MLB The Show 20

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 157 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 157
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 157
  3. Negative: 42 out of 157

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  1. concar81
    Mar 18, 2020
    1
    Was pretty disappointed but really shouldn’t have expected much. There is so little variety between the versions of the show each year that gameplay quickly becomes stale and mundane. The most fun parts of the game (conquest, moments) are relatively easy for players and fairly rewarding to accomplish. Once you finish with that though, the game tries to make up for its lack of style andWas pretty disappointed but really shouldn’t have expected much. There is so little variety between the versions of the show each year that gameplay quickly becomes stale and mundane. The most fun parts of the game (conquest, moments) are relatively easy for players and fairly rewarding to accomplish. Once you finish with that though, the game tries to make up for its lack of style and variety by making everything incredibly difficult. Your gameplay has to be practically perfect on any difficulty above and sometimes including veteran, even if you play a lot and have earned yourself a very solid team. Despite an all gold or better team I can’t even begin to imagine attempting some of the more difficult parts of the game like showdown. You can spend an absurd and unnecessary amount of time trying to collect players or tally certain challenges to earn cool players, or you can be born with prodigy level video game talent and go for the quick difficult rewards. Either of these choices really aren’t too appealing for the average player, especially when the game makes it so difficult to get some of your favorite higher level rates players. I really enjoy a lot of the customizable and collecting parts of the game but there is only so much you can do with them before having to torture yourself with the extreme difficulty of gameplay. Finally getting a diamond player is a really cool experience though and its the newest game out, so I guess I’ll keep playing for another couple of days… Expand
  2. Joeolq
    May 26, 2020
    0
    utter trash compared to previous years. Good contact and good timing should atleast get a base hit 2 outa 20 times right? Not with this one.
  3. tngo
    Jul 8, 2020
    0
    every year is the same game with no improvements. EA Sports all over again they don't need to release one version every year. Maybe just a quick patch instead once a year would been better.
  4. rytheguy2
    Mar 28, 2020
    2
    This year's game has potential, but right now it just isn't there. PCI is completely inconsistent, and there is too much reward for poor hitting. Right now you're better off hitting bloop singles off of late jammed contact than actually making solid contact. There will also be plays where I get good contact when my PCI completely misses, and okay contact when the ball is in the middle ofThis year's game has potential, but right now it just isn't there. PCI is completely inconsistent, and there is too much reward for poor hitting. Right now you're better off hitting bloop singles off of late jammed contact than actually making solid contact. There will also be plays where I get good contact when my PCI completely misses, and okay contact when the ball is in the middle of the PCI. If hitting can be fixed, the game will be solid. But right now, it's so bad that it pushes the breaking point of unplayable.… Expand
  5. Bimmom
    Mar 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the worst games I’ve ever played. It’s 100% scripted. Hits, fielding/throwing errors, caught stealing and everything in between are all predetermined by the CPU. There’s are clear Difference between CPU fielders/base runners compared to the players.

    It’s incredibly frustrating, there has been multiple times where I got perfect/perfect swings and simply flown out to centerfield or gotten perfect on the throw meter with a fielder and still committed a throwing error or a bad pitch with a pitcher.


    Please save your money, this game is awful, frustrating I’m just playing no fun. It really feels like everything in the game is based on luck and not skill.    … Expand
  6. Jm00s3_83
    Mar 31, 2020
    1
    MLB the show is one of the few games I purchase every year, I buy it for diamond dynasty, love making my team from players I earn. This year they’ve ruined diamond dynasty by charging stubs to compete in challenges then if you fail certain challenges you have to start the entire set again, pay the stubs again. I won’t buy another mlb the show game, traded 20 in and I’ll just have to be setMLB the show is one of the few games I purchase every year, I buy it for diamond dynasty, love making my team from players I earn. This year they’ve ruined diamond dynasty by charging stubs to compete in challenges then if you fail certain challenges you have to start the entire set again, pay the stubs again. I won’t buy another mlb the show game, traded 20 in and I’ll just have to be set with 19, very unfortunate!… Expand
  7. StubbornStanley
    Apr 5, 2020
    0
    I created an account here just to rate this game a 0.

    Gameplay: -The amount of double plays is ridiculous. Most teams IRL don't even turn one per GAME! -The amount of times I hit the ball hard RIGHT AT players for outs is unrealistic. I just completed a March to October game where, in two innings, I hit 5/6 at bats extremely hard, all caught immediately by defense who happened to    I created an account here just to rate this game a 0.

