MLB 11:The Show - PS3 - Review

[JonLP24]

I'll start off by saying that I played MLB 2K11 when I had Xbox 360 and I think "The Show" is a better game by far and 2K11 is a good baseball game IMO.

One thing and I noted before(on my NBA 2K11 review) is sliders. I think "Hall of fame" pitching and hitting is the most realistic on default. You'll get games that are high scoring and low scoring so it varies. One thing that I noticed slider sets struggle with is variation.

I do button push hitting with analog (or "pure") pitching. I read reviews where analog hitting and fielding sucked so I stuck with button push hitting and fielding and never tried the analog versions of those 2 to tell you what it is like but I love analog pitching. On "pure" pitching you pull the right stick back and pull it forward to the circle on top on the meter. If you miss your spot it could get ugly or you'll get a lucky strike but more than likely you'll throw a "ball". It actually feels like pitching(not that I would know what pitching is like so take that bit FWIW). You can go button push pitching if you want or go analog hitting if you want. Just change the gameplay options when you want. You could also go "meter pitching" if you want which is a new feature from MLB 10:The Show(I believe).

As I said, "Hall of fame" mode for both pitching and hitting is where I feel you get the most realistic stats without any slider changes. The only thing that I think is "wrong" with this game is fielding arm strength but this game encourages you to hit the "relay man" unlike MLB 2K11. If you try to be a "hero" and throw it to third or home from the outfield your throw will more than likely be off target and the runner will be safe.

I think Franchise mode is deep. You can set the prices of tickets, merchandise, and food as well as choose advertisers to make money. You can also take out a loan but I never needed one. You can set your lineups for MLB, AAA, and AA. You can also play or manage AAA or AA games. Unlike MLB 2K11 they don't let you play or set your lineups for Single-A. They don't even have an option to check the stats or standings for your Single-A teams.

I haven't tried online for this game because my I can't pick up a strong enough signal for online gameplay(It's strong enough for patches, rosters, and sliders for download). So I don't have anything to say except for rosters, "Live Rosters" has updated skills but no Bryce Harper while the first roster set in the download roster section doesn't have updated skills but has Bryce Harper and other prospects.

On edit: I almost forgot RTTS(Road to the Show) which is a first person aspect of this game where you play your way up from AA. It is fun but it is a long "road to the show" if you're a position player.