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. UniStuff
    Jul 16, 2020
    10
    In my large opinion, MLB strikes right. Surely something great would added, right? Well something was! You can now have leagues for ONLINE mode, which makes playing with friends and hosting events way easier than ever before on the game! San Diego Studios, MLB, and SONY are the best, also allowing custom music to be used like EA and 2K!
  5. Yogimix
    Mar 29, 2020
    9
    Having not played previous versions, and i think my last MLB game on a PS was bought back in the mid 2000's, this is a pretty awesome game. There are unfortunately is not quick practice mode, one that you can just jump into a batting cage and hit... the custom practice mode is, but its slow... And also the fielding and base running controls. If you accidentally go too far, stopping andHaving not played previous versions, and i think my last MLB game on a PS was bought back in the mid 2000's, this is a pretty awesome game. There are unfortunately is not quick practice mode, one that you can just jump into a batting cage and hit... the custom practice mode is, but its slow... And also the fielding and base running controls. If you accidentally go too far, stopping and going backwards takes an age, and is definitely not real time... Players do do ballet to get back to a base..... Overall though a great game and simulation of the real thing. Some interesting modes. Great alternative for the real thing being postponed.… Expand
  6. TheChrisPhoenix
    Mar 27, 2020
    10
    While I can see gamers going "Wait, isn't this the same as last year?". Yes, and no. Obviously the similarities are there. That said, it's not really a bad thing The Show 19 was a pretty solid game. As 20, nothing bad really against it. They added "custom" teams. However, the one bad thing is that you can't create a stadium, put prices on snacks like hot dogs, tickets etc like you couldWhile I can see gamers going "Wait, isn't this the same as last year?". Yes, and no. Obviously the similarities are there. That said, it's not really a bad thing The Show 19 was a pretty solid game. As 20, nothing bad really against it. They added "custom" teams. However, the one bad thing is that you can't create a stadium, put prices on snacks like hot dogs, tickets etc like you could back in EA's MVP Baseball 2005. Overall though, solid game.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. OMM
    Mar 13, 2020
    9
    That's Mr. MLB THE SHOW to you son,
    I never really write reviews, but I had to this time. I'm not sure how to explain it, but this show feels better, it plays better, it plays faster. The overhauled hitting mechanics work, for some reason (I am not sure why) the perfect perfect hitting system makes hitting more intuitive, and consistent. I've been playing the series since '09. I didn't    That's Mr. MLB THE SHOW to you son,
    I never really write reviews, but I had to this time. I'm not sure how to explain it, but this show feels better, it plays better, it plays faster. The overhauled hitting mechanics work, for some reason (I am not sure why) the perfect perfect hitting system makes hitting more intuitive, and consistent. I've been playing the series since '09. I didn't make it to the majors as a starter until '11 (HOF difficulty from jump).
    I learned how to hit by focusing on the release point & I have taught others too, and the perfect perfect system almost feels as if it was MADE to hit that way. I no longer have to wonder it I got under it too much, or over it. Perfect perfect kills that with the 3 diamonds in the center of the PCI, right away I know where to place the PCI for the type of batter. And for once moving between RTTS and other modes does not feel like your playing a different game when hitting. I'm not sure if they are the same systems, but sure feels like it. In fact, during my early days, I wouldn't play any mode but RTTS because the hitting was so different between the two and I would take days to get back into RTTS hitting. So to keep from being sent down I would only play RTTS.
    The new throwing system is taking sometime to get use to, but I see the vision. No longer is the degree of difficulty in getting to the ball ignored, with even routine backhanders offering some difficulty with lower rated fielders. That in mind, the early RTTS grind is brutal with the new system but not cheap. Plus with the ability to import your MyCareer guy between versions of The Show (since PS3) there is really no need to grind, (here that NBA2K?). I started a new guy to see the cinematics and all.
    As for the number of HOFers offered in DD, I don't really care about that as I just grind and NEVER buy packs so I never really get many of those players. But DD has tons to do even for those that don't want to play PvP, which is nice to see.
    In short this version actually IMPROVES upon the already bullet-proof gameplay and experience of The Show, without a doubt this is the best sports title I have EVER played..... And it ain't even close brah....    … Expand
  9. z28guy30
    Mar 15, 2020
    10
    The best MLB The Show in years! Hitting is finally fixed, and the addition of features such as a customizable PCI and perfect/perfect contact were great additions!
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. Duncan282
    Mar 15, 2020
    9
    So I can't give everything a perfect 10, since games are supposed to be consistently improving... I will say that this is hands-down the best MLB The Show I've ever played. I picked up the series in '14. They've done so much with the hitting and fielding this year. The game feels much more competitive online now. User input seems to matter alot more than it ever has before.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. SALVATORE99119
    Jul 15, 2020
    10
    The best sport baseball game ever, thanks diego studios for this brillant game, so good
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. remolian
    Mar 14, 2020
    10
    It's the same as MLBTS 19 with a few added bits here and a few tweaks to game play there but it feels, looks and plays so much better now. I don't know why or how but it does.
  21. DSouls_guy
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    Don't listen to all those low scores, mlb the show 2020 is utterly fantastic!!! The graphics are incredible, the sound, and all those awesome play modes are killer. Now this is my first mlb game and I'm Very impressed, totally worth it, I'm a fan now.i look forward to future installments .
  22. sityoazzdown
    Mar 17, 2020
    9
    This review is based on how the game actually plays, and not neccesarily on new features. Welp, the show finally returns to its roots and stopped catering to casuals. The days of everyone having a 4 k/9 (pitching stat) innings average appears to be over for now. Everything about this game now takes adequate skill, something this series waned from the past two iterations. Hitting nowThis review is based on how the game actually plays, and not neccesarily on new features. Welp, the show finally returns to its roots and stopped catering to casuals. The days of everyone having a 4 k/9 (pitching stat) innings average appears to be over for now. Everything about this game now takes adequate skill, something this series waned from the past two iterations. Hitting now feels more realistic, and earned (for the most part). *Last year on my account I wrote how we should be rewarded for perfect timing*.. and the perfect perfect feels great. Fielding meter actually varies from player to player. Outfield animations are still iffy and inconsistent though. It is harder to hit breaking balls now, and the days of not fearing a 99 ovr pitcher is over.

