MLB The Show 25 Doesn’t Care That It’s a Video Game – And It’s Better for It [Review]

MLB The Show 25 is here, and while it hits the same notes as previous games, it adds enough to make the experience worthwhile.

MLB The Show 25 isn’t a complicated game by any stretch of the imagination. After all, every game mode involves playing the same sport. Of course, San Diego Studio finds ways to keep things fresh, but this year, it’s clear MLB The Show doesn’t care that it’s a game.

What that means is that, at least at launch, players aren’t going to get the breaks they usually do. Gameplay is tougher than ever, with hard-hit balls consistently staying in the park and even getting caught. That’s a massive change from previous games, where hitters with no business smashing home runs could launch balls out with ease. MLB The Show 25 is out to prove that luck is just as important as skill in the game of baseball, and while that may frustrate veteran players, it makes for a fantastic casual experience.

MLB The Show 25 Isn’t Here to Make Things Easy

Players will notice the biggest difference in online modes like Diamond Dynasty. As they go through and build a lineup of their favorite big-league players, they’ll want to test their luck online. However, what they’ll come across is gameplay more like real-life MLB games, where the occasional ball lands in the stands but scoring really comes from timely hitting. The same goes for pitching, where it’s more likely that a string of three singles will bring a run to the plate rather than a long ball.

It’s a big adjustment, one that’s likely to frustrate players until the upcoming content drops introduce higher-overall players into Diamond Dynasty consistently. But it’s not just about online modes – this change is across the board. Even casual players who just hop on for a quick game against the CPU will find out that the game feels different and must change their approach if they hope to have success.