New York Nine

Well its that time of year again, for one of the best and most authentic sports video games to come out, MLB 09 The Show, which means I'm not getting much of anything else done for the next few months haha. Only available on playstation 3 and 2, this game is the gold standard for baseball games and pretty much all sports video games with an unbelievable attention to detail, ultra-realistic graphics and gameplay that can't be beat.


If you've never played the Show there are a few basic formats, quick play, season, franchise, and some other individual games like home run derby that i won't get into, but the visual itself is what makes this game a standout. From the second the game loads (it take a little while to load, but its well worth the wait) you'll be amazed at the keen sense of detail everywhere in the ballpark, from the smallest touches like the fans to the quirky parts of the park the triangle in center in fenway or the ivy in wrigley, its got it all. Even the players themselves are unbelievably realistic, from their own individual batting stances, pitching motions, even their faces, these guys look like they really look in person, its uncanny.


But more important than the visual is the gameplay which is outstanding as usual. The makers of this game clearly are determined to make the game as realistic as possible getting both the strengths and weaknesses of every player. Indeed as the commercial shows, the guys on the cover like Pedroia are great, but like in real baseball they are beatable, if you have the guile and the smarts to do it.


Franchise mode, my favorite aspect is everything a baseball fantatic craves, from an increasingly realstic trade engine (much to my chagrin it is much harder to trade for every nasty player in the game, I guess the game designers are on to my ploy) maintaining stadium upkeep and concession prices, making improvements for the players and supporting your club. In this regard they haven't changed a whole lot since past seasons, but in truth they dont really need to do much more, they've got way more than any reasonable gamer can handle.


There's more to the game which I haven't gotten to yet such as scouting, drafts or the other individual games, because they game itself is just so damn fun to play. Its time consuming and playing a whole season is a daunting task that ive never been able to accomplish without some healthy simming, but its a game that is a source of endless entertainment, difficult enough to stump the most advanced player, but not ridiclously hard to the point where its no longer fun.


To anyone who doesn't have a PS3 and are stuck with playing MLB 2K9 I am very very sorry for you because to put it bluntly that game doesn't hold a candle to this one. While its a nice game that has its strengths, the visual and functional aspects of the Show are on another level, its almost unfair to compare the two. I'm going to try to not let this game occupy all of my precious free time, but when you see this game in action, its very hard not to, its fantastic and I reccommend it for anyone who loves baseball and anyone who loves a well designed game.