Review of MLB The Show 25

Keeping an annual series like MLB The Show fresh and exciting is no small feat. There’s a constant challenge in introducing new features, addressing past criticisms, and crafting another season of The Negro Leagues, all while racing against the clock. It all boils down to whether this year’s iteration is worth the upgrade from the last. MLB The Show 25, with its sweeping changes to the Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty modes, offers a clear and emphatic “yes” to that question.

The core of baseball in the game remains largely unchanged this year, and frankly, that’s fine by me. However, there are some thoughtful enhancements sprinkled throughout. Features like two-way players, updated shift rules, and the pitch clock are now fully integrated. When you’re playing as a single player instead of controlling the whole team, you might stumble upon new quick-time events—the new swim move to dodge tags is a standout. I was initially concerned this might make base-stealing too easy, but it’s rare enough that it feels more like a special bonus than a game-changer. Infielders now have varied initial reactions, greatly influencing how they get to the ball. This makes poor defenders more obvious in their shortcomings, enhancing the value of great defenders, especially in Franchise mode.

Reflecting on MLB The Show 24, it’s clear the series continues to innovate. Hank Aaron’s philosophy of “Always keep swinging” resonates throughout the game. MLB The Show 24 managed to merge a deep reverence for baseball’s history with superb gameplay. The introduction of women into The Negro Leagues and Road to The Show highlighted Sony San Diego’s dedication to inclusivity in baseball. Despite a so-so Storyline and some uncertainties in Diamond Dynasty mode, it was still a commendable way to enjoy the sport.

MLB The Show 25 introduces some intriguing elements like the ambush hitting feature. By anticipating pitches inside or outside, players can choose to take advantage of one side of the plate but at the expense of making the opposite side more challenging. While it sounds promising, I’ve had better results keeping my stance neutral, so it’s not something I frequently rely on. Hitting, by and large, feels fantastic, although something seems amiss with perfect contact. The rewarding crack of the bat often ends with a hard-hit out or a mere single—a meager payout for what should be sublime hits. Let’s hope this gets tweaked as time goes on.

Franchise mode remains largely familiar, allowing you to play the role of the savvy team manager trying to rectify past owner blunders. For instance, I’m all about adding some much-needed firepower to the Seattle Mariners. The custom game entry feature, which simulates games until high-stakes moments where you can opt to join in, is still one of my favorites. Free agent navigation has been revamped this year: you can now target a select few players and accumulate interest over time. This refinement simplifies the free agent process and adds strategic depth when deciding between chasing big-names or filling team gaps.

The core experience of The Show 25 stands strong, enhanced by thoughtful tweaks, not overhauls. Franchise and March to October modes benefit from fresh production elements, such as player comparisons. The new G.O.A.T. difficulty level lives up to its name with blisteringly fast pitches and scant Plate Coverage Indicators. Admittedly, it’s beyond my skill ceiling, but those seeking a punishing challenge will likely revel in it.

Moving on to Road To The Show, this is where the game truly evolves year-over-year with some fantastic updates. You start off as a high school amateur rather than jumping into the combine like in previous games. It’s a brief but enjoyable phase where you aim to impress scouts and recruiters, ending your senior year in pursuit of a championship. My custom player, Pinky Rogers, dominated as a pitcher and first baseman, catching the attention of countless big league teams and college scouts, a brand-new addition this year.

This prompts a compelling choice: leap straight into professional baseball, or head to college to emerge as a highly refined prospect? I went the college way, choosing to play for TCU, one of eight real colleges available. The authenticity of this path was impressive—from recreating team jerseys to the nostalgic ting of metal bats. This choice allowed quicker progression through the Minor Leagues—a welcome improvement over the previously tedious grind.

Player progression has seen a significant overhaul too. Instead of the “use it to improve it” method reminiscent of Elder Scrolls RPGs, there’s now a points-based system for attribute growth. Every successful at-bat, pitch, or play contributes to your progress. It’s a compelling enhancement that keeps you coming back for just one more game. Though some lengthy training minigames, like the Inter-Squad game, seem less appealing compared to simpler options, the system is a trade-off that revitalizes Road To The Show mode.

The Negro League storyline, a key feature of The Show, is back for its third season. It’s an exceptional blend of documentary-style storytelling coupled with gameplay, featuring legends like “Cool Papa” Bell with insights from Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro League museum. While these stories are compelling, the lack of innovation in gameplay from past seasons is a letdown. Without distinct challenges, compared to the gameplay moments of Diamond Dynasty, there’s an untapped potential here.

Additionally, the absence of a detailed player-focused story, like Derek Jeter’s in The Show 24, is missed. That previous dive into The Captain’s storied career set a precedent for what Storylines could evolve into. There’s a treasure trove of untold stories in baseball’s annals, but a missed opportunity to expand further makes The Show 25 somewhat unsatisfying in this aspect.

Diamond Dynasty, the card-collecting, live-service portion of The Show, also brings some noteworthy updates. Gone are the days of Sets and Seasons limiting card usage timeframe—an immensely welcome change. Unlocking cards like top-tier Roger Clemens means you can retain and upgrade them, making them lasting cornerstones of your team—a brilliant improvement.

The introduction of Diamond Quest, a new single-player mode, is another highlight. Merging elements of a roguelite board game, you roll dice to navigate spaces that hold challenges, rewards, or nothing at all. The goal is to reach and win at the Stadium, keeping and earning new rewards. Its replayability, derived from randomized tiles, along with the choice of difficulty for Stadium games, provides a satisfying risk-reward dynamic.

In conclusion, MLB The Show 25 continues to strengthen its position as a leading baseball sim by introducing meaningful innovations alongside its hallmark game modes. The thoughtful improvements and tweaks make it more engaging and rewarding, ensuring both veterans and newcomers find something to relish.