MLB 08: The Show
Third installment in the MLB: The Show baseball simulation series.
MLB 08: The Show, a baseball simulation from San Diego Studio and Sony Computer Entertainment, arrived in 2008 for PlayStation 2, 3, and PSP. This third entry in the series puts Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard on the cover. Players can take charge of a whole MLB or select minor league team for a game, season, or franchise, or guide a custom player through their career.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- San Diego Studio
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Series
- MLB: The Show
- Platforms
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Portable
- Released
- March 4, 2008 (NA)
- Genre
- Sports (baseball)
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Gameplay in MLB 08: The Show is similar to other entries in the series and to most baseball simulation video games. The player can control one of 30 Major League Baseball teams in most game modes, managing batting, pitching, and fielding. Modes include single games, a full season, or a franchise spanning multiple seasons. New features introduced include the Batter/Pitcher Analysis, which displays matchup data such as strike/ball ratio, pitch types, pitch frequency, pitch location, and the last 25 pitches thrown by the pitcher. For batters, the feature shows hot zones, balls taken, strikeout pitch location, and stats against that pitcher. Progressive Batting Performance tracks batting statistics in season, franchise, and Road to the Show modes, rating a player's monthly performance against their average; better performance increases stats, while a decline can lead to a hitting slump. Fielding received improvements with better AI that makes fewer errors, calculates whether a runner will reach base before a throw, and includes enhanced mechanics. A Rob Home Run Indicator was added, showing when a ball traveling over the wall is close enough to be caught, along with a marker for jump timing.
Development
MLB 08: The Show was developed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's San Diego Studio, following MLB 07: The Show. The team aimed to improve realism by adding new animations, realistic animations for specific players, and better gameplay physics. Scott Rohde of San Diego Studio stated that the franchise had been met with critical acclaim and that the game continued the commitment to delivering innovative features for an unrivaled simulation with broadcast-quality presentation. The game used the same engine as the previous two installments, so no physics or graphics system overhauls were made, though over 3,000 player animations were added, including personal batting stances, pitcher wind-ups, and specific player rituals such as Nomar Garciaparra's batting glove adjustments. Rex Hudler, Matt Vasgersian, and Dave Campbell returned as in-game broadcasters, with Mike Carlucci handling P.A. announcing. Background details in stadiums include Quicken Loans Arena at Jacobs Field, CenturyLink Field at Safeco Field, Ford Field at Comerica Park, and Citi Field under construction at Shea Stadium.
Reception
MLB 08: The Show received favorable reviews across all platforms according to Metacritic. Jeff Haynes of IGN praised the PS3 version's visuals as a large leap forward, with television-styled camera sweeps, excellent on-field play, immense stat tracking, and a strong Road to the Show career mode. Game Informer noted the realism and graphics as the best of any baseball sim, highlighting fluid player movement, signature swings for star players, and improved AI that rarely makes poor decisions. 411Mania gave the PS3 version 8.4 out of 10, calling it the best baseball game available that year. Maxim rated the same version eight out of ten, citing more varied objectives with fewer home-run-or-fail scenarios. USA Today gave the PS3 version seven out of ten, describing it as a smooth, consistent baseball experience that does not wow with unique controls or powerful graphics. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated the game for Sports Game of the Year during the 12th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was MLB 08: The Show released?
MLB 08: The Show was released on March 4, 2008 in North America.
What platforms is MLB 08: The Show available on?
MLB 08: The Show was released for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.
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