The players with higher prices in the marketplace are those who can hit effectively against both hands. The ramifications of this were clear even before the game was released but have been seen in the early days as well. Instead, the strategy has to be all about balance at the plate. The handedness of the opposing starting pitcher is now shrouded in mystery until the games have actually begun, and that means there's no adjusting lineups to face a lefty or a righty. Unfortunately, one design decision has made the mode considerably worse. It's the most friendly for newcomers and provides the most rewards for simply playing games. "MLB The Show" offers arguably the best team-building mode in the genre with Diamond Dynasty. Online Franchise is as good as dead at this point, as another year has gone by without anything being done for it.
It's a trend seen in most sports games now as they look to alleviate the extensive time investment needed to complete single games and full seasons.
One of the first big choices to be made will be a proposed position change with options given on how to react to such a request.įranchise Mode is largely unchanged from last year, with the big new features providing more options of how to not play the games within. Instead, it acts as a layer on top of what was already there and brings some decision-making to the forefront. It's presented as occasional documentary segments that pop up during the course of your player's career (in which only a narrator speaks), so there isn't a whole lot that it does fundamentally to change the mode. MORE: 15 new legends found in "MLB The Show 17" Ropes down the line, bloopers between converging outfielders and infielders, and slow rollers through the infield are now possible and immediately stand out. The biggest general improvement to gameplay, however, will be seen through increased hit variety because of the implementation of some new ball physics.
The success of bunting has been reduced and slow fielding and throwing animations that lacked urgency and would cost outs or bases have been resolved.
There weren't many gripes with gameplay to begin with, but "MLB The Show 17" addressed the main ones.
To a large extent it's good enough to do just that. On the surface it might appear that "MLB The Show 17" steps outside its comfort zone with additions such as Retro Mode and new story-like elements for its Career Mode. But once again it's the gameplay that's leaned on heavily to compensate for a lack of innovation and any areas of stagnation. That's due in large part to the series' propensity to play it safe with its feature set while focusing instead primarily on gameplay refinement. The safest bet in all of sports video gaming is that the annual "MLB The Show" title will be an excellent all-around product.