    Gameplay:

    -The amount of double plays is ridiculous. Most teams IRL don't even turn one per GAME!
    -The amount of times I hit the ball hard RIGHT AT players for outs is unrealistic. I just completed a March to October game where, in two innings, I hit 5/6 at bats extremely hard, all caught immediately by defense who happened to be right where I hit the ball.
    -On breaking balls, it looks like the last 10% of every pitch has frames missing. The ball will break away from where you think it will be with no visual evidence.
    -The diving animation looks terrible and isn't very functional. Defensive players make a "hop" that's half vertical and half horizontal, rather than simply extending horizontally.
    -Pitching is way too unbalanced towards star pitchers. On harder difficulties, my difference in pitcher ERA between "star" pitchers and average pitchers is night and day.
    -Relays and sometimes just picking up the ball are EXTREMELY sluggish.

    The people that love this game so much...I just don't get it. It's such an unrealistic simulation with a realistic coat of paint. I think they must be lured in by the graphics and game modes, but what good are game modes without great gameplay to back them up?

    Finally, even those modes are full of frustration. Two examples of me swearing this game off were:

    -Trying to complete Moments and other challenges in Diamond Dynasty that lasted multiple games.
    -Stuff going completely wrong in March to October mode and not being able to sim ahead. Specifically, you have to play out every single pitch of every single at bat, both offense and defense, not matter what. I absolutely hate this. If my pitcher gets rocked for a three-run homer and I want to sim out, that should be an option. The game seems to offer tons of conveniences, but often not the ones I want (of course).

    Overall, no game in the last few years has made me hate it as much as this one. I keep making the mistake of giving it one more chance, and every time, I get frustrated with something and turn it off. And this is coming from someone who puts up with NBA 2K's crap each year. Even that game does a better job of representing it's sport, and I am fully aware of its problems.

    It sucks to be a sports gamer in 2020. Madden, FIFA, UFC, and Golf Club are all pretty bad games. NHL and NBA 2K are playable, though every game of NHL plays out the same for me. I was really hoping to love The Show after skipping last year and seeing people's positive reactions, but after playing extensively for two weeks, I think they're full of blind loyalty, or maybe they're long-time Show players who are used to it's problems and just happy with whatever improvements they've made (this would be my category for NBA 2K series).

    If someone from the game reads this, I'd love a refund. Seriously.    … Expand
  8. Drewshka
    May 26, 2020
    0
    If you are a RTTS fan, DO NOT BUY THIS if you have a preferred team. They'll trade you from your preferred team within the first season, won't let you pick. They, like EA and 2K, apparently dislike their customer base. Done with this game, largely done with SONY.
  9. spartinmartin
    Apr 9, 2020
    0
    if you want to play last years game this year! this 60$ purchase is for you! If the Corona virus was not bad enough add this to a list of symptoms of why 2020 sucks so bad
  10. Aewdynamite1
    May 6, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. THE MOST TERRIBLY MADE GAMEPLAY BASEBALL GAME EVER IN THE LINE OF THE SHOWS !!! way to much fantasy baseball play !!! pitching and pitches are FULLY unrealistic and same goes for hitting way to much alowed time durring pausing durring gameplay way to much allowing subs durring in and out of gameplay unbelievably outrageous ranking system .. it shows u what handed pitcher ur facing which allows opponent to use unlimited opposite hitters and doesnt even show u the team ur playing bahahaha ull more than likely end up playing urself lol meaning cubs vs cubs yankees vs yankees ect... u can also hit a ball into the parking lot EVEN IF ITS THROWN DRAMATICALLY OUTTA THE STRIKE ZINE BAHAHA ITS JUST NOT A GAME FOR U IF U LOVE ANERICAS pasSTTIME BASEBALL ... THE SHOW 20 SHOULD ONLY B PLAYED INA BAR ON ARCADE SCENE EVERYWHERE IT WIULD mAKE A KILLING BUT PAYING 60 BUCKS FOR A horrible SHOW OF A BASEBALL GAME IS ENTIRELY UNNACEPTABLE!!! IF U LovE BASEBALL SIMPLy STAY AWAY FROM THIS GAme BALLS AND STRIKES ARE XTREEMLY RETARTED !!! IF U CAN FIGURE IUT TO GLITCH HIT OR GLITCH PITCH U WILL winALL THE TIME TRUST ME !!! OH YEAH IN THIS GAME U CAN ALSO BUNT AND IT WILL LAND IN THE OUTFIELD BAHAHAH YES U HEARD RITE OUTFIELD OR EVEN SOMETIME LINEDRIVE RITE TO THE POSITION PLAYER WITHOUT HIM MOVING HAHAHHAHAH WATTA HORRIBLE GAME… Expand
  11. Nick491
    Mar 19, 2020
    2
    Absolute garbage. It's obvious that they try to make the games either a blow out or as close as possible. If I'm leading by 2 going into the later innings, you can get that they will get at least one homerun or a bloop and then a double. But if I'm winning by 5 in the early innings, the game just keeps piling on. They took the skill out of the game and instead replaced it with riggedAbsolute garbage. It's obvious that they try to make the games either a blow out or as close as possible. If I'm leading by 2 going into the later innings, you can get that they will get at least one homerun or a bloop and then a double. But if I'm winning by 5 in the early innings, the game just keeps piling on. They took the skill out of the game and instead replaced it with rigged mechanics. I have played this game since 2011 and it hasn't been this bad.

