With the halting of all sports as we know it for the foreseeable future, it is with great pride that I announce I decided to pre-order the latest game in the MLB video game franchise.
The latest installment of MLB The Show has improved on the existing game modes from years past and also added a few new ones.
The fan-favorite mode, Diamond Dynasty, is equivalent to Madden Ultimate Team with its fantasy card system that allows you to build your own dynasty. With the pre-order, I was able to achieve a nicer jump-start with the added packs. They also provided missions in the dynasty mode that are only available for the three days prior to the actual release date on Tuesday.
Franchise mode is back and filled with many upgraded features. Also, Road to the Show has returned. You can continue your journey from the 2019 game or start fresh.
Showdown is a new mode within Diamond Dynasty. The mode allows you to draft a team and gives you a series of missions. Depending on how well you do, the better the rewards. The first mission is simply to get on base, but as you progress, there are missions to score a certain amount of runs before you get 15 or 20 outs against a marquee pitcher like Justin Verlander or Clayton Kershaw. After each successful mission, you get to add more players to your roster. There are even additional showdowns, including one specific to each of the six divisions.
Also new is the online franchise mode, where you can use your Diamond Dynasty team or a major league roster.
The gameplay and graphics seem much improved. Matt Vasgersian and Dan Pleasac are back with their commentary and play-by-play analysis.
This game will definitely occupy quite a bit of my time with no live sports in the near future, and many fans of the game will likely share in this feeling.
