MLB 15 The Show News Post

MLB 15 The Show Review (PS4)

04:37 PM - April 6, 2015 by RaychelSnr

MLB 15 The Show has the look, sound, and feel of baseball. It doesn't do many things great, something that is hindered by the series' unwillingness to take big risks, but it does just about everything well. And in a world where games are shipping with just about nothing working as it's supposed to, it's a relief to say that MLB 15 The Show is about as rock-solid as it gets.

As it does every year, this year's iteration focuses on how to move forward without taking any steps back. Little things like improved grass patterns and adding swing animations don't stand out too much at first, but it brings the game's replayability to an all time high. The same goes with its game modes, where simple changes should go a long way in keeping players invested in their franchise, or Road to the Show.

At the end of the day, MLB The Show is always going to be about the little things. And for this year, at the very least, that seems perfectly reasonable.

Read More - MLB 15 The Show Review (PS4)

Game: MLB 15 The ShowReader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 31 - View All

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Member Comments

# 1 RangersCruz @ 04/06/15 04:44 PM

RTTS could use some changes after a season its like back in NBA 2k11 when you win the finals theirs nothing to play for it gets boring real quick with the same stuff over and over

otherwise great review that commentary needs to get some changes

# 2 tabarnes19_SDS @ 04/06/15 04:47 PM

I never understand the phrase "take big risks to move forward. "

There isn't a whole lot that I would want to change to enjoy the game.

There is a saying that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Changing some of the game engines radically could destroy what we love about the game.

I'm hoping that they continue to add refinements and build the game modes to the next levels.

# 3 ggsimmonds @ 04/06/15 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabarnes19


	I never understand the phrase "take big risks to move forward. " There isn't a whole lot that I would want to change to enjoy the game. There is a saying that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Changing some of the game engines radically could destroy what we love about the game. I'm hoping that they continue to add refinements and build the game modes to the next levels.

I agree, it is like wanting change for the sake of change.

# 4 BenGerman @ 04/06/15 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabarnes19


	I never understand the phrase "take big risks to move forward. " There isn't a whole lot that I would want to change to enjoy the game. There is a saying that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Changing some of the game engines radically could destroy what we love about the game. I'm hoping that they continue to add refinements and build the game modes to the next levels.

I think that definitely holds true, most of the time. Big time video games like Counter Strike, Call of Duty, Battlefield, League of Legends, ect. have such a rabid fanbase because the core experience is so good.

The thing about The Show, for me, is that I'd love to see it take the next step forward with animations. I'd even be willing to sacrifice a year for them to get it together. It's less about changing the experience, which I love, and more about changing the way that things unfold.

# 5 Lisac @ 04/06/15 05:05 PM

The more i play the game the more i love it! Just wish they didnt mess with the hitting camera or they couldve given us the option to have it on or off (meaning the 1 second or so delay after making contact). if it aint broke dont try to fix it! Def the best Show in years though! Great job as always SCEA!

# 6 ajblithe20 @ 04/06/15 05:21 PM

I still laugh when people talk about the commentary being boring and stale. I play countless hours of The Show, NBA 2k, Madden, and NHL every year and it's all the same. All of the commentary in these games gets old rather quickly. I think it's just extremely difficult to get enough lines in and make it dynamic enough to sound like real commentary.

To me, the only way commentary in these games can be bad is if the commentators they use sound really irritating. Gus Johnson annoyed me to no end when he was in Madden ("and he's down... AT THE 19!!").

As for other things mentioned... I love the way they make a lot of steady improvements every year. Each year is always a lot better than the last. I'm hoping the next thing they focus on (aside from game modes, which I think are always improving) is improving the player models. Uniforms/body types/faces/animations (which are getting better). They already added in new skin tones so they may start heading in this direction. MLB 15 will definitely be my go to game until the end of summer at the earliest... just a fantastic baseball sim

# 7 RangersCruz @ 04/06/15 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajblithe20


	I still laugh when people talk about the commentary being boring and stale. I play countless hours of The Show, NBA 2k, Madden, and NHL every year and it's all the same. All of the commentary in these games gets old rather quickly. I think it's just extremely difficult to get enough lines in and make it dynamic enough to sound like real commentary. To me, the only way commentary in these games can be bad is if the commentators they use sound really irritating. Gus Johnson annoyed me to no end when he was in Madden ("and he's down... AT THE 19!!"). As for other things mentioned... I love the way they make a lot of steady improvements every year. Each year is always a lot better than the last. I'm hoping the next thing they focus on (aside from game modes, which I think are always improving) is improving the player models. Uniforms/body types/faces/animations (which are getting better). They already added in new skin tones so they may start heading in this direction. MLB 15 will definitely be my go to game until the end of summer at the earliest... just a fantastic baseball sim

Well your right it gets boring but no sports game should have the same exact commentary every year

# 8 ajblithe20 @ 04/06/15 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangersCruz


	Well your right it gets boring but no sports game should have the same exact commentary every year

All of the games I mentioned have some lines that are exactly the same. Sure, The Show may have more repeat lines. Regardless, it all gets old pretty fast. I'd much rather have them focus on other aspects of the game.

