MLB The Show 18

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. New Game Network
    Mar 30, 2018
    74
    I don’t think MLB The Show 18 is as good as last year’s game, but the improvements over the last two years are solid enough to carry the franchise momentum forward. Hopefully, next year's version will get back to the winning ways and bring more substantial changes.
  2. GameCritics
    Apr 17, 2018
    70
    Hardcore baseball fans will probably buy The Show 18 just for updated rosters (what other choice is there?) and those addicted to Diamond Dynasty have plenty to dive into here. It may not be surprising or greatly changed over last year’s version, but it’s still a solid game with plenty of content — I just can’t get over the removal of Season mode, though. Solo players — heads up.
  3. Sporting News
    Mar 29, 2018
    70
    MLB The Show 18 is still a great game for those passionate about baseball, but the consistency the series has displayed over the past decade has been at least somewhat broken with this new edition. For many, the fantastic gameplay will offset the loss of modes, the lack of advancement in others, and the lingering server struggles. Ultimately, though, it's becoming more clear now than ever that the series is begining to have trouble meeting the heightened expectations now present within the genre.
  5. Digital Trends
    Mar 27, 2018
    70
    MLB The Show 18 makes some missteps this time around, and if you’re most interested in building up a star in Road to the Show, it’s an especially weak year. That said, with fantastic online play and the expected stellar hitting and pitching, it is still an incredibly fun game, and the best baseball simulator coming out this year.
  6. CGMagazine
    Mar 24, 2018
    70
    It’s a solid enough game and it does offer a lot for serious baseballers while still being pretty fun and approachable for guys like me who might just want to play some arcade-style baseball with friends. While I did wish it had a little more to make it a more complete experience, I don’t regret my time with it.
  7. Game Informer
    Mar 29, 2018
    68
    Load times for all avenues of play are better, and the play on the field is once again a showpiece of iteration, but the online aspect of the game – where Sony is focusing the most for additions – remains unpredictable at best and completely broken at its worst. As the season goes along, the experience will hopefully get better, but for the hardcore baseball fans that purchased the game early, it can be a nightmare.
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  1. App Trigger
    Mar 22, 2018
    MLB The Show 18 is a must-buy game for baseball enthusiasts. And if you’re a casual fan simply looking to dip your toe in a baseball game this year, you probably won’t find anything better than MLB The Show 18.
  2. Forbes
    Mar 25, 2018
    There are a few desirable features missing when you compare The Show 18 to other sports video game titles, but if we were to judge the features and core gameplay that are present, the latest entry to the series maintains its impressive hitting streak. The game looks better, plays smoother and is easier to navigate behind the scenes. Despite the missing pieces, it's still a winner. There's just too much to like for it not to be heavily appreciated by baseball fans.
  3. Polygon
    Mar 29, 2018
    I still find myself drawn to the game, and indeed, I don’t dislike the larger structural changes to Road to the Show. I just think the developers’ execution needs some refinement.

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best PS4 Game of 2018
88
#88 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
43
#43 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 101
  3. Negative: 32 out of 101
  1. ShadowPeter
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    MLB The Show 18 - 9.5/10

    It is true that baseball isn't a very popular sport in Europe, i'm not a big fan either. But even so, I have a    MLB The Show 18 - 9.5/10

    It is true that baseball isn't a very popular sport in Europe, i'm not a big fan either. But even so, I have a baseball cap from the famous American baseball team, the New York Yankees. But going to what matters, will this MLB The Show 18 be higher than last year's version, which already had good reviews? From what I have seen and experienced, my answer is this: no doubt.

    I liked the attitude of San Diego that dares to sting us with an introduction full of good moments and shows the reason of the North Americans to adore this sport. I will start talking about the news of this MLB The Show 18 in relation to the previous one. Nothing more than joining the useful to enjoyable. We have more options on player customization on Road to the Show, whether the real player or not, we have new camera angles, we have more player emotions and more fan reactions. The Road to the Show, in addition to the improvements in customization and now being more Role Playing Game, also received another addition. When we are going to create a new player, we have to choose an archetype, each with its limitations and benefits. The use of the in-game currency to improve the attributes of our character has been removed from this game. Now, to improve our character in this 2018 version, it's based on the success we're doing on the field and during training.

    Diamond Dynasty also had improvements. We now have a flexible program system in which we must choose the missions to play and in an attempt to obtain legendary cards and immortal legendary cards. Yes, you are correct, this game has more legendary cards than the previous one. The online has also been improved, although it still has a bit of lag, but it still doesn't compare to the 2017 version and I admit I had a good time in multiplayer. Unfortunately the online Franchise mode has been removed, but don't worry, the offline version is present in this MLB The Show 18.

    Now reaching the ball with the baseball bat is easier and the physics of the ball are better. The animations of the audience and the players have also been given extra attention and the stadiums are excellent. The truth is that the game is difficult for those who understand half or less than that, the rules of baseball.

    Retro Mode and Home Run Derby are also present. Home Run Derby is a tournament of, well, Home Runs and retro mode is basically meant to delight those who love to see and experience nostalgia for baseball games of yesteryear. The soundtrack is also on point; bands like Daft Punk or Imagine Dragons are present in this game. Anyway, just good things in this MLB The Show 18.

    In short, the SIE San Diego Studio in what concerns baseball games, really knows pruning. Inevitably this MLB The Show 18 is a recommended product for baseball fans. I even started watching baseball a bit differently after playing this title.    … Full Review »
  2. Kraks
    Mar 27, 2018
    0
    This game is what people have been warning about in regard to Pay-to-Win. You need stubs to even participate in some of the game modes, andThis game is what people have been warning about in regard to Pay-to-Win. You need stubs to even participate in some of the game modes, and to get them in a decent timeframe (unless you're amazing at the game), you're buying them. The daily challenges are behind those stubs, so you're paying to even try them if you're like me and newish to the series and trying to learn.

    My second complaint is the "randomness" the devs thought they'd throw in this year. If I do everything correctly, there should be zero chance that the game screws me over, yet it happens very regularly, whether fielding, throwing, batting, or pitching. It seems they threw in a bit of randomness everywhere.

    Lastly, The Show 17 was just better, and is much cheaper. Stick with it.    … Full Review »
  3. Wootif
    Apr 3, 2018
    3
    This game isn't about baseball. This game is about constantly reminding the user that they should be spending (real life) money to escape theThis game isn't about baseball. This game is about constantly reminding the user that they should be spending (real life) money to escape the Skinner Box they've created. The absence of any alternative baseball games leaves us with a poorly implemented, uninspired mess.

    Franchise and season modes have been removed, leaving only Road to the Show and Diamond Dynasty (which requires a PS+ subscription). In order to progress in Diamond Dynasty, the game is constantly funneling the user into buying trading cards and equipment with Stubs (which can be bought with microtransactions).

    The gameplay itself is lackluster and feels like a downgrade compared to games released even 10 years ago. When fielding, the camera can't be controlled and the ball often leaves the screen, becoming incredibly tedious to track down. It's impossible to control the 'sense of urgency' for a throw, as your players will occasionally meander around for 2-3 seconds before throwing the ball (even if a runner is bearing down on first).

    Hitting is more "pre-ordained" than ever before - awful swings where you should not have even made contact often result in home runs, while perfectly timed swings result in weak grounders or popups.

    The pitching mechanics are the same as previous installations and aren't worth mentioning.    … Full Review »
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