their real-life counterparts. And while some models don't have the same level of love put into them, you'll notice one thing is consistent in every game you play: energy. Though there is a pair of energy and confidence meters attached to your pitcher, the energy of the game's atmosphere is even more impressive. When you've thrown 10 strikeouts in a row, you can feel the excitement of the crowd as you throw that 11th one. The recreation of that thrill a pitcher feels on the mound or a batter running after a homer is what makes MLB The Show a cut above the competition.

The players from the Major Leagues are often higher quality.Courtesy of Sony San Diego

Final Thoughts

If you love the real-life game of baseball then you'll undoubtedly adore MLB The Show 18 and if you're just a casual fan, like me, then you may be surprised with how much fun you have. If you absolutely hate sports than it's a no-brainer to pass on this game but for anyone else it'll be hard to top the quality on display here. Sony San Diego's love of baseball is evident on every inch of this game and I'll be paying close attention to future titles to come out of this studio. 

Pros

• Control Options
• Rosters
• High Energy

Cons

• Poor Visuals in Certain Areas
• Repetitive Quotes

MLB The Show 18 Game Rating:

MLB The Show 18 Box ArtCourtesy of Sony San Diego

Available for PlayStation 4

Have Your Say!

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