Review: MLB 11 The Show

MLB 11 The Show is set again to provide fans with an unparalleled baseball experience with even more features and modes destined to quicken the heart, raise the stakes, and hurl you further into the true MLB baseball experience. 

Release Date: March 08, 2011
MSRP: $59.99
Also on: PSP
E for Everyone: No Descriptors
Genre: Sports 
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: SCE Studios San Diego

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Gameplay:
MLB 11: The Show features the Pure Analog Control System, which includes analog controls for hitting, pitching, and fielding. Pure Hitting allows the player to stride and swing using the Right Analog Stick, Pure Pitching functionality incorporates a new Pitch Meter when setting strength and location, and Pure Throwing can be used to make defensive throws by simply pointing the Right Analog Stick in the direction of the base, also allowing for fake throws to keep runners honest.

The Co-op Mode allows up to four-player offline or online cooperative play where players can split duties covering either the infield or outfield, while also switching off at the plate or choosing the specific batters they’d like to control. Users can play 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 2, or 2 vs. CPU. There is also a Challenge of the Week online feature, which will include 2-3 minute single player online gameplay, which will be supported by leader boards and prizes awarded in three tiers.

The fifth generation of Road to The Show adds a new interactive slider set to the Create Player process, new training modes triggered by the Player Performance Evaluator, Minor League substitution logic improvements, advancement system improvements that now compares a player's stats to their competition in the organization, and the new No Assist Fielding option.

MLB 11: The Show will also include stereoscopic 3D functionality, a customizable camera editor, stadium specific broadcast camera angles for all 30 MLB teams, new weather elements, stadium specific Jumbotrons and fireworks, and PlayStation Move motion controller support for the Home Run Derby mode.

Final Thoughts:
Fielding matters now and the new analog controls for pitching and hitting are fun. The lack of major improvements to Franchise and Road to the Show are disappointing, but The Show remains the best baseball game in town. If you've been waiting for someone to take you out to the ballgame, wait no longer. MLB 11: The Show is here.

Rating: 4.0 = Average
Recommendation: A must Buy