MLB The Show 21 Reviews

MLB The Show 21 is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Apr 26, 2021

MLB The Show 21 makes the leap to a new console generation and ushers in a game-wide refresh that has the storied franchise feeling new.

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6.5 / 10.0
Apr 26, 2021

Outside of the gameplay itself, the game feels like a sometimes-ugly, disorganized collection of menus that wants you to pay extra money to really enjoy the most engaging content without falling victim to an endless grind.

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83 / 100
Apr 25, 2021

Take me out to the ball game and leave me in the nosebleeds. I’m never coming back. MLB The Show 21 is a tremendous homage to a sport so many love. I know the Road to the Show regression will drive people crazy, and the bugs do continue to somewhat hinder my enjoyment. But this is all fixable stuff. What lies underneath is a beautiful simulation of baseball. Isn’t that what we came for?

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4.1 / 5.0
Apr 24, 2021

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.

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8 / 10
Apr 24, 2021

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.

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Apr 23, 2021

MLB The Show 21 is still the best baseball game available by far. But don't buy it expecting a substantial next-gen showcase.

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Atomix
Top Critic
80 / 100
Apr 23, 2021

MLB The Show 21 is another solid entry in the franchise, but some technical problems and little to none innovations make it one of the weakest in the whole series.

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7.5 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2021

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.

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8.5 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2021

Even without many new features, The Show impresses with its play and wealth of content. There's something for everyone

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8 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2021

MLB The Show 21 is another great entry in the series, expanding the platforms while also heading into the next generation.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 22, 2021

MLB The Show proves once again that it's one of the best sport simulation out there.

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Recommended
Apr 21, 2021

It goes without saying, but MLB The Show is one of PlayStation’s flagship video game franchises for a reason. As MLB The Show 21 proves, the game can be enjoyable to both newcomers and veteran players while adding on tiny, yet noticeable, features that make every iteration feel fresh. Now, gamers on Xbox can enjoy the fruits of San Diego Studio’s labour, and even enjoy cross-platform and cross-generation play with their friends. While that last factoid alone should be a cause for celebration, the former reasons add to the fact that it is, truly, a great video game sports title.

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4 / 5.0
Apr 21, 2021

So while we wait for things like actual new-generation visuals, the return of Online Franchise, and other oft-requested features, appreciate the effort that went into making MLB The Show 21 cross-platform with seamless cross-play, the new stadium creator, and tweaks that went into making your favorite game mode a bit more enjoyable.

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IGN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Apr 21, 2021

MLB The Show 21 isn't the generational leap forward we might've expected following a new console launch, but it's still the best baseball sim you can play on any platform.

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7.5 / 10.0
Apr 21, 2021

When you take a step back and look at the "big picture," at least on paper, MLB The Show 21 is a success. That said, when it's your first entry in a new console generation, the bar for success is admittedly quite low. For this reason, not to mention the meager distinctions between the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game, it's fairly difficult to justify the extra expense of making the jump to next-generation hardware. That said, if you decide to take the plunge and pick up the PlayStation 5 version, you won't be disappointed by the latest in a franchise that keeps knocking it out of the park.

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Apr 21, 2021

A solid home-run hitter, but not the baseball revolution we were hoping for on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

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8 / 10
Apr 21, 2021

AAA-quality baseball is now available to all console owners (please Sony remember the PC in 2022) and the sun is shining on virtual big leaguers who are down for crossplay. MLB The Show 21 is once again an incremental step, but still an important one for the series moving forward.

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7 / 10
Apr 21, 2021

MLB The Show 21 swings-and-misses in a few areas, with the well-intentioned Ballplayer system diminishing Road to the Show. Despite being stingier, though, Diamond Dynasty is still the best card collecting mode available, and the series' tried and trusted gameplay has been further enhanced with the addition of Pinpoint Pitching and new fielding animations. Sony San Diego hasn't quite hit a home run this year, but this is a strong lead-off double for baseball on PS5.

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Unscored
Apr 21, 2021

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.

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8 / 10.0
Apr 21, 2021

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.

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