Game review: MLB The Show 25

When game developers release a franchise each and every year, it's usually hard to innovate because they don't have enough time to put in new modes and features. As a result, many gamers usually feel annual games are copied and pasted every year. 

Historically, the MLB The Show series has been pretty good at adding new features every year. Two years ago in MLB The Show 23, Sony introduced 'The Negro Leagues', and this mode gave players a history lesson on the forgotten African-American players that were good at baseball. 

MLB The Show 24 was also groundbreaking because they added female players to the 'Road to the Show' mode. It may not happen in real life, but in last year's game players were able to draft women into the MLB to play with and against the professional male players. 

Sadly, this year's MLB The Show 25 is possibly my least favourite game in the franchise in a long time. I've been reviewing MLB The Show games every year since 2014, and this year's game doesn't offer a lot when it comes to new modes and features. 

MLB The Show 25 is still headlined by 'The Negro Leagues Season 3' and this third year features a new cast of players such as James 'Cool Papa' Bell, Wilbur 'Bullet Joe' Rogan, Turkey Stearns, and many more. 

The real life story of 'Cool Papa' was interesting to me because the game described him as arguably the fastest man to every play baseball. One of his missions in the game was stealing a base and you had to make him run really fast before the opposition got him out!

I like how 'The Negro Leagues' is like a documentary because it gives players like me a small history lesson on baseball's forgotten past. This is a game mode I hope that is replicated in other sports games in the future. 

Similar to the 'Negro Leagues' sees the return of the 'Moments' mode. In this mode, players can try and recreate some of the best moments in MLB history. For some reason, this year, all of the moments added to the game are in veteran difficulty. I salute the players who are able to 100% this mode this year!

As aforementioned, 'Road to the Show' is back and this is the mode where you create a rookie and your goal is to make them into a top-tier MLB player. Much like last year, you can choose to create either a male or female player, and both options have different storylines. 

I opted to be a female player because it's more unique to go through that storyline. Not to mention I chose to be a two-way player so that I could both bat and pitch during games. I remember only choosing to be a pitcher in past game, and the gameplay got boring because I never had a chance to hit the ball!

Another mode that I found to be very interesting is that players can create their own stadium in this game. One of the unique aspects is that you can add lots of random stuff outside of the stadium to make your stadium stand out from the rest. There's even a wildlife section where you can include dinosaurs, Godzilla-like creatures, and tons more!

Other modes that have made a return include the likes of 'March to October' as well as 'Franchise Mode'. The former is where you can choose to be your favourite baseball team and you get to play through an entire season. The cool part about this mode is that you play through highlights of each game, so you don't have to slog through nine innings all of the time. 

Franchise mode is different because there is where you can step into the shoes of an actual GM. You can make trades, substitutions and simulate games to your liking. I don't have a huge knowledge of baseball in general, so I feel this mode is more appropriate for the hardcore players instead. 

Speaking of hardcore players, many of them will probably like to dive into the Diamond Dynasty mode. This is MLB The Show's version of Madden Ultimate Team where you can open card packs and create your own unique team. 

Some people might not like this mode because you are encouraged to buy lots of card packs all the time if you want to seek out the best players. The rarest cards are the hardest to get, and some players might get too addicted. 

However, I do commend this mode for allowing players to do lots of single-player quests this year. You don't have to spend real money on cards because you can earn currency in-game, but I do advise people to play in moderation. 

Presentation wise, MLB The Show 25 still has the same game engine it has been using for many years now. I cannot tell the difference in graphics between this game or MLB The Show 24. If you are wanting to see a graphical overhaul, it's likely one isn't coming until the PS6 eventually comes out. 

While MLB The Show 25 may be lacking in new features and gameplay, it is still a solid baseball simulator. It may not be an essential entry in the series, but hardcore fans will still fun some enjoyment in this game. 

Verdict: 8.0/10