    I consider myself a competitive mlb the show online player, and the tweaks to gameplay this year makes me happy. More skill less luck.

    While the new features this year is lacking, I mostly really just enjoy this series returning to skill based gameplay.    … Expand
  23. Cullen69
    Mar 16, 2020
    10
    Best show since 16. The hitting is much improved. Defense has added new elements making it somewhat challenging
  24. 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
  25. SantiPar
    Jun 27, 2020
    6
    The subversion of the male gaze in MLB THE SHOW 20 contains and then breaches the containment of visual pleasure.
  26. sex69
    Aug 23, 2020
    0
    Not so much fun!!
    Same every time!!
    There is no progress in the game!!!
    Money is a waste
  27. LuNg
    Jul 24, 2020
    9
    The best game for the lovers baseball, Franchise, Moments, Diamond Dinasty !
  28. FullyAlive24
    May 18, 2020
    9
    Year after year, SDS comes back to us with a fantastic baseball game.

    This year, it meant so much more than the past few years, as this is the only means of playing or watching the sport that we've had during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a special game. It looks beautiful, plays smoothly, and has given me goosebumps on multiple occasions because of immersion. I could swear I was back    Year after year, SDS comes back to us with a fantastic baseball game.

    This year, it meant so much more than the past few years, as this is the only means of playing or watching the sport that we've had during the Covid-19 pandemic.
    This is a special game. It looks beautiful, plays smoothly, and has given me goosebumps on multiple occasions because of immersion. I could swear I was back in the Bronx, watching the Yankees, even during this "stay at home depression".

    MLB The Show is here again - and besides minor nitpicks and occasional glitches out in the field, I couldn't be happier to be back in this virtual utopia of baseball where players from the past, the present, and even the future, play the best game in the world...Baseball.    … Expand
  29. MaxPayneIsGod
    May 11, 2022
    8
    My favourite iteration of the series, after taking a while to tune everything to my preference the game just clicked.
    There is a significant learning curve to these games, but once you get it they are phenomenal.
    With tons of game modes there are literally 1000s of hours gameplay here, but its up to you to sift through what you're going to enjoy. To be fair, the sheer volume of content    My favourite iteration of the series, after taking a while to tune everything to my preference the game just clicked.
    There is a significant learning curve to these games, but once you get it they are phenomenal.
    With tons of game modes there are literally 1000s of hours gameplay here, but its up to you to sift through what you're going to enjoy.
    To be fair, the sheer volume of content can be quite overwhelming but stick with it, find a mode you like, and you won't regret it    … Expand
  30. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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