# 9 Factzzz @ 04/06/15 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabarnes19


	I never understand the phrase "take big risks to move forward. " There isn't a whole lot that I would want to change to enjoy the game. There is a saying that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Changing some of the game engines radically could destroy what we love about the game. I'm hoping that they continue to add refinements and build the game modes to the next levels.

A "big risk" that needs to be taken is re-doing player models, if not completely, then adding a lot more details and variety to them as they are now.

That'll help the game "move forward."

# 10 RangersCruz @ 04/06/15 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajblithe20


	All of the games I mentioned have some lines that are exactly the same. Sure, The Show may have more repeat lines. Regardless, it all gets old pretty fast. I'd much rather have them focus on other aspects of the game.

So because it gets old fast it shouldn't improve at all is what you're saying?

# 11 ajblithe20 @ 04/06/15 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangersCruz


	So because it gets old fast it shouldn't improve at all is what you're saying?

No, I'm saying more important things should take priority. I, personally, don't think commentary should take priority over something like player models or improvements to Franchise or RTTS.

I would love for The Show's commentary to improve, but a lot of people seem to make it a huge deal which I disagree with.

# 12 ajblithe20 @ 04/06/15 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Factzzz


	A "big risk" that needs to be taken is re-doing player models, if not completely, then adding a lot more details and variety to them as they are now. That'll help the game "move forward."

Player models are the one thing that still seriously lacks in The Show. Not sure that re-doing them could break any other parts of the game though. It might not even be risky other than using time and resources for that instead of improving something else.

# 13 RangersCruz @ 04/06/15 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajblithe20


	No, I'm saying more important things should take priority. I, personally, don't think commentary should take priority over something like player models or improvements to Franchise or RTTS. I would love for The Show's commentary to improve, but a lot of people seem to make it a huge deal which I disagree with.

I don't see anybody saying its the most important but unless you're new to the show series you know that it can use some improvement its been the same for a long time

# 14 DBMcGee3 @ 04/06/15 05:53 PM

Having been an XBox owner in the past, this is my first real taste of The Show, but I must say I think it's pretty fantastic. I don't like any of the analog control schemes, but with the zone hitting and the pitching meter I love it. I also love the practice modes, they really give you a chance to get in the lab and hone your skills.

I honestly find the commentary to be quite good, but I've only played about 3 full games since getting my grubby little mits on it.

# 15 BSchwartz07 @ 04/06/15 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabarnes19


	I never understand the phrase "take big risks to move forward. " There isn't a whole lot that I would want to change to enjoy the game. There is a saying that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Changing some of the game engines radically could destroy what we love about the game. I'm hoping that they continue to add refinements and build the game modes to the next levels.

While I agree that a complete overhaul isn't necessary this game has gone from an annual purchase to one that I'll buy every 2-3 years. I'd like to see them do something to justify shelling out another $60 each year other than just minor adjustments.

# 16 badmrfrosty7 @ 04/06/15 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajblithe20


	No, I'm saying more important things should take priority. I, personally, don't think commentary should take priority over something like player models or improvements to Franchise or RTTS. I would love for The Show's commentary to improve, but a lot of people seem to make it a huge deal which I disagree with.

I think that's why they should ditch the idea of redoing the play-by-play commentary / new commentators / lines / etc. because of the work it requires, and instead create segments with replays or stat-overlays (or both!) during the game (similar to batter-pitcher duel breakdowns) and add-in new lines for those specific to each game to make them more unique and immersive.

Lines are always going to get repeated in sports games, so until there's tech out there that can create organic, contextual commentary for game situations, I've always felt the focus on this aspect of presentation should be used to showcase the game itself and the storylines occuring throughout the game.

# 17 Mgbleu1986 @ 04/06/15 06:21 PM

Nice review. I too am baffled why they got rid of the stride in pure analog. I thought at first I was doing something wrong or the setting was off. Definitely makes it less realistic in my opinion.

# 18 Ronoko @ 04/06/15 06:22 PM

It's surprising to me this game currently stands at 75 at metacritic, but it's still early. I don't see how anyone can play this with all it has to offer and come away thinking it's not at least in the 80s.

# 19 thaSLAB @ 04/06/15 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronoko


	It's surprising to me this game currently stands at 75 at metacritic, but it's still early. I don't see how anyone can play this with all it has to offer and come away thinking it's not at least in the 80s.

That, and looking at the names of the reviewers so far has me like...

# 20 kamackeris76 @ 04/06/15 07:15 PM

Well I just bought a PS4 to play this game as all I have read was love for this and last year's games.....

Considering I am from the UK, not a fan of baseball (but love sports sims) I gotta say I am absolutely loving this game so much. I am starting to appreciate the sport now (much like I now love basketball from playing basketball sims). Won 1 lost 2 on my nationals franchise and I just want to play more.... Shame I have to go to bed now for work an 7 hours time... Pull a sickie??

About the commentary being a complaint.. From a totally new user I am loving it so far... I'm sure it will become stale soon.

I always like to play franchises... Should I give the rtts a go? Never tried a be a pro mode before.....

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