MLB 06: The Show

"PSP Baseball"

There have been a lot of sub-par baseball games over the years, especially on portable systems. However, this game takes the formula that makes MLB a great console series and downsizes it to the PSP. It works, and this game is great fun.

Gameplay 8/10
The game has a simple enough set-up. You can choose from a few different game styles. Exhibition lets you choose your teams, stadium, time of day, and a few other variables. You can also play Home Run Derby, which lets you pick any slugger in the league and use them against other players to see who can hit more home runs. It's a simple set-up, but it's also very fun, and most importantly, it's easy to just pick up and play.

The two biggest modes in this game are Season and Career. In Season, you become the head coach of a baseball team for a season. You make the line-up, pitching rotation, and can even trade players and let players go.

In Career, you create a player, and then guide him through the majors. You get contract offers, improve your skills, and customize how you progress. The better you do, the more money you can get. If you're really good, you can even get inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The actual playing of baseball leaves a lot to be desired, however. Most notably is the batting; in order to hit the ball sufficiently, you need to not only guess the pitch the pitcher is throwing, but you also have to guess the ball's location. It's pretty hard to do, and once you get a hang of it, it can still be tricky. Fielding is pretty easy though, and pitching is pretty simple too. Just select your pitch, how hard you want to throw it, and the area you want the ball to go. It's fun, simple, and keeps you coming back.

Overall, the gameplay is solid. I just wish the batting was a little less complicated.

Graphics 8/10
I thought that the graphics were very well done. The players all look very good, and it almost looks like a mid-era PS2 games. The frame rates can get a bit choppy at times, and this game has that typical baseball "catching the ball that isn't near the glove" thing going on, but that doesn't really take much away from the experience. The interface is really good, and the uniforms all look really fresh and proper too. However, the load times are terrible, and that can really take you out of a "game grove".

Sound 9/10
The sound is pretty good. The music is wonderful; it's real upbeat and helps you get through the game. The ballpark sounds are very realistic, from the crack of the bat to the punch of a ball in a glove. The crowd reacts to what you do very nicely, with boos or cheers coming accordingly. The announcers are also very strong, and I enjoyed their commentary.

Overall 8/10
A solid PSP game, and a strong baseball game. It's one of those games that you can play for hours and love every minute of it. It's a bit old now, but it's still good. So go get this PSP Game. And enjoy it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/09/07