Release Date: March 31, 2015
A tenth installment in the popular baseball game series, translating the most popular and the most important Major League Baseball moments into the video game setting. When compared to its predecessor, MLB 15: The Show offers updated teams and line-ups. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 releases feature also more appealing visuals, improved ball physics, better AI algorithms, and new player animations.
MLB 15: The Show is a tenth installment in the popular baseball series, translating the most popular and the most important Major League Baseball moments into the video game setting. The game has been developed by an internal Sony Computer Entertainment studio located in San Diego. MLB 15: The Show is the second installment in the series to be released on PlayStation 4 – this version of the game features the most prominent changes in comparison to the game’s predecessors, also in of the graphics. MLB 15: The Show allows players to import their saved game files from MLB 14: The Show.
The game does not introduce any new game modes; however, it features many new gameplay elements along with numerous improvements to the already existing ones. What is worth mentioning, all the novelties are present in the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 releases of the game. The PlayStation Vita version of the game does not differ much from MLB 14: The Show, apart from updated teams, line-ups, and the interface.
Developers went ahead and improved the ball physics, and added a number of new player animations, allowing us to see some entirely new situations on the baseball field. The hitter controls have been simplified making the analog stick control more -friendly. In addition, the opponents’ AI has been improved – they react in a more realistic way and are able to execute much more complex strategies.
For the first time in the series’ history, the game delivers licensed baseball gear (bats, helmets, apparel, etc.), which intensifies the entire baseball experience. Thanks to the team management module, one can sign sponsorship contracts with real life companies. Moreover, the team management options have been expanded – the processes of acquiring new players and training them have become more elaborate. What is worth mentioning, MLB 15: The Show features 30 legendary players, who represent years of American baseball history. In order to unlock these players, one has to complete special assignments.
The enhanced graphics were available only on PlayStation 4. The developers introduced a new lighting system (both at day and night), changed the rendering of 3D models, and improved face and skin textures. On the top of that, the game includes 10 new stadiums.
Platforms:
PlayStation 3
PlayStation Vita
PlayStation 4
Developer: San Diego Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
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Game Ratings for MLB 15: The Show Video Game.
Polygon: 9 / 10 by Samit Sarkar
Sony San Diego eschewed developing splashy back-of-the-box bullet points in favor of refining an already great game, exhibiting a confidence that is itself quietly remarkable — just like this series' consistency.
Hardcore Gamer: 4 / 5 by Steve Hannley
Now that the PS4 has been on the market for over a year, SD San Diego has had time to fine-tune the MLB franchise, giving it more sheen to the point that it's easily one of the most realistic sports games on the market. MLB 15: The Show doesn't bring any major additions to the table, but it does respectably tweak the most beloved modes to streamline the experience for pros and casuals alike.
GamesBeat: 70 / 100 by Mike Minotti
It's weird when you feel so unenthusiastic about a game that you know is "good." This used to be a series that I would never miss. These days, I'd probably take a long break from The Show if I could.
Average score from votes.
