MLB The Show 25: A Solid but Incremental Step Forward
As a long-time fan of MLB The Show series, I always look forward to the next installment with high expectations. MLB The Show 25 delivers a game that feels familiar in many ways, yet has enough fresh elements to warrant a purchase—though it’s certainly not the revolutionary leap we’ve seemlb the show stubsn in prior years. For many, this may be a solid upgrade, but not a groundbreaking one.
First off, the gameplay feels just as smooth as ever. The pitching and batting mechanics remain top-notch, and the controls are as intuitive as you can get for a baseball simulation. This consistency in the core gameplay is undoubtedly one of the main draws for returning players. For anyone who has ever played MLB The Show, the controls will feel comfortable, and the game still captures the true essence of baseball in a way that feels rewarding. The animations are fluid, and the updated player models look better than ever, showcasing realistic detail in player movement and behavior.
That being said, the upgrades are subtle. The game introduces some small improvements to the AI, such as smarter base-running and a bit more intelligent fielding AI. There’s also a slight refinement in the commentary, though it still falls short of feeling dynamic or entirely natural. The commentary in MLB The Show 25 feels a little more varied, but the repetitiveness and sometimes generic lines can still be jarring after a while. This is an area where I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement in future installments.
For the franchise mode aficionados, there are a few new tweaks. You can now make more in-depth roster decisions with greater control over player development, which is a nice touch for those who enjoy managing the long-term growth of their teams. Still, the mode remains largely unchanged, and while the new additions are appreciated, they don’t fundamentally alter the overall experience.
The addition of new stadiums and more customization options in Road to the Show is a nice bonus, but nothing that completely redefines the way you play. For those who are looking for massive gameplay innovations or groundbreaking features, MLB The Show 25 might feel a bit underwhelming. However, if you’re looking for a smooth baseball experience with just enough new content to keep things fresh, this is still a worthy purchase. It’s not a massive jump forward, but it’s still a solid and enjoyable title for baseball fans.