Best Baseball Video Game: “MLB 12 The Show” Will Once Again Reign Supreme

Photo Credit: IGN.com

To my baseball lovers and video game fanatics, I hope you are all as excited as I am for this year’s upcoming version of “MLB The Show.”

For people who have played “MLB The Show” in previous years, they would know that this game is known to be the #1 rated sports game four years in a row. The franchise has received multiple accolades and amazing reviews from the top video game websites, such as Gamespot and IGN.

For “newbie’s” that have not heard about this amazing and realistic video game as of yet, no worries because you’re in luck. You’re about to be sucked in just like most of us.

If you love baseball and always wondered how the game would look in your own two eyes, “MLB The Show” will do just that and more. Let’s make this simple.

Here are some of the features of the game that’ll make you say “WOW!”

Amazing Graphics For A Sports Video Game

It’s fair to say that every video game franchise wants to have the best graphics for their game. What makes a good franchise from being elite is the way they can portray a game, in this case a baseball game, to look and feel exactly like the real thing. From batting stances to pitching movements, there’s not one franchise that does this better than SCE San Diego Studios, the minds that developed this authentic baseball simulation.

Photo Credit: Gamespot.com

If you’re an avid baseball fan, “MLB The Show” will place you right in the heart of the game. It’s like watching a real game on TV, except that you control 100% of how your team plays. Think about it, you’re the manager, the player, and the team executive all in one. The ballparks are presented exactly the same way as you would see each stadium if you was walking into the game in person. The new version, “MLB 12 The Show,” is set to unveil the new Miami Marlins ballpark in the game, a great addition to the most realistic sports experience in the video game world.

Player Collisions/Collision Awareness
[New for MLB 12 The Show]

With men on first and second in the bottom of the ninth, newly acquired Angels’ first baseman Albert Pujols is in his batting stance. The Tiger ace Justin Verlander winds up and throws his heater screaming at a 100 mph. As the ball reaches the plate, Pujols makes contact and drives the ball to the right-center field gap. The man on second scores the tying run with the go-ahead winning run rounding third base. The throw comes to home plate… BOOM!

The runner coming home just laid out the Tiger’s catcher. Everyone looks at the umpire as he looks to see if the catcher has ball possession. The umpire screams, He’s out! The game goes to extra innings!

Excuse me if I got carried away, but I was actually imagining this situation happening. Hopefully you
were all entertained by my mediocre play calling and honestly, I hope it got everyone pumped up!

“MLB 12 The Show” is rolling out their new addition of player collisions. Now, this is not just a scenario where a runner takes out the 2nd baseman on a double play. Every defensive player on the field is designed to make new tag animations, in addition to anticipating collisions more than ever. On the other hand, every offensive player has a new way of sliding around tags and will instantaneously react depending on the situation. You want real? You’ll get real!

The goal is to try to mimic the exact movements of each player around the field. Creating this “feel” would enhance an even more genuine experience for the user.

Photo Credit: Gamespot.com

Incredible Ball Physics
[New for MLB 12 The Show]

Every time a baseball makes contact with the bat, numerous physics is put into play. How hard did the bat hit the ball? Where did the bat make contact, etc? You’d be excited to know that the franchise’s engineering team has re-evaluated all phases and have determined the best way to make the game better simply by using actual physics in terms of how spinning objects react to impact.

Wait, that’s not all. To elaborate on ball contact, this goes for balls hitting bases, the pitcher’s mound, balls off walls located on the warning track… that’s right… “MLB The Show” has taken the game
to a different level.

Broadcast Presentations

Some users have complained that the broadcasters calling the game are now boring. In previous versions, each commentator would describe a play the same way, but uses different wording. “MLB The Show” has reached a point where users are now anticipating an even more true-to-life simulation, that’s how much this game has excelled.

Be ready to hear new commentary from the broadcasters, folks. The designers of the game have revamped this portion as well. Announcers will provide deeper insights regarding each play. The broadcaster experience, an added bonus for all “MLB The Show” fans, will give a totally new perspective on the game.

Already Being Called The Best Before Release

With countless new features available for the game, it’s hard not to say “MLB The Show” is in a different league compared to other franchises. According to Gamespot, the game’s arch nemesis, Major League Baseball 2K12 has already advertised a combo pack consisting of MLB 2K12 and NBA 2K12 all in one package totaling only $70. The 2K franchise is hoping to persuade some users from purchasing their MLB version of the game given the help of the combo pack. If you ask me, quantity is a good thing; quality is irreplaceable. Sorry 2K. Hey, on the bright side, at least you have basketball.

“MLB 12 The Show” will be hitting the shelves on March 6, 2012 for only PlayStation 3. When it comes to baseball or even just sports in general, age doesn’t matter. If you love the sport, then go and purchase this game. It’s guaranteed to have you addicted from the very first play.

I am not just saying it, everyone is.