Simply put, MLB The Show 16 is the best baseball game available on any current-gen console. It looks, plays, and feels amazing, offering many ways to play the great American pastime. Franchise and Road to the Show modes have made incremental but impressive improvements, while Diamond Dynasty offers entirely new ways to play. Not every mode works, but it's encouraging to see such a radical new mix of gameplay.
The novelty of driving around in this tiny selection of tanks and buggies while shooting at other players wears thin pretty quickly. The lack of any original modes or meaningful progression prevents Hardware: Rivals from having any chance at longevity. Aside from the awkward controls, everything works well enough, but nothing is memorable or satisfying.
NBA Live 16 can only go so far with clumsy controls holding it back.
NBA 2K16 is a leap forward in defensive AI, online stability, and overall polish. This is amazing basketball.
Madden NFL 16's new throwing and passing game ramps up the risk, reward, and realism in new, exciting ways.
MLB 15: The Show is an excellent, complete package, but there are no game-changing new features this year.
You don't have to be an '80s kid or even a baseball fan to enjoy Super Mega Baseball.
Don't let the improved looks fool you – NBA Live 15's good ideas are all stifled by poor gameplay fundamentals.
Like a great player toughing it out through an injury, NBA 2K15 is still strong despite crippling server problems.