MLB 07: The Show

MLB 07, the first-party baseball franchise championed by Sony, is here for another year of showing off. Hyped with the subtitle “The Show,” this is another sports game developed for the aging (but not yet dead) PlayStation 2. If that makes you want to turn around and run the other way, you’re not alone. Most hardcore gamers are sick of last-gen sports games.

But there’s an exception to every rule. If the rule here is that most new PS2 sports games are (A) rehashes, (B) crappy, or (C) both, then MLB 07 would be hidden answer D: it does not suck and it is not a complete rehash.

A handful of new features were rolled out for MLB 07, including online league play, Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API), and an enhanced Pitch Command System (PCS). Players can also tweak their sliders, save ‘em to a memory card, and upload them online for others to retrieve and use as their own.

The effects of the API and PCS are not instantly apparent, but you should note their existence. With API, specific pitches are recommended to the player before he takes action. The recommendation will not be your best bet every time. But it had the highest success rates. That’s because, according to Sony, the game analyzes the tendencies of each batter (which are based off of thousands of real MLB stats).

I’m no baseball expert, so I can’t confirm the game’s claim that PCS delivers the most authentic and strategic pitch selection. What I can tell you is that, like MLB 06, the pitching system works great. It’s fast, responsive, and makes baseball an exciting game to play.

Showtime!

Unlike most sports, baseball is only a game of teamwork when you fail and/or face an opponent whose skills exceed your own. As the pitcher, if you strike out the batter, your teammates can stay on their bases. As the batter, hitting a homerun guarantees a point – no teammates necessary.

In video games, players are used to having control over every aspect. Should the pitcher fail, they can switch positions and still come out on top.

MLB 07’s new Road to The Show mode marks the first time when total control is no longer available. Players take command of one athlete through an accelerated version of the Career mode. Actions that don’t pertain to your player are skipped. Games can last for several minutes or end in about 30 seconds. It all depends on how many challenges are required, and how long it takes you to complete (or fail) them.

Road to The Show begins with the player creation process. Your star-in-the-making can be tweaked physically and aesthetically. The physical aspect goes beyond weight and height. Though you can increase body fat or tone your athlete’s muscles with the click of a button (if only real life were that easy), the main enhancements are applied to his internal stats. Pitching and batting functions may be enhanced in any way you please – the only limitation is the number of points available. That number is pretty low, preventing players from creating the perfect athlete right off the bat. You’ll have to run through the paces and increase your gaming skills to turn your player into a pro.

After selecting a player face, skin tone, facial hair and other features, it’s time to move onto the game. The calendar of events is a familiar scene. Games may be simulated, but you’d be a fool to miss out on this unique opportunity.

The starting tasks aren’t too difficult, but do follow a similar path. You’re the pitcher, and your team is expecting you to strike out the opponent. Next, you may need to throw a strong pitch that makes contact and leads to a fly ball – allowing your teammates to catch it and oust the batter, and anyone foolish enough to run, immediately. In another instance your goal may be as simple as stopping one or two players from advancing to the second or third base. (That, of course, is a task that’s “simple” only in words, not in execution.)

The constant pitching made me wonder if there was anything else in this mode. Then the game threw a curveball: after completing a few other goals, it was time to trade in my ball for a bat. My objectives had reversed. Now it was my turn to hit homeruns and ensure my teammates moved through the bases safely.

There is a little flexibility involved in how you complete each goal. For example, the game may advise you to bunt to cause a distraction. While you’re being tagged, your teammate can advance to the next base. However, it’s possible to ignore this request and reach the same outcome. You may not be able to hit a homerun every time, but there is more than one way to succeed.

Major League Presentations

The semi-cinematic, broadcast-style replays are excellent. As a Road to The Show player, you’ll witness an assortment of new camera tricks as the view changes with the action. Remember: you only have control over one player, and he is the main focus. This means that, like Madden’s NFL Superstar mode, the camera will – while staying centered on your player – spin around to follow the ball as it flies through the air. It’ll continue spinning as needed to follow your teammates as they fight to stop a batter you failed to strike out.

These views are unusual at first, but it doesn’t take long for them to feel like a natural and important part of the game. With the series finally coming to PlayStation 3, this aspect should only get more dynamic.

Gameplay: 8.0
The Show hits another homerun. MLB 07’s controls are as good as they’ve ever been. This series has the best pitching and batting system of any baseball game available for PlayStation 2. The game isn’t perfect. MLB 07 isn’t as daring as it could’ve been (best does not mean most innovative). But it’s still a great fast and exciting sports title that makes baseball as exciting as it can get.

Graphics: 8.2
Despite being a last-gen release, MLB 07 shines with stellar player animations, broadcast-style replays, and an excellent camera system.

Sound: 9.0
Outstanding commentary, realistic sound effects, and a great soundtrack featuring bands like Switchfoot, My Chemical Romance, Halifax, and Maxeen.

Difficulty: Medium
A smooth blend of challenges, including the sweet taste and aroma of the new Road to The Show mode. It’s by far the most interesting of any challenge this game has to offer. Playing as one specific, homemade athlete, you’ll have to complete goals while playing each position. The result is both satisfying and nerve-racking. If you throw the perfect pitch, the praise is entirely on you – but if you screw up, you have to rely on the computer AI to make up for the mistake.

Concept: 7.0
A double-take for last year’s game, MLB 07 is a continuation of all that the developers have been building up over the past few years. The new content isn’t groundbreaking, but it should earn your attention.

Multiplayer: 8.3
Same as the last edition: go head-to-head in Exhibition or King of the Diamond games.

Overall: 8.1
An arcade game and a true-to-life simulator rolled into one. MLB 07 is a grand showpiece for PlayStation 2. It crams as much into the game as possible, drawing every bit of power it can from the console’s core. Those who have a PlayStation 3 should wait to see what the developers are cooking up for the next generation. The rest of you, however, should wait no longer. PS2’s best baseball series is back.