MLB The Show 16 information is now rolling out fast and heavy as we head into Spring Training season. The most recent Twitch stream focused exclusively on gameplay. Below are some of my quick reactions as I watched the feed.

-Gameplay is a bit harder to analyze via video than a feature set or mode improvements. Since so much of gameplay is based on feedback and responsiveness, one can never know how a game feels until it's actually played. That said, there is a new visual smoothness to the animations, thanks apparently to the Human IK and branching animation systems. Again, I think there is a definite visual upgrade, especially when players transition from one task to another. The pitcher example was a good one -- there seems to be less unnatural sliding and twisting than in past years.

-Variety of animations, as stated, is a huge focus for 2016. This is apparent from the stream as well, including dives and third out animations.

-Animations certainly impact gameplay, so the focus is not just on looking better. We saw standing dives and improved catcher reactions. Route running not only looks more natural, but it makes certain plays more realistic and/or effective.

-I do, however, like the purely visual flair provided by home run and celebration animations. These types of little details are what the best games do each year.

-I don't play online a ton so this focus on penalizing players for playing out of position is not a huge concern to me. However, it does add another layer of realism, which is always welcome. Locking inexperienced fielders out of specialized animations seems a logical way to handle this issue without artificially locking players to one or two positions. Baseball is quirky enough to occasionally have guys playing out of position for a legitimate reason (extra innings, etc).

-The decision to keep the challenge system the same seems to have been one the team made with the whole game in mind. In other words, it was not based on lack of interest or oversight.

-I do like the improvements mentioned to the pitcher/runner showdown. Limiting pitchers to only a few moves is something I've been hoping the team would do for years.

-Similarly, the mentioned improvements to the bunting system are welcomed.

-I like the new throwing meter, though it's a bit jarring to look at, at first. Last year, some of the presentation changes were designed to reduce screen clutter; this meter sort of goes against that philosophy. However, with 2016's focus on input/outcome, maybe the visual feedback is more important.

In all, this gameplay reveal continues the positive buzz The Show 16 is building. Of course, as I've said, gameplay is a tactile and personal thing. For me, I can't wait to play this in a few weeks.