MLB 08 The Show
By: BMC
MLB 08 The Show hits the PS3 like the sting from a Nolan Ryan fastball. In all aspects this game is stellar. When you pop MLB 08 The Show into your PS3 you should be ready to play one of the most authentic virtual baseball experiences ever created on a console.
General Gameplay
Batting and pitching control are more traditional in that they use button presses instead of the right analog stick to control/perform your actions. Batting gives you two main swing options, power and contact. Contact is the swing used the majority of the time. Power, when used with the right batter, has big risk vs. reward ramifications in that it gives you more power to go yard, but it also increases your tendency to fly out or hit into a grounder.
In addition to the swing types, you have many tools at your disposal to get a better jump on the ball. You have the ability to guess pitch type and location and when one or both of these are successful, your chance to hit the ball increases significantly. To help even more, details of your swing such as timing, swing locations, and pitch location, are handy so you can make adjustments on the fly.
Launched!
The pitcher seems to have every pitch in his arsenal as his real-life counterpart with their main go-to pitch assigned to X and the rest of their pitches assigned to the face and trigger buttons. The default settings for pitching uses a three step meter that was introduced in EA's MVP Series and used for years in football games. The meter determines the power and accuracy of your pitch while you use the left analog stick to pick your location. Accuracy and effectiveness with your pitches will determine whether they stick with you during the course of the game. Pitchers also have the ability to see what pitches have been thrown and their location in the strike zone. The pitching meter takes some getting used to so you do have the option to change to the classic settings in which the meters are removed and all that is left is to pick your pitch, location, and then press X.
Bringin' Da Heat!
Fielding and base running are executed very nicely. When a ball is hit, the closest player to the ball is automatically selected. When the ball needs to be thrown to a base, the bases are mapped to the face buttons in a diamond pattern (i.e.: X = home, O = First Base, etc.). Overall fielding is smooth and the animations for catching and throwing are performed without any hiccups. I've never seen a baseball game run as silky smooth as MLB 08 The Show. Base running is good overall, but it definitely has a learning curve. One base runner is easy to control. Be ready for some confusion when you have to control multiple base runners. That said, after a few games you'll be stealing, stretching a single into a double, and controlling multiple base runners like a pro.
Tech Specs
Video:
This is the best baseball game I've seen, but it's not just the top notch graphics that impress. The seamless animation, broadcast like presentation and accuracy of player likeness/mannerisms to the smallest detail are what really pull you in. The stadiums are top notch too. For example, Minute Maid Park has the hill and flag pole in center field, the train over the left field wall, and the Jumbotron over right-center. It's so accurate that it is like being there in person. I have to say that it's the little things that make this game stand out. For example, a sharp foul ball is hit on the third base line and the coach dances to get out of the way, fans batting beach balls around the stadium and dust clouds forming when a player slides into a base and his uniform get dirty in the right spot.
Close Play at Minute Maid Park!
Audio:
Commentary is very important and when it is done well, it draws you into the experience. MLB 08 is topnotch in this department. The commentary is pertinent to the action on-screen so whether a player is hitting the ball well, is regularly striking out, swings at a bad pitch, makes a great catch or fielding error, you will be praised or criticized for your actions. I like that the game will remember what you have done and comment on it during your next play. The rest of the audio is great as well. The crack of the bat, the reaction of the crowd, songs played as you are walking to the batter's box like "Low Rider" draw you in and immerse you in the game. Crank up your audio system and be ready to feel like you are at your home team's stadium.
Game Rage
While the default pitcher meter and base running are a little tricky, after a few games you will have them down. I also like that MLB08 gives you the option for "classic" pitching control if the meter proves to be too touchy. Honestly, this has the best controls and smoothest game play of any baseball game I have played.
Butt Groove
Single player alone has you covered in this department. Road to the Show 2.0 takes you from a minor league player to the big show. Many hours can be invested in this mode alone. You also have franchise and season modes. Franchise is for those who want to manage everything where as season is for those that just want to play baseball.
Bedtime Rating
With a rating of E for Everyone, kiddies and grannies alike can watch or play with you.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer is great with one exception...no home run derby or mini games! With that gripe out of the way, you can play games on the same console and online. This game will also support online league play with up to 30 teams.
Conclusion
PS3 owners who buy MLB 08 will not just get a game; they get an awesome, impressive experience into America's favorite pastime. This game offers intuitive and responsive controls, deep single player and fun multiplayer modes along with detailed, accurate graphics and fluid animation. Wrapping up with convincing commentary and crystal clear sound effects, this game is hard to touch with its exceptional level of quality.
Category Rankings General Gameplay 
Tech Specs Game Rage Bedtime Rating Butt Groove 
Overall Couch Count: 5 out of 5 
Linear Mode
