MLB The Show 16

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. DarkStation
    Mar 29, 2016
    70
    MLB The Show 16 is yet another great game of baseball, but for the first time I felt like the franchise is starting to wane in its greatness.
  2. Game Revolution
    Mar 28, 2016
    70
    Big on feature, major in community activity, and strong in replay ability, this year’s Show certainly has done well. For Sony, like EA’s Madden series, there are few to no challengers to the genre so success lies within their own hands. So the question is, if it ain’t broke, will they still try to fix it, or if it is broke, do they still care to fix it?

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best PS4 Game of 2016
82
#82 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2016
65
#65 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 139 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 188
  3. Negative: 41 out of 188
  1. alanj28
    Apr 24, 2016
    10
    The game is a big step up from last years release. There are two new modes for Diamond Dynasty users. One is called conquest and allowsThe game is a big step up from last years release. There are two new modes for Diamond Dynasty users. One is called conquest and allows users to play against the CPU to earn some of the best legends available in this year's release for their Diamond Dynasty Team. The developers weren't stingy with rewards either. Playing this mode allows users that prefer offline gameplay to earn some of the best legends in the game (among them Ichiro Suzuki and Tony Gwynn). The animations are smoother and more realistic than last year. There are animations and gameplay situations that could use smoother transitions to create more realistic gameplay but these do not detract at all from the single player experience at all. Some of the still rigid and slow transitions in infield fielding and throws to the cutoff man are exploited in by some users in online gameplay. One of the unique features that sets MLB The Show apart from other sports games is Sounds of the Show. Sounds of the Show allow users to set walkup music, home run music and chants for each player in the MLB for a more realistic gameplay experience. The game allows you to import 511 mp3s from a USB into the game's jukebox. This way when I play and feel like listening to music instead of the commentary, which is outstanding, I can listen to a shuffled playlist in game of an set of songs I choose.
    One of the unique features of MLB The Show's Diamond Dynasty mode (similar to FIFA's FUT and NBA 2K's MyTeam) is that purchased in-game currency can be used to buy packs AND players. This way if you dislike the gambling aspect of buying packs, you can purchase a calculable amount of "stubs" and purchase the team you want. All modes of the game are entertaining and have high re-playability. The fact that you don't feel like you're forced to gamble in the Diamond Dynasty mode makes it more enjoyable then other games with similar modes. If you're a sports fan and haven't tried MLB The Show then I highly recommend it. There are modes for franchise (many seasons of using a team), single season, Road to The Show (where you create a player to go from the minors to the major leagues). The franchise mode has an online capability which is awesome. You can use real rosters or you can fantasy draft teams with the game's 55 released to date legends. Finally, the graphic detail and the stadiums is stunning. Beautiful recreations of all MLB ballparks and some older parks along with fictional minor league parks give the game a high quality aesthetic experience.

    10/10    … Full Review »
  2. jimmie488
    Mar 29, 2016
    9
    Last year I criticized Sony San Diego Studio for taking away striding, when hitting, but I got used to it, and eventually didn't miss it much.Last year I criticized Sony San Diego Studio for taking away striding, when hitting, but I got used to it, and eventually didn't miss it much. This year, they brought it back and it was like welcoming back an old friend. This year, I started with Road to the Show, because I almost played that exclusively, the past few years, except for a short run at Diamond Dynasty, last year. I was disappointed to see manual catch was removed. This series used to be known for adding choices, but leaving what was already there, to personalize your experience. They've stopped doing that, now, and it's unfortunate the choice to use manual catch is no longer an option. Despite this small complaint, everything else just feels... right. From hitting to pitching to fielding... and i've primarily played Play Now games to build up Dynamic Difficulty. The new animations and the added commentary are much-welcomed additions. I'm sure Conquest Mode and Battle Royale will have me returning Diamond Dynasty, and the small hiccup of not having our rewards for preorders was taken care of with a post at facebook that directed customers what to do, if you hadn't received your entitlements. I've supported this franchise since its inception, and this year's version is the best yet, In other words... it's quite a catch, just not a manual one. It's automatic, this year. :)… Full Review »
  3. Kanazawa
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    The additions this year were more subtle to the average player, but really were instrumental for me actually buying this year's addition.The additions this year were more subtle to the average player, but really were instrumental for me actually buying this year's addition. Namely, the re implementation of your own music into every aspect of the game. There really isn't anything more satisfying than hitting a monster home run with your favorite song playing throughout the stadium. This was the biggest loss from transitioning from the ps3 to the ps4. And it took until this addition, finally, to be reintroduced. The second is the advanced statistics. There is absolutely nothing better than seeing WAR in the game. It warms my heart so to see my previous year's terrible -0.64 WAR along with a terrible BB% and K%. Really brings the reality of baseball to the game. Finally there is a reason to work for that walk to raise that OBP. Finally there is a stat that shows that no, it's your team's terrible defense not your pitching. The other new mode is quite fun but isn't nearly as significant as those two. Sure the release was rocky, but no game deserves to be rated based on its release alone.… Full Review »
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