MLB 13: The Show Review for PS Vita

System: PS Vita, PS3*
Dev: Sony
Pub: Sony
Release: March 5, 2013
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 544p

Visually, the level of detail here is fantastic. Player models and animations are believable and detailed, matching their real-world counterparts as closely as possible. Stadiums are painstakingly re-created and come to life with every hoorah or boo of the crowd. Even the presentation of the game, through the perspective cameras, looked almost like a real baseball game.

MLB 13: The Show Screenshot

Whether pitching, batting, or fielding, the controls are ironclad. With a variety of ways to control your players in any facet of the game, you can create your own truly unique experience based solely on your preferences. For example, you can choose to use the face buttons for hitting or you can use the analog sticks to execute your swing. While none of these features are really new, they are consistent and refined, making it easy for a rookie like me to take it on at my own pace.

The sounds of The Show are all there, from the cracking of the bats to the screaming of the fans, but the commentary just isn’t up to par. In fact, it can become downright annoying. The announcers are dry, monotone, and boring, and you can’t care less about what they were going to say because they’ve already said it a million times.

Altogether, MLB 13: The Show has shown us that it can remain among the top simulation sports games in the industry. An excellent visual package and a versatile control scheme help to set it apart from its competition and secure it a spot on store shelves for years to come.

By
Joshua Bruce
Contributing Writer
Date: MArch 6, 2013

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.7

Graphics
Stadiums are amazingly realistic and player models are accurate down to the smallest detail.

4.7

Control
Ironclad controls are the basis for the success of The Show. A variety of player control options puts you in control of how you play.

4.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The drab commentary is like pock marks on an otherwise solid soundscape.

4.5

Play Value
The Show has something for everybody, with game modes that will satisfy the biggest baseball fans and casual gamers alike.

4.3

Overall Rating - Great
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:

Revamped Franchise and Road To The Show modes with expanded options and new gameplay experiences.

All-New Playoff Mode includes an unparalleled in-stadium atmosphere that replicates the excitement and tension of October baseball.

Completely new beginner mode and instructional enhancements make The Show the best pick-up and play baseball experience.

Improved Play Now mode streamlines gameplay for the option to play faster, simpler games.

Save files between the PS3 and the PS Vita via the PlayStation Network. Sync your Season, Franchise and Road to the Show saves and load them on either platform to continue the action anywhere.