Mar 2023
If your idea of fun is not just watching paint dry, but watching it dry in your favorite baseball park while you manage the New York Yankees, then MLB The Show 23 is your ultimate jam. This iteration takes everything you loved about baseball video games and adds enough new features to keep even the most avid couch potato entertained. So grab your cap, crack open a soda, and let’s dive into what makes this year’s rendition a home run—or at least a solid double.
Gameplay in MLB The Show 23 is like having a glove and mitt all in one—it's tight, responsive, and occasionally makes you look like an absolute legend (at least until your friends remind you just how many times you've bunted when you didn’t mean to). The new mode, Storylines: A New Game Experience, takes players on a nostalgic jaunt through the Negro Leagues. Featuring icons like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, you're not just playing a game; you're experiencing a slice of history, wrapped up in a baseball bun between two famous hot dogs: nostalgia and fun. Diamond Dynasty has expanded and introduced Core Seasons. Now you can snag 99 overall players on day one. Yes, 99. And yes, I did just have a mini freakout. It allows for a rotating selection of players, ensuring that by the end of the season, you’ll hopefully feel as accomplished as that one friend who actually plays the game seriously. The two-way players are back, giving you the delightful option of managing Shohei Ohtani as both a starting pitcher and a true designated hit-everything-in-sight-er. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, but all the candy is made of home runs and strikeouts. Plus, if you ever dreamed of building a team based solely on players you liked—from the aesthetics of the uniform or sheer looks—you can do just that with Captain Cards. And between you, me, and the outfield fence, that’s how you cultivate true baseball magic. So whether you’re striking out in Legend mode or flexing in casual play, there’s something for everyone. And every once in a while, your TV will remind you that you really should get up for some fresh air.
Graphically, MLB The Show 23 hits it out of the park! The players look so real that your grandma might attempt to ask for their autographs next time she sees them on-screen. The fields are lush, detailed, and I swear that I’ve seen every blade of grass react individually to the simulating impact of a baseball. Lightning effects during night games? Yes, please! And the overall atmosphere feels like you’re right there in the stands—minus the overpriced nachos.
If you’re looking for the best digital baseball experience, MLB The Show 23 is like a well-rehearsed seventh-inning stretch—inviting, nostalgic, and modern enough to keep you on your toes. The charming mix of new gameplay modes and returning features makes this game a must-have for any baseball fan, which is great if you also happen to enjoy managing athletes from the comfort of your couch. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want to relive your Little League glory days, lace up those spikes and step into the batter’s box—you won’t regret it. Just don’t forget the sunscreen; digital baseball or not, it’s still a real game!
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