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MLB '12: The Show Review (PS3)

05:43 PM - March 15, 2012 by RaychelSnr

The best sports games, at least on the simulation side of things, are those that best reproduce the sport they represent. We can hopefully project that one day a perfect sports game will be produced; one that completely mirrors its real-life counterpart in every way.

Here’s the problem: because the game it so closely imitates doesn’t change from year to year, this perfect reproduction -- the same down to the smallest detail -- doesn’t change either. And because we expect big innovations in our virtual sports, but not the real ones, it’s called “stale,” “repetitive,” and “boring” by both users and critics.

To be clear, MLB 12: The Show is not that perfect game, and has a long way to go until it is. However, I believe MLB 12: The Show to be the closest and truest representation of a sport on consoles today. You, like me, may find parts to be lacking, and I think that “stale” does accurately describe certain aspects of the game. But taken for what it is -- another step in the quest for the “perfect game” -- MLB 12: The Show is one of the best.

Read More - MLB '12: The Show Review (PS3)

Game: MLB 12 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3Votes for game: 55 - View All

MLB 12 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 1 Perfect Zero @ 03/15/12 05:47 PM

I agree with the majority of this article, except I would dock the game on online just a bit more. Online is simply unplayable, and since one of the biggest new modes (Diamond Dynasty) is dependent on it, it really hurts the game. Otherwise, solid score.

# 2 pistolpete @ 03/15/12 05:52 PM

Singles off the wall and kick saves by pitchers are realistic?

# 3 DeathJohnson @ 03/15/12 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pistolpete


	Singles off the wall and kick saves by pitchers are realistic?

Heh, yeah, the pitchers make ridiculous "saves" this year. Last year a hit up the middle was a base hit almost all the time, this year it seems like half of them just bounce off the pitcher and go to another fielder who can throw you out easily from there. I don't believe I've seen that yet in the MLB.

# 4 pistolpete @ 03/15/12 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathJohnson


	Heh, yeah, the pitchers make ridiculous "saves" this year. Last year a hit up the middle was a base hit almost all the time, this year it seems like half of them just bounce off the pitcher and go to another fielder who can throw you out easily from there. I don't believe I've seen that yet in the MLB.

Generally when a ball hits a pitcher it's worldwide panic.

# 5 DJ @ 03/15/12 06:15 PM

Good, balanced review.

# 6 jkra0512 @ 03/15/12 06:24 PM

Great review. Definitely agree with most everything here. I don't play online so I don't know about that component.

# 7 bukktown @ 03/15/12 06:34 PM

The online modes and mini games are very glitchy right now. I think it's too early to review them.

# 8 Skyboxer @ 03/15/12 06:35 PM

Agree with pretty much everything. Yes online could be more stable but for me online will always be a minor point as the single player aspect is what matters to me the most. In the end I hope it gets better but not a sticking point for me.

It's the best sports game I've ever played, period. I've played every single game in my franchise which is a first.
I plan on playing all 162 +.
The game is well deserving of the score.
Many of the "Complaints" threads, some of which directly contradict each other, are easily fixable if people would put the same effort into getting the settings right to fit their play style, as they do wanting to "Be the One" to post issues.

In the end it's a great game that's fun and enjoyable, and that's what matters to me.
When you're at work thinking how you're going to turn the season around tells me what I need to know about the game.

# 9 ultralow36 @ 03/15/12 06:47 PM

great review.....just like all sports games online is on and off

# 10 Ollienyy @ 03/15/12 07:30 PM

I usually love the reviews this site does but I felt this one was lacking detail. I wanted more of your thoughts of the overlays, the Presentation etc. A great game but still has areas that need improvement and have needed improvement for a while.

# 11 N51_rob @ 03/15/12 07:52 PM

I think this was a fair, review. That said, I think the author understated some of the CPU trades. Calling them "wonky" plays light on a situation could be very bad. There is a thread where people are listing trades and there is a listing of the Yankee's line-up that is really troubling and may be reason to have to use the 30 team control.

