MLB The Show 21 Reviews
MLB The Show 21 is yet another solid entry in Sony's now multi-platform sports franchise. The consistent tweaks to how the game functions and its quality-of-life improvements each year have helped create a balanced, solid foundation for each iteration to improve on. Even though MLB The Show 21 lacks in delivering a truly engrossing current-gen experience on the new consoles in some ways and has a few typical sports franchise pitfalls, it's still an enjoyable game that has a high degree of craftsmanship.
MLB The Show 21 might not excel in vastly improving its overall package, but the smaller upgrades you do get make this game just as entertaining as it was last year. Next year will have higher expectations to meet.
As is the case with many annual sequels, MLB The Show 21 is an iteration and improvement over its predecessor. Having said that, if you bought The Show 20, I personally can’t see enough of a change to justify getting 21 in my opinion. There are improvements to the game modes that deserve praise, though I don’t know if it will keep me on the hook for a very long time. Having said that, both titles share some fantastic elements, such as the impressive depth of mechanical customisation, which by itself carries the game into high regard.
MLB The Show 21 on the PS5 doesn't break what works…and with a new mode, pitching interface, cross-play, also improved load times and framerates. While it doesn't specifically highlight the new console, it again plays a strong game of baseball.
MLB The Show 21 is not an easy game to get the hang of by any means, but it manages to make the experience a good one whether you’re winning or losing.
MLB The Show 21 is still sure to satisfy most baseball fans in at least one way, and I still believe it's enjoyable enough to to win over some new fans at a time when baseball could definitely use them. But when you're the "can't miss" prospect, expectations are always high, and The Show does not always live up to those expectations this year.
MLB The Show 21 does exactly what a sports sequel needs to do; it refines and expands on the best features of the predecessor, without taking away from what works.
San Diego Studios continue to try and improve an annual product that already has a fantastic core with MLB The Show 21.
MLB The Show 21 isn’t a bad game, but there’s a lot that needs to starting changing for MLB The Show to avoid becoming viewed by its fans in the same way as Madden NFL is by its.
The Show has been one of the more consistently excellent and complete sports series for years, and MLB The Show 21 maintains that excellence as it steps into the next-gen batter's box. The cover athlete choice of the aforementioned Fernando Tatis, Jr., is no coincidence, as the young star is being seen as one of baseball's next big things, ushering in a possible new era of personality and Q-rating power that the game could sorely use. He can also do everything, and everything is what this series has offered to fans for years at a high level. Time will tell if there is yet another level to reach.
What's always been good about the franchise is still good here, but when it comes to making the next-gen leap, The Show 21 can't quite cut it. Series die-hards will likely enjoy the real-world rule changes, but if you're picking up the game for the first time in a while, last year's entry is as good as this one.
MLB The Show 21 is a refined and satisfying baseball experience, as well as being fully accessible to both fans and those who want to get into the sport. Things like Stadium Creator and that the game works at 4K and 60 FPS are something we can all value. Visually there cannot be a significant leap from its predecessor. In addition, although it includes some major gameplay renovations, more effort was needed in this regard.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
MLB The Show 21 manages to bring with tremendous success the best sports simulator of the last generation to the PS5, using the power of the new console to deliver an almost flawless and mandatory experience for every baseball fan. The lack of big news draws attention, but it is not enough to affect what the game does best: simulate the sport.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A fun baseball game that welcomes new and old players alike, and its most notable drawback is that the graphical improvements to the new generation did not live up to expectations.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
MLB The Show proves once again that it's one of the best sport simulation out there.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
It's a fantastic year to be getting MLB The Show 21 on Xbox. There's a welcome 'Casual' preset for beginners, the gameplay is more enjoyable than ever, and newcomers will likely be overwhelmed (in a good way) at the sheer amount of content at their disposal. Road to the Show's new Ballplayer integration won't satisfy everyone, and needs a few tweaks, but it's nevertheless still a highly enjoyable mode to play, and the likes of Diamond Dynasty and March to October are excellent options as well. We've been waiting a long time to experience The Show for ourselves on Xbox, and it's amazing to finally be stepping up to the plate with MLB The Show 21 on Xbox Game Pass.
MLB The Show is now multiplatform, so more players can see what makes it one of the best annual sports sims in the world.
It really all comes down to your love of baseball. Even as a fan who watches the game regularly, I've had a hard time finding my footing in The Show 21. It's a hard game and that's OK. Challenges should always be welcomed. But there needs to be a way to bridge the gap, especially with The Show 21 now being made available to a much wider audience. If it can happen with other sports games, it's time it happens for baseball's biggest title.
Not exactly the all-star debut, MLB The Show 21 is still the frontrunner for the best baseball experience on consoles.
MLB the Show is an excellent title that'll be enjoyed by all fans of the sport and even those who are unexperienced in it. It's a beautiful example of how sports simulations should be made. However, this year's only a small step forward and unfortunately it won't bring much new content compared to last games.
Review in Czech | Read full review