I truly sympathize with the challenges of maintaining an annual series like MLB The Show. Crafting new elements, addressing feedback, and launching another season of The Negro Leagues all within tight deadlines is no easy feat. These efforts often boil down to one big question: is it worth making the switch from last year’s version? Fortunately, with significant updates to modes like Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty, MLB The Show 25 gives a firm yes to that question.
In terms of gameplay, the core baseball mechanics haven’t shifted much this year, but a few subtle enhancements make a difference. Noteworthy adjustments, like two-way player roles, revamped shift rules, and the pitch clock, are now standard features. Additionally, there are new quick time events for instances where you’re focused on a single player. The standout is the swim move to dodge tags—I was initially concerned it might simplify base stealing too much, but it appears sparingly, making it a delightful surprise. Infielders have diversified reactions too, which can dramatically influence play speed. This update generally results in more realistic defensive performances, setting elite defenders apart in Franchise mode.
Hank Aaron once said, “Always keep swinging,” and MLB The Show 24 embodied that spirit. It continued to raise the bar for baseball simulations, honoring the sport’s rich history alongside its exceptional gameplay. The Negro Leagues’ second season started on a high note, and the inclusion of women in these leagues and Road to The Show showcased Sony San Diego’s dedication to inclusivity. Despite a storyline that felt lacking and a fluctuating Diamond Dynasty, the game’s novelties like Custom Game Entry in Franchise made it a top choice for virtual baseball. – Justin Koreis, March 20, 2024.
There’s also this new ambush hitting feature, where you can lean towards hitting inside or outside pitches, simplifying swings on the chosen side while complicating the opposite ones. It’s an intriguing concept in theory, although I generally find more success staying neutral, making selective use of it. The overall hitting experience remains satisfying, yet something feels off about perfect contact. While the sound of the bat is as gratifying as ever, it all too often results in hard-hit outs or singles, lacking adequate reward for seemingly ideal hits. Hopefully, this aspect will see refinement.
Franchise mode offers you the chance to helm your favorite team and fix management oversights, like adding a key batter to the Mariners. This year, the custom game entry feature again lets you auto-simulate until critical situations arise and you can jump in. The free agent contract process has been revamped: you now shortlist targets and gauge their interest as time progresses. It’s an improvement that simplifies dealings while introducing strategic decisions, like chasing marquee players or completing a balanced roster.
In short, the backbone of The Show 25 remains as robust as ever with small yet valued refinements instead of massive aerial revamps. While Franchise and March to October modes haven’t seen drastic changes, they benefit from new production values like player comparisons. The new G.O.A.T. difficulty level poses a stern challenge too, with rapid pitches and tight Plate Coverage Indicators, although it’s a test of skill I personally find too demanding. Those seeking a thrill, however, might relish it.
Road To The Show mode is a highlight with extensive changes this year, breathing fresh life into it. Ditching the usual combine draft entry, you’re now starting as a high school player. This introductory segment may be brief, but playing through the final year, impressing scouts, and vying for a championship adds an exciting narrative layer. My player, Pinky Rogers, a talented two-way athlete, impressively caught the eyes of numerous top leagues and, another first for The Show, college scouts as well.
This development presents an engaging decision: leap into professional leagues straightaway or embrace collegiate competition, honing your game and potentially earning higher draft status. Choosing the collegiate path took me to TCU, from a selection of eight real teams. The authenticity was striking, right from uniforms to the distinct metal bat clinks. This path allowed me to emerge with enhanced stats, springboarding from AA to AAA leagues more swiftly than in previous editions—significant improvement in reducing the sluggishness of historical progression.
A notable shift comes in player progression as well. Past editions employed a “use it to improve it” mechanic, akin to Elder Scrolls RPGs, gradually building skills through specific actions. Now, a token system allows you to allocate development points. Although a seemingly minor tweak, it dynamically impacts how your character evolves. Each successful bat, pitch, or training run feeds progress, making it irresistible to play “just one more game.” While some longer training events might feel unnecessary in comparison to simple drills, this approach has made Road to the Show particularly hard for me to stop playing.
The Negro League storyline marks a flagship feature, returning for an impressive third season. It artfully blends mini-documentaries on players like “Cool Papa” Bell with iconic career highlights. Hosted by Bob Kendrick, the charismatic figure who heads the Negro League Museum, it continues to marry historical depth with entertaining gameplay. Yet, barring the new stories, the mode is largely unchanged from the past versions. I previously lauded the Negro League debut in my Show 23 review, but the stagnation since then feels like a missed opportunity. While the vignettes remain captivating, gameplay challenges could introduce more variety instead of repeating hits or strikeouts, reminiscent of Diamond Dynasty moments. More innovative elements, like unique scenarios from Season 1, might have enriched it further.
Another omission is the anticipated storyline centered on a player like we saw with Derek Jeter in The Show 24. Although not perfect, its branching paths and rewards suggested an evolution in Storylines. With countless remarkable tales throughout baseball’s legacy, Show 25’s decision not to expand on this potential leaves me wanting.
In Diamond Dynasty, the card-collecting angle sees some excellent changes this time around. The contentious Sets and Seasons system—limiting card use by time—has thankfully been abandoned. Consequently, the satisfaction of collecting and grinding for top-tier cards is heightened, as you can now retain and enhance them for long-term use. It’s a very welcome modification.
On top of that, Diamond Dynasty introduces Diamond Quest, a single-player mode inspired by roguelite board games. Although it might sound unusual, it’s genuinely enjoyable. You roll dice to navigate a board, and each stop might conceal a challenge, reward, or be empty. The target is to reach stadiums and win short three-inning games with your squad. Success secures accumulated rewards and a shot at high-tier cards. The mode’s unpredictability makes it refreshing and rewarding, especially since you can set stadium game difficulty levels. Whether savoring easy wins or risking everything for a bigger challenge, the appeal lies in the choice.
