Introduction

If you thought the baseball world was just for the real-life big hitters, think again! MLB The Show 21 puts the bat back in your hands and allows you to swing for the fences, whether you're on the PS4 or the shiny new PS5. It's also a love letter to baseball fans and for the first time, unceremoniously crashes the Xbox party. So grab your glove and a soda and let's dive into the diamond!

Gameplay

MLB The Show 21 takes a swing at innovation with its new ballpark creator feature, adding way more than your grandma's backyard baseball games. You can edit dimensions, wall heights, and even the scenery for your virtual playing grounds! Sure, you can't make it entirely out of candy (yet), but we can dream right? Road to the Show still feels like a marathon rather than a sprint, as it lets you take your created player through the big leagues. However, this edition left some hardcore fans a little sore-all year-to-year saves in franchise mode got the boot, which honestly feels more like a pop fly caught by the pitcher rather than a clean home run. Sure, the mechanics are solid, and the core gameplay is pretty much on point, but we're still left scratching our heads wondering what's next.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, The Show 21 isn't slouching. A crisp presentation makes the ballparks pop with more pizzazz than a fireworks show on the Fourth of July. From the grass textures that look like they're having a bad day to player animations that sometimes feel a little wobbly (it's like watching a toddler take their first steps). The colors are vibrant and the lighting effects? Chef's kiss. It looks good, but don't expect it to single-handedly redefine graphics on the next-gen consoles. Xbox players were also invited to join the fun for the first time, and let's be honest-it feels like watching your high school dance partner suddenly waltz with your rival more smoothly than before.

Conclusion

MLB The Show 21 gives players a taste of solid baseball gaming, though it isn't without its faults. The new features add some fresh cheese to the mozzarella stick that is The Show but it doesn't feel like a full course meal. Sure, there are home runs, but there are also a few pop outs. It's still a great choice for sports fans looking to chase some digital trophies, but it won't necessarily knock your socks off if you're looking for the next big innovation on the field. All things considered, it slams a solid score-call it an 8/10 as we head into the next pitch!

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