We often laud the console versions of The Show for their consistent quality — which, admittedly, might come at the expense of groundbreaking new features. However, this slow march toward perfection is an ideal match for a game that is itself slow to implement change.

On the Vita, however, nearly any change can be hard to spot. Outside of directional hitting and some new animations, MLB 15: The Show feels remarkably similar to last year’s version.

Graphically, you will still see some pixilation, especially if you pitch from the broadcast view. Crowds are easily the worst looking part of the game, even if the stadiums they occupy look pretty good. Player models now look really dated compared to what you may be used to on the PS4, or even the PS3 for that matter. I didn’t notice any of the new lighting improvements, either.

Some of the game’s quirks remain, though. For instance, you can’t see reliever’s stamina in-game; nor can you switch player’s while playing defense. These little things are annoying, but not gamebreaking. I do like the UI improvements that match what we see on PS3/4.

Modes remain pretty much the same as well, which means no online except home run derby. So, don’t expect to find anything related to Diamond Dynasty, which is too bad. DD seems like a perfect fit for the mobile platform. Also, head-to-head matchups, even and especially against someone in the same room, would be a blast.

That said, you will find nearly everything else: exhibition, Franchise, Road to The Show, etc. The Show Live is here too, which is a nice way to play if you only have time for one game on your daily commute.

Despite MLB 15 being relatively static, the biggest change is perhaps the one with the most advantage: a digital only release. It seems that by releasing it only as a downloadable title, Sony’s managed to keep the price at a slim $20.

With that in mind, here’s how I think it is best to view the Vita version of The Show: a mobile “expansion” for the PS4 game. When enjoyed in conjunction with the console version, the portable edition really extends the game’s value.

Thanks to cloud and cross-platform saves, you can continue your (offline) franchise while vacationing this summer. You can progress your RttS player while at the beach or on a plane. This functionality really sells this game to me, and should at least put it on your radar.

MLB 15: The Show for Vita isn’t a perfect baseball title, and pales in comparison to what you can find on consoles. It clearly didn’t receive the lavish attention the PS4 version did this off-season.

On the other hand, for the price of an evening at the movies, you have a relatively full-featured baseball game with a wealth of ways to play. Change or not, it’s a great value for a good game.