Gaming
Games
REVIEWED: MLB The Show 21
Slightly out of his element, Gareth Woods goes in to bat...
Sports simulators aren’t usually my cup of tea, which is a strange thing to say since I don’t drink tea either. So, whenever I get to review one my focus is usually based on the entertainment value, fun and how easy the game is to pick up because after all it’s a video game and video games are supposed to be fun, right?
Up to the plate steps up MLB The Show 21, the latest baseball simulator, from San Diego Studio. First of all, graphically the game is nothing to write home about, while it certainly is competent there is nothing from a graphic standpoint that seems to push the PlayStation 5’s hardware considering what we have already seen from games such as Demon’s Souls and more recently, Returnal.
Naturally, a sports simulator is more about gameplay and immersion and on that front MLB 21 certainly delivers. The ambient sound design does a great job of creating the atmosphere of a crowded ballpark, which I suppose is the only way one can experience this given the lockdown on stadium attendance.
If you want to simply pick up a controller and play some baseball you can be on the pitch within seconds, especially given the lightspeed loading times on the PS5, but the level of customisation available if you so wish is also world-class, even down to being able to design your own stadium.
Go Fetch
© San Diego Studio
I didn’t even get to try all the various modes and options available, but just a quick browse through the menu system revealed tons of content for you to sink your teeth into. As even a complete baseball noob like myself knows, baseball card trading is a huge part of the culture and MLB 21 continues this legacy with its Diamon Dynasty card-collecting mode.
From a beginner’s perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed being guided through the tutorials at a decent pace which struck the balance between showing me what I needed to know to get into the game as soon as possible without either overloading me with technical stuff or babying me with “hit ball with bat, ok?”
Like most sports simulators, there are layers and layers of details and MLB The Show 21 does a great job of introducing these at a pace that doesn’t overwhelm new players. Whether you know nothing about the sport or even just the basics, you are quickly brought up to speed and made to feel ready to play in no time at all.
Batter up
© San Diego Studio
Whether the depth and technicality are there to engage more advanced players is unknown since even after a few dozen hours of gameplay, I’m still certainly a novice at best, but certainly, there is an absolute treasure trove of content and customisation options to keep even the most passionate baseball fan busy for hours.
All in all, MLB The Show 21 is fun to play, easy enough to learn and with a learning curve that is long and not too steep for newcomers. Although the graphics are good, they don’t deliver anything that would be considered best in class, but the sound and commentary still create a fun and memorable gameplay experience. If you are looking for the best baseball simulator on the market, then look no further.
