MLB The Show 16, the latest version of Sony San Diego’s venerated baseball franchise, is coming March 29, 2016–just in time for Opening Day on April 4.
The game made its blockbuster debut with a trailer during the PlayStation Experience 2015 keynote. Beyond the requisite graphical improvements, MLB The Show 16 embraces the clutch micro-moments that can make or break pro baseball. A new feature, ShowTime, slows these epic moments to a crawl, giving you greater control over the play and a chance to make a clutch catch, throw, or hit. Catch a hint of that feature in the PSX debut trailer:
Elsewhere, game modes like Road To The Show are receiving streamlining options. For example, you can play an entire series of Road To The Show games without being exited to the main menu between games. Also, baserunning and fielding opportunities are emphasized, so you can complete games only playing the most significant moments.
Notably, there is no PS Vita version of MLB The Show 16 planned for release. But on PS4, there are several ways to enjoy the core game. Three versions are out in the wild: the Standard Edition, MVP Edition, and Digital Deluxe Edition. If you pre-order any edition of the game, you’ll get 10 bonus standard-item packs and an MLB The Show Player Rep Rookie Card. If you pre-order any edition of the game from GameStop, you’ll receive an additional five bonus item packs. Any PS Store pre-order, meanwhile, will net you three exclusive PS4 Avatars.
In addition to the above-mentioned retailer-specific bonuses, here’s what each version of the game will get you:
MVP Edition:
Limited Edition Steel Book and Packaging
5,000 Stubs
1 Sponsor Pack
10 Standard Packs
31 PS4 MLB Themed Avatars
1 Opening Day Pack
Digital Deluxe Edition (PS Store only):
11,000 Stubs
1 Sponsor Pack
20 Standard Packs
31 PS4 MLB Themed Avatars
3 Opening Day Packs
In past years, we’ve showered MLB The Show with high praise. The series’ debut on PS4 scored a 9 out of 10 in our book, while 2015’s follow-up earned the same marks. On PS Vita, the series has had mixed success: our 2014 and 2015 reviews earned a 6.5 and 7.5, respectively.
What issues do you hope Sony San Diego is addressing this year? Do you agree with the cover athlete choice of Josh Donaldson? Sound off in the comments!
Thanks for the detailed info and cover art, PlayStation.Blog!