Five Takeaways From The Show 13 on Vita - RaychelSnr's Blog

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RaychelSnr's Blog

Five Takeaways From The Show 13 on Vita Stuck

Posted on March 5, 2013 at 07:25 PM.

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This is the second year of sports gamers getting to play The Show on Vita. This year's effort is incredibly impressive. MLB 13: The Show plays incredibly well on the PS Vita system, with no hiccups of any kind to be seen -- which isn't unexpected for a first party title. The game plays so well, it could be considered one of the greatest handheld games of all time when the dust settles on release day.

I've gotten the chance to play the game on and off today and have gotten several games in thus far. Here are my five top takeaways:

The Show on Vita is the second best baseball game on the market. Really, everything about The Show on Vita is just like the PS3 version. You lose a bit in the looks department, but you hardly notice that after awhile. This game is everything you'd expect on the PS3.
The Show series remains the prime example of how to implement new features. If you haven't played MLB: The Show in several years and have no idea about pulse or analog pitching, that is a-ok. You can simply choose the meter pitching and have no issues picking up the game and playing it. Ditto for hitting.
Thus far, the feature set of the Vita version seems almost complete compared to the console version. I can't find much missing from this game from the console version. Road to the Show, Franchise Mode, etc. is here. You get the same experience as the console version on a handheld device. An impressive feat that really has never been possible before.
I have zero issues with the controls, still. The big takeaway for me last year with the Vita was how the controls weren't bothersome in any of the games I played. I still feel the same way today about that. It's not as comfortable as a PS3 controller, as long play sessions tend to tire my hands more than a PS3 controller does, but The Show's controls in any setting are easily maneuvered.
Overall? An early thumbs up. MLB 13: The Show on Vita is a masterful production for this handheld. I'm not missing the console game at all yet -- which in and of itself is a testament to it's quality at this stage. Time will tell if the game can hold up to that high of a standard, but the early returns are that it does and that it's a must buy for Vita Sports fans.

My full review will be posted later this week!

Comments

# 1 DJ @ Mar 5

I'll be interested in the full review. I'm bummed postseason mode didn't make it in (I would've accepted zero commentary and presentation, just give us the brackets) but I understand why.

Trying to decide if I want to upgrade from MLB 12, which I'm still playing a lot.

# 2 DetroitStyle @ Mar 6

the vita is such a weak platform. People have a hard time justifying spending that kind of money just to get the show.

# 3 Sedihawk2K5 @ Mar 6

Good write-up. Although maybe it's me or something different here, but I do see a mode called "The Postseason" on the Game Modes menu. It lets me go into the playoff bracket and set teams, etc. I did download some sort of update this morning so maybe they patched it in or something? Anyway, the Vita version is extremely impressive and I believe it is a must buy for Vita/baseball fans!

# 4 DarkOutFront @ Mar 6

Yea I think they do have a postseason mode

# 5 fsufan4423 @ Mar 6

@ DetriotStyle....weak platform? The Show, FIFA 13, Hot Shots Golf! These are all great sports games on the Vita. I would hope most people would get a Vita for multiple titles other than the show.

# 6 GlennN @ Mar 7

I have to agree with fsufan4423, even aside from sports, the Vita has Uncharted, NFS, Assassin's Creed, just to name a few. I pre-ordered MLB 13 for the Vita, but I haven't gotten a chance to play much with it yet.

# 7 RaychelSnr @ Mar 7

Yeah guys, sorry! I overlooked it. The Vita version has no real omissions from the console version outside of Diamond Dynasty and Online Leagues (both big). There are some presentational elements missing too, but overall the game feels A LOT like the console version. That will be reflected upon heavily in my review.

# 8 DJ @ Mar 7

I think the difference in Postseason Mode is that the Vita didn't get the mode-specific commentary like the PS3. I remember Ramone talking about that and how it was a memory issue.

Glad we can at least set the brackets up and jump right into the postseason. This will be especially nice once some of the classic rosters are released.