Maintaining an annual franchise such as MLB The Show is no small feat. There’s a multitude of tasks to complete within a limited timeframe, from adding new features and addressing player feedback to developing an entirely new season for The Negro Leagues. The challenge often boils down to one question: is it worth upgrading from last year? Thanks to significant changes in the Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty modes, MLB The Show 25 provides a clear affirmative answer.
The core gameplay of baseball hasn’t undergone drastic changes this year, which is acceptable, but there are several enhancements. Recent updates, such as the integration of two-way players, revised shift regulations, and pitch clocks are now fully operational. A notable new feature is quick-time events that allow players to avoid tags, which only occasionally prompt, making them more of a bonus than a game-changer. Infielders have also received different initial reactions that noticeably impact their ability to reach balls. This shift means that weaker defenders will misplay the ball more often, adding value to exceptional defenders, especially in Franchise mode.
A new ambush hitting feature allows players to “cheat” toward inside or outside pitches, making it easier to hit on one side while complicating it on the other. While the concept is appealing, I have found more success playing neutrally. Overall, hitting still feels great, although perfect contact seems less rewarding, often resulting in routine outs or mere singles instead of the expected powerful hits. This aspect may need reevaluation in future updates.
Franchise mode, where you manage your favorite team, sees relatively minor changes from last year. The custom game entry feature remains a personal favorite, allowing you to auto-simulate until critical moments arise. The free agent process has been revamped so that you now prioritize a select list of targets, with interest accumulating as time passes. This new system simplifies decision-making when targeting marquee players versus filling out your roster.
Overall, the core aspects of The Show 25 retain their strength, with a focus on incremental but meaningful updates rather than radical changes. Although the gameplay remains consistent, elements like the Franchise and March to October modes have benefited from new production features, including player comparisons. The newly introduced G.O.A.T difficulty presents a significant challenge with fast pitches and tightly broken balls—while it might be too difficult for some, those seeking a hardcore experience are likely to enjoy it.
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Korean
Portuguese
Spanish