MLB The Show 25 Review
A Step Forward in Baseball Gaming
Few games capture the magic, atmosphere, and depth of America’s pastime quite like MLB The Show. Sony San Diego Studio’s flagship franchise has consistently set the bar for baseball simulation, and MLB The Show 25 continues that tradition. This year brings much-needed improvements and fresh features, but while the game refines its core experience, it stops short of a true reinvention. For those expecting a drastic leap, this year’s installment may feel more evolutionary than revolutionary. However, the refinements in gameplay, presentation, and game modes make it one of the most polished sports games available today.
Gameplay Enhancements and Realism
One of the most notable additions is the GOAT difficulty setting, which pushes realism to its limits. This new challenge mode is designed for veteran players looking for the ultimate test of skill. Pitch speeds and batting mechanics mirror real-life conditions, forcing players to rely on sharp reflexes and strategy. The sense of immersion is unparalleled, making each at-bat feel like a battle.
Another fresh gameplay addition is Ambush Hitting, a high-risk, high-reward mechanic. By correctly guessing pitch location, players gain a hitting boost, but a wrong guess results in harsh penalties. This mechanic adds another layer of strategy, rewarding players who have a deep understanding of pitching tendencies and patterns.
Road to the Show: A More Authentic Journey
The fan-favourite Road to the Show mode gets a meaningful update, now allowing players to start their careers in high school. Performance in playoff games determines college scholarship opportunities, and the inclusion of metal bats and seven-inning high school games adds authenticity. The Dynamic Challenges system injects variety into the experience, offering objectives that provide Tokens for upgrading player attributes.
For players seeking a highly customizable journey, the revamped Tool System allows fine-tuning of player skills, letting users create a unique star that aligns with their preferred playstyle. Though the mode doesn’t completely overhaul the career experience, it remains an engaging and rewarding path to MLB stardom.
March to October and Franchise Mode Updates
March to October continues to be a streamlined, narrative-driven way to play through a season, putting players in high-pressure situations to guide their teams to glory. The latest iteration adds new commentary and dynamic storylines, making it more immersive than before.
Meanwhile, Franchise Mode receives some minor but effective tweaks. The Battle of the Big Boards shakes up free agency, making it more unpredictable and competitive. Contracts and team-building strategies have also been refined, offering a more realistic front-office experience. However, Franchise Mode remains largely similar to previous entries and could benefit from a deeper overhaul in future installments. A season mode that mirrors the real-world MLB season with active rosters would have been a welcome addition.
Diamond Dynasty: A More Balanced Approach
Sony San Diego has made a significant change to Diamond Dynasty, removing the set and season structure that previously pressured players into acquiring cards before they expired. This shift allows users to build their dream rosters at their own pace, making the mode feel less like a money-driven grind and more like a rewarding team-building experience.
A standout addition is Diamond Quest, a roguelike-inspired mode where players navigate a game board, tackling randomized challenges and boss encounters. The mode introduces a strategic risk-reward system—players can accumulate rewards but risk losing them if they push too far. This innovative approach adds a fresh dynamic to the card-collecting experience.
Negro League Storylines: A Tribute to Baseball’s Untold Legends
One of MLB The Show 25’s most celebrated features is the return of Negro League Storylines, now in its third season. This year highlights the careers of James “Cool Papa” Bell, Wilber “Bullet Joe” Rogan, and Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, among others.
These episodes blend live-action footage, animated illustrations, and real-life quotes, offering a heartfelt tribute to some of baseball’s greatest yet historically overlooked players. Playing through their legendary moments provides a deeper appreciation for the talent that flourished outside of Major League Baseball due to segregation. This mode remains a high point for the franchise, blending education and gameplay in a way that is both meaningful and entertaining.
Presentation and Atmosphere
Visually, MLB The Show 25 continues to impress, refining player animations, stadium details, and crowd reactions. The new lighting system enhances realism, and dynamic weather conditions add an extra layer of authenticity. The improved broadcast presentation mirrors real-life MLB broadcasts, making each game feel like a television event.
Sound design has also received upgrades, from the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd. Commentary has been refreshed with more diverse lines and improved AI-driven reactions, creating a more engaging experience during games.
Final Thoughts
MLB The Show 25 doesn’t revolutionize the franchise, but it makes meaningful strides in gameplay, realism, and historical storytelling. The introduction of GOAT difficulty and Ambush Hitting refines the on-field action, while Road to the Show’s high school start adds new layers of depth. The removal of sets and seasons in Diamond Dynasty makes it more accessible, and the return of Negro League Storylines continues to be a standout feature.
While Franchise Mode still lacks major innovations and some players may crave more dramatic changes, the game remains the pinnacle of baseball simulation. With its polished mechanics, immersive presentation, and attention to historical detail, MLB The Show 25 is a must-play for fans of the sport.
However, the game largely sticks to an evolutionary approach rather than bringing major innovations. Franchise mode only gets minor tweaks, and the lack of a season mode with an active real-world roster would be a nice addition. While Diamond Quest brings a fresh roguelike-inspired take, its grind-heavy nature may not appeal to everyone.
Overall, MLB The Show 25 is still the best baseball sim on the market, but it plays things a bit too safe. A strong game for dedicated fans, but those looking for groundbreaking changes may need to wait for future installments.
