Welcome to The Show.

There was a time when sports games would approve upon each release every year, not just update the rosters and give the exterior a shiny new coat of paint. Which in turn makes me happy to say that MLB The Show 23, is the most complete sports game package I have seen for sometime. While there are some issues spread out here and there, pros like revamped defensive mechanics, more options for batting PCI (the reticle that you aim the bat with) and commentary that doesn’t repeat the same lines every ten minutes, help to move this years edition in the right direction. Lets figure out what The Show scores with the Cent Scale on Gaber’s Two Cents.

First and foremost, this years new defensive throwing mechanic is an outstanding addition that forces each player to stay on their toes. With a meter that moves on plays where defenders have to make up ground to get the out, it breathes new life in to a defensive scheme that for the most part had been rinse and repeat in recent years. It’s impressive because in reality not much has changed, just tiny tweaks in gameplay that really push game intensity in the right direction. Whether you have bases loaded, or are simply trying to throw a runner out at first, the new and improved throwing meter allows well executed defensive maneuvers to feel just as good as getting that perfect crack off the bat.

Fluid defense is great when everything is firing on all cylinders, but if server issues are occurring on The Show’s most popular mode, Diamond Dynasty, it can make what should be an easy out, turn into a frustrating break for the opposing team. The good news however is that these hangs have only rarely occurred this year when compared to last years release. However, rare or not, it can leave a bad taste in one’s mouth if these hangs or server stutters affect one’s playthrough in a game deciding spot. These issues will most likely get resolved eventually, but one can only hope that fixes are being made now, rather then putting such issues on the back burner for next years release.

Another improvement over last years release is 23’s audio. The crack of the ball off of the wooden bat when receiving a perfect hit is genuinely satisfying. Especially when performing it with the likes of heavy hitters like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. Crowd noises and arena ambience has also been improved. It’s always a nice touch when you can hear members of the crowd shouting out lines that are specific to what is happening currently in gameplay. It’s a smart decision that helps to immerse the user even further and create an accurate representation of a professional ball game. The commentary team has also received some must needed attention this year as well. Last years release had commentators Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton repeating far too many of the same lines in close proximity with one another. While I have heard a few lines here and there in some frequency, for the most part I am happy to report that commentary seems both fresh and accurate to what is occurring in game. A well needed touch that helps in realizing the simulation in which The Show is trying to replicate.

One new edition this year is the highly anticipated Negro Leagues Mode. It’s a mode that showcases the most groundbreaking black ballplayers of baseball’s past. Some of the legends included are Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Rube Foster and more. It’s a nice inclusion that provides a campaign of sorts for each individual player. With chapters that cover sections of their illustrious careers, and cards as rewards that can be used in competitive play, the mode provides interesting history and solid gameplay all in one. One complaint that should be addressed is how the games soundtrack plays when playing moments from the 20’s and 30’s. It’s a minor issue but it definitely distracts from the emotion and power in which the chapters are attempting to provoke. Why they wouldn’t have used Jazz, the most popular form of music during the Negro League era, is beyond me. Regardless, it is obvious that time and effort were put into this particular mode, and it still shines through.

Ways in which to get better players and other rewards for your Diamond Dynasty squad is mostly unchanged, which is not a bad thing by any means. However, for some challenges the moments from past/present games can be quite frustrating, even on their relatively easy difficulty. The more inconsistent ones are almost always the type where you must hit a home run with a certain player to complete the moment. Normally this would not be an issue, since getting a home run should not just be a walk in the park, but even after getting several perfect hits with players whose power is excellent, it’s a tad frustrating to see those hits be line drives rather than shooting over the outfield fence. I wouldn’t be bothered as much if this issue didn’t reflect in online matches, unfortunately that is occasionally an issue as well. With players whose power is over one hundred, perfect hits will perform sporadically, even with impeccable swing timing and accuracy.

After playing the last two releases of MLB The Show, I believe that I can confidently say that this years 2023 release improves upon almost everything from the years before it. That being said there are still some legacy issues that will have to be cleaned up eventually if this title truly wants to earn a spot in Cooperstown.

All in all, MLB The Show 23 is not only a great Baseball game, but a great sports game. With intense online multiplayer and enough single player content to keep any gamer busy, just turn a blind eye to some of the more simple issues and you’ll be hitting dingers in no time. This and more is why I am assigning this particular Cent Score for MLB The Show 23.

Cent Scale: 3 Cents

The pros outweigh the cons, sit back, don’t think too much and you’ll be fine.

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