Review: MLB 07: The Show (PS3)

Graphics- 7/10
Sound- 8/10
Gameplay- 9.5/10
Replay Value- 9.5/10
Overall- 8.5/10

The Show is back! MLB 07: The Show for the PS3 is pretty much the PS2 version of the same game. This really isn't a bad thing, except in the graphics department. The Show is fun on all systems, but the PS3 version is probably the best. If you are a baseball fan, I highly recommend this game.

The next edition of the Show is here with MLB 07: The Show, finally out for the PS3. It was released two and a half months after the PS2 and PSP versions, which were released before the start of the season. The '07 version includes several new features, most notably the Road to the Show career and ability to create online leagues with up to 30 players. Like I said before, the game is almost a direct port of the PS2 version with better graphics and some additional features. However, the graphics certainly are hurt by this. The graphics aren't bad, but the game does not have that next-gen shine and polish that other games have, and doesn't look nearly as good as MLB 2K7. Also, there are several animation glitches that occur during gameplay. Most of these have to do with collision detection, such as going right through a player during a hard slide (this only happens some of the time). The announcing on the game is done well, with the help of Rex Hudler, Matt Vasgersian, and Dave Campbell. However, a consistent problem is that the sayings tend to overlap and do not necessarily correspond to the current play. Also, the soundtrack is not all that great. It fits in well, but only three or four of the 18 songs are any good (personal opinion).

However, baseball games aren't about the graphics or the soundtrack, well, maybe a little bit, but it is mostly about gameplay. And that is the area at which MLB 07: The Show excels. The controls work well and are easy to learn, besides the SIXAXIS controls, which feel tacked on. The new pitching system works incredibly well, and adds a fair amount of depth to the game. Also, the developers added in a system that is supposed to imitate the tendencies of an umpire, creating changing strike zones. This feature adds realism, and can be helpful, but can get annoying if it isn't working in your favor. The career mode from the first edition is back and is still amazing. But in addition to that, the new Road to the Show mode allows you to skip every play you are not involved in, speeding up the process. The only complaint I have with this mode is that the buttons that represent the bases control different bases when you play different positions, but, if you understand what I'm saying, this is a minor complaint. The franchise mode is also back, and is very deep and fun. All of these modes add up to plenty of hours that can be spent playing this game. And that is just the offline play. The online system is well done, allowing you to match up with people who have the same skill level as you. Also, as I mentioned before, you can create online leagues with your friends for up to 30 people. All in all, this game is an excellent baseball simulator, and if you are looking for a baseball game on the PS3, this is it.

Pros: New features work well, Road to the Show, deep Franchise mode, online adds plenty to do.
Cons: Graphics look dated, soundtrack, animations.

Review: Eric

*Also available for PS2 and PSP. Review for PS3 only.