MLB 11: The Show Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, PS2, PSP
Dev: SCE Studios San Diego
Pub: PUBLISHER
Release: March 8, 2011
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	ESRB RATING

The core game features are enough to make MLB 11: The Show an attractive package all by itself, but the game also has some pretty nifty bonus content for those with premium gaming setups. Since the game is a recent first-party Sony effort, it is presented in full stereoscopic 3D, which is cool if you have a 3D TV. Likewise, if you have the PlayStation Move, the game has a Home Run Derby mode that allows you to swing the bat to hit home runs with the Move motion controller.

MLB 11: The Show Screenshot

Though Home Run Derby doesn't have the same hardcore sim feeling as the rest of the game content, it works well as a nice diversion, and is certainly the most welcoming mode for those new to the franchise. As the Move's catalog is still in its infancy, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people pick this game up just for the Move mode, and although it's far from being as encompassing as the short lived MLB Power Pros series on the Wii (which had an all-motion control mode) the Move is implemented nicely here, and it will be great to see this feature evolve in future releases.

Visually, the game looks great. The player models are all spectacularly detailed, and the different stadiums are presented with loving detail. The sound in the game is also quite well done, and commentary is insightful and relevant. Even the crowd noise is responsive, and depending on whether you are playing a home or away game, you will hear responsive boos and cheers from the stands.

MLB 11: The Show certainly lives up to its name as a "show" title for Sony. It looks great, has solid single-player modes, and has enough new features to keep fans interested. I can definitely see MLB 11: The Show being an entry point in the series for plenty of people (especially those who crave new Move-compatible games) and if you have been thinking about diving in to the best baseball sim series around, you couldn't have picked a better time to jump in. And of course, if you're someone who is a longtime fan, then this new iteration of The Show is a no-brainer.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.8

Graphics
Visuals are sharp and extremely detailed.

4.6

Control
New precision controls take some time to learn, but are rewarding for those who want to ultimate sim experience.

4.7

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Commentary track sounds great and feels natural no matter what the context is.

4.5

Play Value
Both the Road to the Show and Franchise modes have plenty of replay ability, and with the added challenge of PlayStation Network weekly challenges, this is one game you won't be able to put down any time soon.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Pure hitting and pitching: Use the Dual Shock 3 analog sticks as a new way to experience MLB The Show.

All-new co-op play: Up to four-player co-op mode with two-on-two online multiplayer.

New and improved Road to the Show: Increase your skills and get called up to The Big Leagues.

Challenge of the Week online mode: Weekly baseball fix. Big time prizes.

New Home Run Derby with PlayStation Move.

The authentic MLB experience.