    Not to mention that the simulations in my season are still inaccurate as Hell and are no where close to being indicative of the skill level that MLB player actually has.

    Another cash grab. Unfortunately. This is the first MLB The Show that I have uninstalled after purchasing. Absolute garbage waste of money. DO NOT BUY!    … Expand
  12. GCOP23
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    I love MLB the show. I get it every year. This years gameplay is solid and the new hitting mechanic is also a good addition. However the road to the show mode, which is my favorite mode to play has horrible GM A.I. The best players on the team are sent down to AAA for no apparent reason
  13. orukusaki
    Apr 23, 2020
    1
    This year's game is weird, jenky, and uncharacteristically unpolished. I hope this doesn't become a shell with new rosters each year like other sports games are. Just not my thing this year, I can't even really play it anymore because it freezes constantly and tells me it's "corrupted" and just needs to be deleted and reinstalled. I've done this a few times at this point along withThis year's game is weird, jenky, and uncharacteristically unpolished. I hope this doesn't become a shell with new rosters each year like other sports games are. Just not my thing this year, I can't even really play it anymore because it freezes constantly and tells me it's "corrupted" and just needs to be deleted and reinstalled. I've done this a few times at this point along with rebuilding my ps4's database and it still does not work. Kind of weird too that I couldn't find other places to leave a review or speak to someone on this.… Expand
  14. sex69
    Aug 23, 2020
    0
    Not so much fun!!
    Same every time!!
    There is no progress in the game!!!
    Money is a waste
  15. GameHawk36
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    what a garbage game. Only a 1 for releasing content every week. Unfortunately the game is still broken. Running is broken. Hitting is broken. I do not think anyone who works at SD studio has every played the game of baseball, which is evident in the game. Will not buy again deleted it within the month.
  16. ukjay14
    Dec 21, 2020
    0
    Shocking Game Scipted hitting no real Ball physics Is very bad .EA "K now the show to much scripting so no matter how good you are they decide who wins.Is like playing poker but they hold all the cards.Bad game wwas last year nothing better this year
  17. Mlbthetrashshow
    May 9, 2020
    0
    The Game is BROKEN. You have actual MLB Players saying how bad the game is and unrealistic. It’s not even fun either because the feedback system and defense is completely broken. Not to mention that you can’t control your pitches with perfect input. They just want your money and stop updating and fixing the gameplay problems.

    Stay away if you are even somewhat a fan of baseball. So many    The Game is BROKEN. You have actual MLB Players saying how bad the game is and unrealistic. It’s not even fun either because the feedback system and defense is completely broken. Not to mention that you can’t control your pitches with perfect input. They just want your money and stop updating and fixing the gameplay problems.

    Stay away if you are even somewhat a fan of baseball. So many problems with this game it’s sad. You can’t get better at the game because it doesn’t take any skill.

