MLB The Show 20 is the next installment in a long-lasting series of Major League Baseball games. As with all previous versions, this game is again a PlayStation exclusive.
Converting a noob
Right up front, I know nothing about baseball and even less about the MLB series. I’m what you could describe as a total noob when it comes down to baseball in real life and in digital form. Before you judge me too hard… I’ve checked out my country’s official baseball association and found out there are only a total of 46 baseball clubs in my country and none are near my area. With these obvious flaws to review this game in mind, I can safely say that despite it all I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the game. At first, I wasn’t sure what was going on but MLB The Show 20 just plays very intuitively which is a major plus in my book. I think I can safely say I now have a grasp of the rules and understand why one should make a certain play in a given situation.
New gameplay features
Based on my previously mentioned noob status I can’t compare the new features of MLB The Show 20 with previous installments. On the other hand, I can say the gameplay really flowed nicely. The new outfield throwing system where a player can defend a base worked just fine. Each time an outfield player picks up the ball a meter appears which needs to be pressed when in the green zone. The button you use decides towards which base you’ll throw the ball. Catching the ball is indicated with an image of the ball on the ground. Positioning yourself as quickly as possible under the ball makes for a perfect catch. The new batting now offers more rewards when hitting the timers at the perfect time often resulting in an intensely satisfying homerun.
Road to the show
I spent the most time with the Road to the show mode in MLB The Show 20. This mode lets you play one player who starts from the bottom and gets drafted in the MLB. While completing challenges you can gain all sorts of perks to make you an even better player and gradually rise in the ranks towards stardom. With the dynamic challenge on, the game’s difficulty actually changes on the spot based on your performance. With more challenges and more perks to progress, you’ll have plenty to do despite only controlling one player.
March to October
March to October mode in MLB The Show 20 lets you control a whole team. With a vast amount of challenges to complete you’ll have plenty to do. Completing these challenges gives your team some much-needed edge over the other teams. If playing the whole 9 innings isn’t enough, this mode offers a lot more management type gameplay. From picking your best players to drafting new talent, it’s all there. With special scenarios on offer to call-up fresh talent, you’ll be busy until October’s playoffs.
Franchise, showdown and online
Franchise mode is now almost fully customizable. Making a team, choosing the name, the logo, the colors… all is possible. Can’t decide how your logo should look, just pick one pre-made by the community. In Showdown, you’ll go collecting players (and perks) through the use of digital baseball cards. Combining your pulled players to form the best team and performing well earns you more possibilities to reach the final showdown. Online gameplay is obviously present in MLB The Show 20. With custom leagues amongst your friends as one of the new and improved options.
Conclusion
I went in blind and came out somewhat enlighted to what the sport is about. If a video game succeeds in pulling it off for a noob like me, I can’t imagine a real fan not liking it. Go out and get some digital batting practice with MLB The Show 20
