Review: 'MLB The Show 23' mediocre

Three out of Five Stars

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

“MLB The Show 23” is the latest installment of the “MLB The Show” franchise. It came out at midnight March 28. The game can be played on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch.

 “The Show” is rated E for everyone, it comes with two editions for purchase. The basic edition goes for $69.99 on next-generation systems and $59.99 for current generation. The Digital Deluxe edition sells for $100 on all systems.

I bought the digital deluxe, allowing me to play four days earlier than if I had bought the “standard edition.”

The cover for the basic edition features Miami Marlins electrifying player Jazz Chisholm. The deluxe edition features long-time, now retired, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

The difference between the two is not totally worth the price. The difference is extra in-game currency and packs for players in a mode called “diamond dynasty.”

The game looks fantastic per usual, especially on next-gen graphics. It also features many of the old favorite modes like road to the show, diamond dynasty and many more.

My personal favorite mode that was added in is the storylines mode. It takes players through a mini-documentary while playing classic moments of former Negro-League baseball players, including Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, etc. 

I enjoyed playing the moments and earning rewards, but I love the fact it includes the Negro-Leagues, a type of baseball that is not typically talked about.

My problems run into San Diego Studio’s inability to put out a brand new product. The game looks the same as it has graphically over several years. The process looks very “rinse and repeat,” with the same animations and everything.

The only noticeable change is the sounds the bats make when the ball is struck, which isn’t exactly the biggest change, but it does sound better. The game even contains a mode involving a mobile app to scan one’s own face.

The problem with the mode is, it sounds like a great idea, but the developers have yet to figure out how to include the app on iOS for Apple phones.

Overall, baseball is my favorite sport, so I’ll always enjoy playing this game. But, there’s just not a ton of things to do, and nothing that I haven’t already done

I recommend this game for anyone looking to get into baseball. It would be an easy fresh start to get into the sport. Anyone who follows baseball and the series will be disappointed with some of the same graphics from prior games.