I haven’t enjoyed a baseball game since the original release of MLB All-Star Baseball on the Nintendo 64. Since then I’ve relied on classic Ken Griffey Jr. Baseball for my Super Nintendo for most of my baseball gaming. The 2000’s were not impressive in the baseball department by my standards, that is, until The Show came around. SCEA took the Major League license to the Sony Playstation while all the rest of the world was stuck with 2k’s idea of baseball. It was a sad time for my baseball gaming, but now that I have a PSP, I’m back in the game.

Story: America’s pastime, read a book…

Gameplay: The Show is a baseball simulation in top form. The pitching is tight, the base running is enjoyable, and the fielding is rewarding. The batting takes some getting used to, but that’s coming from someone who has never had very strong patience at the virtual plate. Something about a video game makes every pitch look hittable. Everything down to management decision making is on point.

The main feature in The Show would have to be Road to the Show mode. Here you take a player through draft day, Spring training, and then the minors. After you make a name for yourself you’ll get a chance at the big league level as well. This is one of the greatest gameplay modes I’ve ever experienced in a sports game, as I felt just like I was part of the machine that is a Major League Baseball team, which meant the good with the bad. As fulfilling as it is to have your teammate’s turn a double play behind one of your great pitches, it is equally infuriating when they bobble a ball that ends up hurting your ERA.

The Road to the Show will also put you at odds with your manager from time to time. Perhaps you feel like you could get that third out with two runners on, but that doesn’t matter, as your manager will pull you when he feels you’re done. That may hurt you in the long run, and even make you want to play for a different manager. All feelings a player in real life has to deal with while working towards the bigs. Road to the Show is the main reason to play this game.

Manager mode is exactly what you’d expect it to be. You manage the game from the Dug out (or various other camera angles). I wish this mode had a few more options, and better camera angles. For instance, aside from the dugout, all the angles you can view are from on or around the field in perspectives from anyone besides the base coaches. I’d appreciate if next year they added 1st and 3rd base coach camera angles for Manager mode. Manager mode is perfect for anyone who like to sim their games, but still get a little baseball flavor.

Regular season mode combines exhibition mode and Manager mode, while keeping track of stats and every other yearly event. If you’re not interested in playing the role of just one player, and feel the need to take all the action into your hands, Regular season is where a lot of MLB 10: The Show’s depth will be found. You can manage, play, or just flat out skip any game on your way to a World Series run, and make any roster moves you feel improve your team along the way.

The Home Run Derby is a nice mode for batting practice. If you’re having trouble getting the timing down for The Show’s hitting mechanics, Home Run Derby is a good place to refine your swing. This mode doesn’t feature a whole lot of depth or variety, but the same can be said of a real life Home Run derby. A pleasant, albeit it nearly meaningless, addition.

What I Love: Road to the Show mode, Pitching mechanics, and overall presentation. I think the graphics are high quality, and the sound effects recreate the feeling of watching an actual game.

What I don’t enjoy: No online mode, The Music is terrible and the “My Music” option doesn’t seem to recognize the songs on my memory stick. I have also seen both versions of MLB 10: The Show in action (UMD vs Digital Copy), and I must suggest that anyone with the option, acquire this game in digital form. The load times on the UMD are extensive to say the least.

Verdict: The reason I purchased a PSP shines. I’ve heard that this isn’t a great upgrade from previous versions, but as I’ve only play MLB 10, this doesn’t factor into my verdict. Perfect for any baseball fan with a PSP.