    You will thank me later.    … Expand
  18. Nym732
    Jul 2, 2020
    0
    Game is same old game every year, arguably still fun, however instead of giving us fan requested things like an online franchise mode, it relies on hastily thrown together options like "custom leagues". The single player modes all play better than ever, but become absolutely unplayable if an internet connection is required. Connected franchise with friends lead to arguments and too manyGame is same old game every year, arguably still fun, however instead of giving us fan requested things like an online franchise mode, it relies on hastily thrown together options like "custom leagues". The single player modes all play better than ever, but become absolutely unplayable if an internet connection is required. Connected franchise with friends lead to arguments and too many re-set games to count due to buggy play. Other sports games like Madden give friends who play online a much more varried experience. This franchise has thrived for too long on having no competition in the Baseball market.… Expand
  19. Walrusac420
    Jul 20, 2020
    4
    I really do like MLB the Show series but this is the worst one I have played. The substitution bugs when simulating games in franchise mode ruin the entire mode unless you plan to play 182 games. Quick manage is a joke in this verison. You're better off just playing The Show 19.
  20. FTC_34
    Aug 30, 2020
    2
    Disappointed in the RTTS. Last MLBTS I had was 16 and the difference between 20 and 16 RTTS is pretty minimal. Was really hoping it would add some of the My Player features from NBA 2K. Plus, after getting sick of playing in the same divisions over and over again, I decided to choose who drafted me. Ended up playing in the minors for 3 years reaching 86 OVR...
  21. cypher77
    Sep 1, 2020
    4
    The online mode, Diamond Dynasty is the main attraction for these games. Build a team and compete against other player’s teams is the basic premise. Each year the same players end up being used on everyone’s team with little to no variety. This is mostly due to the fact that each year there’s specific attributes that are must have’s for hitters and pitchers. If you hitters have no power,The online mode, Diamond Dynasty is the main attraction for these games. Build a team and compete against other player’s teams is the basic premise. Each year the same players end up being used on everyone’s team with little to no variety. This is mostly due to the fact that each year there’s specific attributes that are must have’s for hitters and pitchers. If you hitters have no power, vision, and bad fielding, they are useless. If your pitcher doesn’t have a fastball or sinker that hits 97+ and a shallow arsenal of offspeed pitches, they are useless. You’ll be facing the same pitchers every game and pitching to the same lineups every game. Then there’s the way you get these cards. You either grind for hours doing tedious gameplay loops to get one good card or you can just buy them with real money using the in game economy. So either pay to get good cards or play for 100+ hours to build a full team of good cards. The other main mode is Road to the Show. Campaign mode where you create a player and work your way through their career from the minor league to the major league. It’s fun for a while but then you realize there is little to do other than just play the games and upgrade your player slowly. There’s not too much depth into the behind the scenes world of the MLB that you get to interact with. In short, this game has greedy micro transaction “loot boxes” (card packs in this game) and must have attribute system to determine a player’s usefulness. Sports games need to improve and stop being greedy to their loyal playerbase.… Expand
  22. Stratslinger315
    Nov 7, 2021
    0
    As bad as 2021 is, this game sucks. People argue about whether or not events and game outcomes are predetermined or scripted. Well, they are. I’ve copied save files and replayed moments and games to see the outcomes and get the same results each time, the same at bats with the same runners on and the same score. The game is pure sim since about 2018, maybe earlier. The team at SDS is aAs bad as 2021 is, this game sucks. People argue about whether or not events and game outcomes are predetermined or scripted. Well, they are. I’ve copied save files and replayed moments and games to see the outcomes and get the same results each time, the same at bats with the same runners on and the same score. The game is pure sim since about 2018, maybe earlier. The team at SDS is a bunch of liars and the community is full of morons who believe them. Waste of effing time.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS4 Game of 2020
59
#59 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Apr 17, 2020
    90
    MLB The Show 20 presents itself as a great package, improving on most of its gameplay mechanics, including batting and fielding experience. With plenty of game modes, great Diamond Dynasty and online experience, and plenty of new animations it is a significant upgrade of the last year’s The Show 19, and proving itself worthy of purchase, by avoiding to follow the example of copycat sports franchises like FIFA and NBA 2K.
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  2. Gameplanet
    Apr 15, 2020
    80
    MLB The Show 20 marks another solid entry for the series. New additions to the fielding game are welcome and fans of the sport will find a wealth of systems and modes to enjoy. It may be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, but offers a great range of tutorials to get payers up to speed. There's a lot of game here, provided you enjoy the sport. While it wont make you a fan if you weren't already, it's still the best rendition of the sport you can enjoy from the comfort of the couch.
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  3. GameSkinny
    Apr 8, 2020
    80
    MLB The Show 20 doesn't rewrite the script, but its numerous tweaks to gameplay, modes, and options makes it the best baseball game around.
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