Well, it’s that time again…….and Baseball Fever is in the air! What better way to celebrate, than to pick up a copy of the greatest Baseball Game ever made……..MLB the Show 2020! San Diego Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment have done it once again. The Show 2020 is the 15th entry in the Franchise, featuring Javier Baez (Chicago Cubs Infielder) as the Featured Cover Star! The Show 2020 was released on March 17th 2020, exclusively for the Playstation 4 Console. MLB the Show 2020 offered many Pre Order Bonuses as seen in the picture below…..
Baseball Season in the real world may be on hold due to the Coronavirus, but that won’t stop MLB the Show 2020 from bringing the most realistic and satisfying Baseball Game to your Home! Matt Vasgersian, Mark De Rosa, and Dan Plesac return as the play by play commentators. Heidi Watney returns as the Sideline Reporter and Alex Miniak graces us with his presence as the Public Address Commentator. I know that times are rough in the world right now, but we will march on just like Baseball……..
For the first time ever, Minor League Players are fully licensed and will have their names and likenesses featured in the game. Game Modes include Diamond Dynasty, Custom Leagues, Play Now, March to October, Franchise, and a fan favorite….. Road to the Show! Mini Modes include Moments, Challenge of the Week, Custom Practice, Home Run Derby, Retro Mode, and Post Season! As you can see, this game offers everything a Baseball game should and more.
MLB the Show 2020 offers one of the most robust character creation tools I have ever seen in a Sports Game, or any other game for that matter. Players are given the ability to model their Ballplayer after themselves or create a totally new character. You are able to customize everything and I mean everything………from the color of the laces on your cleats, to the color of the stitches on your glove, to deciding whether or not you want sideburns or a full beard! MLB the Show 2020 takes the character customization one step further, enabling you to have the Announcer call out your name as you step to the plate. This feature alone, adds a sense of realism and makes you feel like you are actually a part of the game. Below is a picture of my in game character that was modeled after myself and inserted into the New York Yankee line up for use in Franchise Mode…….As you can see, the character models are stunning.
One of the new Online Modes ‘Showdown’ is very exciting. Showdown is comprised of several Gauntlet Challenges, where you are able to earn huge in game rewards. You start each Showdown with a Draft, allowing you to select your squad MVP’s. Next, you select a wide variety of perks that will boost your team’s performance and aid them during special MLB Moments with your newly crafted squad. Conquering the Final Showdown allows you to earn huge XP rewards…….Program Progress, Earning Stubs, Gaining XP, Acquiring Packs, and Special Items for use in this Game Mode as well as others.
There is a new Game Mode that I am really excited about…..’Custom Online Leagues’. In this mode you can create the gameplay experience for you and your friends.
-Choice of 40 Man Live Rosters or use your Diamond Dynasty Collection
-Season long format w/ post season options
-Choice of playing competitively or creating an atmosphere that is a little more laid back
-Making a Flexible Schedule for all players involved
Road to the Show is better than ever, offering Players improved challenges which have a huge impact on your Team’s Success. You are allowed to choose which challenges you would like to go after. This is extremely important, as it allows you to work on the Attribute(s) you would like to increase. This gives you the Freedom of creating a one of a kind character! There are also Multi-Reward challenges which speed up your progression in the perks you have selected. And last but not least, there are Rewards for completing ‘Boss Battle’ Challenges. Road to the Show has always been one of my favorite game modes. Seeing your created character start their career in the Minor Leagues, and guiding them through the ups and downs as they approach their ultimate dream of making it to the Big Leagues……..it just doesn’t get any better!
“It could be, it might be……….it is!” Oh my, it just keeps on getting better, San Diego Studio has really outdone themselves and for the very first time ever……….Big Changes have come to Franchise Mode. You are now able to change your Teams name and logo. You can also upload your uniform designs for other players to download and use. This is where it really gets Cool……..You now have the ability to change your Home Team’s Ball Park location and pick which Stadium they play their Home Games in! This game knows no bounds and that is why it is one of the greatest Sports Franchises ever to grace a Console.
This year, MLB the Show 2020 adds many new and exciting Legends Players. They are available to unlock and use in Diamond Dynasty, Home Run Derby, or add them to the Free Agent Pool of your Franchise Season! With the new Perfect-Perfect Batting System, players are rewarded for hitting the ball with a perfect swing and maximizing plate coverage. The Defense has also been tweaked to add more realism while controlling players in the Outfield. The Extreme Catch Indicator plays a big part in whether you decide to dive for a catch that could end up on the Highlight Reel, or whether you decide to play it safe and let the ball bounce in front of you. The Outfield Throw Indicator adds a little more challenge and could mean the difference between throwing a ball well off it’s target or making ‘The Perfect Throw’ that will keep the fans talking for a lifetime!
MLB the Show 2020 is a dream come true for Baseball Fans. This game is running on all cylinders and truly captures the spirit of Baseball. This Franchise continues to push the envelope year in and year out. The only thing this game is missing, is the abilty to smell the Popcorn, Hotdogs, and Beer while you are playing. In the immortal words of Lou Gherig……”Fans, for the past two weeks, you’ve been reading about a bad break. Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in Ballparks for 17 years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans”. Baseball holds a special place in my heart and so does this Game.
I give MLB the Show 2020 a Solid 9/10. This is not only a great Baseball Game, but one of the Best Sports Games I’ve ever played! “PLAY BALL”
Game Reviews by Techno Fabulous 