But I also don't expect the author to talk about something that he hasn't experienced. I do think it is a fair and well written review.

# 12 Knight165 @ 03/15/12 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N51_rob


	I think this was a fair, review. That said, I think the author understated some of the CPU trades. Calling them "wonky" plays light on a situation could be very bad. There is a thread where people are listing trades and there is a listing of the Yankee's line-up that is really troubling and may be reason to have to use the 30 team control. But I also don't expect the author to talk about something that he hasn't experienced. I do think it is a fair and well written review.

The trades may still be pretty bad. Something is definitely off(RP still WAY too overvalued)
But that Yankee lineup/rotation in that thread is pure B.S.(unless it was the USER making those trades)
I simmed probably twenty times....two or three seasons in to see stacking like that and not once. Not even close.

But...I'm glad the review focused on the on field play, which is excellent.....

M.K.
Knight165

# 13 cusefan74 @ 03/15/12 08:33 PM

I have not seen one single off the wall in this game, but the pitchers do get a lot of balls up the middle. The review is pretty accurate I think, this game is great. As far as on-line, I just refuse to play because it always sucks for this game, but that's ok with me I prefer to play franchise or RTTS anyways.

# 14 jeffy777 @ 03/15/12 10:48 PM

Good review. This is the best offline sports game I've ever played. Smooth out the online play and it would be perfect. But the gameplay itself is amazing.

# 15 Tomba @ 03/15/12 11:59 PM

Great great review. I agree that this is the best MLB The Show game and possibly the best baseball game ever made

# 16 DaReapa @ 03/16/12 12:01 AM

"...I believe MLB 12: The Show to be the closest and truest representation of a sport on consoles today."
I concur to the fullest.

# 17 SDwinder @ 03/16/12 02:48 AM

Letter perfect review! There does seem to be more batted balls bouncing off the pitcher and/or fielded, than in previous versions. But, nothing too unusual.

The balls off the outfield walls are not as easy of Doubles as they should be. Slower runners sometimes get thrown out. Makes the game a little more jnteresting though. Hehe

# 18 LastActionHero @ 03/16/12 05:55 AM

I've heard the lack of replays in some other posts as well but they start later this year. In previous installments they would kick in immediately but now you first see the camera focus on the pitcher or batter and then cut to the replay. Just like they do in a real broadcast because they quickly have to wind back and cut the replay to show it properly.

Overall there are less replays but thats a good thing in my opinion because there were way to many last year. But I think lots of people don't see them because they press the button before the replay kicks in.

# 19 Yankees_CT @ 03/16/12 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LastActionHero


	I've heard the lack of replays in some other posts as well but they start later this year. In previous installments they would kick in immediately but now you first see the camera focus on the pitcher or batter and then cut to the replay. Just like they do in a real broadcast because they quickly have to wind back and cut the replay to show it properly. Overall there are less replays but thats a good thing in my opinion because there were way to many last year. But I think lots of people don't see them because they press the button before the replay kicks in.

I was going to comment on this as well. They seemed to have delayed the replays in certain circumstances this year which I agree is more realistic. On strikeouts it takes a few seconds of seeing the pitcher walk back to the mound before the replay kicks in. I noticed that if your patient and wait for it you will get a great amount of replays but if you only wait a couple of seconds after a play and hit the button it by passes the sequence altogether. I agree with the above and think that may be the problem that people are having with replays.

By the way - LOVE this year’s version. For me, since 08, The Show has been the best baseball and sports game period. This year just solidifies that.

Edit: Great review Caley. Fair and balanced like a Fox

# 20 buckeyedawgtribe @ 03/16/12 01:03 PM

I wish I had to the option to have this game. It seems like this game just gets better every year by building on its foundation. Unlike Madden which seems to adopt the this is new but we are taking this away approach..I will probably switch over to the PS4 as long as it comes out around the same time as xbox's next system as long as the online will still continue to be free that is..

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