MLB '07: The Show

What’s the Story?

Sony's MLB '07: THE SHOW has all the basic features gamers should expect from a baseball simulation. Single-player and multiplayer modes -- you can create an online season with up to 30 different player-controlled teams -- are present and accounted for. Strap on the cleats for a full season with the entire league, or just select rivals, and control every player on your chosen team, from pitching to shagging pop flies. Or put on the suit, tie, and the attitude of George Steinbrenner and take full control of your favorite franchise. Draft players, watch them improve, and control the price of the admission to your park. This is standard baseball and sports simulation stuff, and MLB '07 does the job in delivering the goods.

Of particular note is the Road to the Show mode. If you think about it, baseball is a team sport but focuses on individual play more than football or basketball. In the Road to the Show mode, players create a Minor leaguer at any position they like. The goal is to play a lot of games, and based on performance, watch your created player advance to the Majors, and hopefully, win the pennant.

Is It Any Good?

If "take me out to the ball game" is a pastime you enjoy, then MLB '07 might be a good game to pick up. But in terms of graphics and controls, this game isn't perfect. There are occasional glitches: players run through each other and a fly ball arcing out of reach of the Center Fielder will sometimes magically move downward into his mitt. That's disappointing, and would be reflected more in the score were it not for MLB '07's excellent Road to the Show mode.

Road to the Show mode is unique, completely new, and a refreshing way to play. It's a fun and realistic way to simulate how a player plays baseball, All told MLB '07: The Show isn't perfect, but with the Road to the Show mode, it offers something compelling that players can't get anywhere else.