MLB 07: The Show

"The best now but not ever."

Graphics (8.5/10)

MLB 07's graphics are not too much improved from last year, but they are slightly better. They certainly should be because it is a 2007 game which should push the PS2 to its graphical limits.

Batting (6/10)

While it can be fun to guess the pitch and location correctly and know that you're getting a tater right down the middle, it is just not realistic to know that it's going to be there before it is even thrown. MVP's Hitter's Eye was a MUCH more realistic way of figuring out the pitch. You actually have about 0.5 seconds to see the color of the ball flash so you know what 'type' (not the exact pitch, just type) of pitch is being thrown and even then, you have no idea of knowing where it'll end up. In MLB 07 it is like your batter is some sort of physic, knowing exactly where the pitch will end up.

Pitching (10/10)

I don't like giving tens because it doesn't leave any room for improvement however MLB 07's pitching deserves it. Unlike MVP, where if you could hit the meter then you could plant a pitch right on the black everytime, even if you aim it properly in MLB 07 it is not certain that the pitch will end up where you want it to. You have to aim the pitch at the START of the break instead of where it will end up. And the break isn't always consistent (which is also true in real like) so instead of that 12-6 curveball dropping out of the zone, it might just sit up in the zone and have a chance to be hit.

Dynasty Mode (8/10)

You really have a lot to control in MLB 07's dynasty mode. It is slightly upgraded from 06, however, there is that terrible 'manager glitch' floating around where if you simulate a game your coaching staff disappears and you have to hire them all over again. That could put a damper in things...

Career Mode (9.5/10)

If you liked last years career mode then you can go ahead and play it the classic way again. If you want something completely different then you should play Road to the Show. In RTTS you create your player (like always) and then you once again try out for a team. If you get a contract your ultimate goal is to reach 'the show' (the majors). However, the gameplay isn't the ordinary way. Instead of you playing with the entire team, including your player, you play as only your player from only his perspective. For example when you come to the plate you do your at bat and that's it. It simulates your teams other players when they're batting and you only do yours. And when you're on base it is once again from your perspective. If you were on first then you would be looking at home from behind first (with your runner on first of course). If you were on second, etc. It is also this way when you're fielding. You only see and play the plays that your player is directly involved in. So instead of a game taking 45+ minutes, it'll probably only take 5+.

Summary -

Although it seems like I've rated MLB 07 fairly well, I would still hands down purchase an MVP 07 if it existed, simply because it's batting is that much better. However, the addition of sliders into MLB 07 has helped tweak the game a little bit.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/23/07