Review: MLB 10: The Show

March 9, 8:59 PMVideo Game ExaminerMatt Furtado

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MLB 10: The Show

2K Sports released their baseball title, MLB 2K10, but Sony was right there with them on the baseball diamond with a release of their own. Touted as the 'Most realistic baseball experience', MLB 10: The Show would be best defined as the 2010 New York Yankees of baseball games thanks to a high budget, team of superstar developers, and are coming off a winning performance in 2009. After creating near baseball perfection in 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment San Diego returns to the baseball diamond to prove they are still the champions of baseball simulation.

The most important aspect of a baseball video game, or any sports video game, is whether or not the developers are able to capture the look, feel, and essence of the real-life game. Since many of us will never be professional athletes, we want to play a game that gives us an experience that can replicate the look and feel of being on the field in the heart a mid-October playoff game in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs, man on first and third, count is three-and-one on the opposing team's lead-off batter, and your team is up by one run. Players want to feel that kind of tension and immersion when playing a baseball game. Sony Computer Entertainment San Diego knows this and that's exactly what they do in MLB 10: The Show.

The presentation of MLB 10: The Show is simply staggering. In an odd way, it feels like you are watching the game from home, but you are also right there on the field, too. With great commentary, realistic crowds, and impressive camera work, replays and views of live plays create the feel of watching the game on television, but the way it's all executed makes you feel like you are there on the field. When the camera pans in and out on a player turning a double-play or when the game does a slow-motion replay called 'Show-motion', the game appears like it would on your favorite sports network. The umpires will even blow calls and have different size strike zone. Sometimes the umpire won’t give you the inside pitch call and you’ll walk the batter after making a great pitch to choke the batter up. This level of dedication to the presentation makes the game all the more impressive for those who are watching the game be played.

MLB 10: The Show

For those playing the game, you'll feel like you are Derek Jeter, Joe Mauer, or whoever your favorite player may be. Thanks to having Joe Mauer as the cover athlete, new to MLB 10: The Show is 'Catcher Mode'. This mode allows you to call pitches and command the game from behind the plate just like a real catcher. Classic modes like Franchise, Season, Exhibition, online, and every type of play-mode you can envision in a baseball game is here -- including Homerun Derby. For the hardcore, or old-timers, you can even play an exhibition game with players from the Golden and Silver era of the sport. Players like Babe Ruth and Tony Gwynn will be playable on these teams. It's a great throwback for baseball fans.

Gameplay wise, the game is nicely composed. Pitching is executed easily by simply selecting the pitch, locating it in the batter's box, and stopping the gauge at the amount of power you want to throw it at, and then stopping it again for accuracy. It's simple and very effective in execution for all players, no matter skill level,  to handle. The batting allows for more in-depth play, though. Players will be able to guess the pitch and location, which will allow them extra time to prepare for the said pitch. If you select both correctly, you'll be prompted during the pitcher's windup with a large red flash. When you see this flash, you'll know to position your swing in that location and then use either a power or contact swing -- whichever will prove to the most useful for you at that time.

The batting mechanics of the game can be simple and deep for some. Depending how hardcore you want to approach the game, you can just allow the opposing pitcher to throw pitches and swing as they come in. For the more advanced players, you'll want to use the right analog stick to position your focus of swinging and be able to better produce a homerun or extra-base hit. Since the range of the player's swing will take up most of the strike-zone when stationed in the center, more casual baseball players will still be able to hit the ball and play the game without much worry.

MLB 10: The Show

The only problem that may arise for gamers will stem from the fielding. At times, the fielding seems to be a bit off. While fielding a ball off the wall or heading to a base to make the out yourself without computer assistance, you have to perform everything perfectly. If you aren't directly on-top of the ball when trying to field it off the wall, the player simply won't do it -- same for making the out at a base. It's a minor complaint and it may not come up with everyone.

With so many different modes, online included, the game may prove to be too much for casual baseball fans. You have to have an appreciation for the sport and want to get better at the game to truly get the full experience out of it. For the hardcore and die-hard baseball fan, this game is the epitome of baseball. For a more laid-back baseball fan and gamer, the game may throw too much at you and this will damper the experience some.

MLB 10: The Show

Playing this game on an HD TV will astonish you. If you are a passerby and walk by a TV with this game playing on it, you may mistake it for real-life. The players, stadiums, physics, reactions, and commentary are composed so flawlessly, the unaware will have to give it a second look. MLB 10: The Show is a marvel of PS3 technology and the graphics will make your jaw drop and your eyes bleed from the greatness you are beholding. When Mauer walks onto the field, the in-game character looks and reacts just like Mauer. There's a lot of authenticity flowing through this game at every given moment.

MLB 10: The Show is the best baseball game for 2010. It's circled all the bases with plenty of game modes, amazing presentation, gameplay, and graphics. There has never been a baseball game before MLB 10: The Show has this much of an authentic feel to it. If you want to the most realistic baseball experience, which even extends to umpire blowing calls, then MLB 10: The Show is it. This game is without a doubt the greatest baseball game in existence.

Overall: 9.0/10