MLB 12 The Show

Common Sense Media says

Authentic baseball sim presents another strong season.

Age(i)

2
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9
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Quality(i)

 
(i)
Buy
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MLB 12 The Show gallery

What parents need to know

Positive messages

Teamwork is encouraged, but players still have control over making key plays, creating a sense of achievement.

Positive role models

The game features current Major League Baseball players who team up to achieve victory.

Ease of play

New players might find the controls complicated, but there are enough tutorials and practice options available to help them adjust. The control scheme is very similar to previous years, so veteran players can ease in comfortably.

Violence
Not applicable
Sex
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
Consumerism

Advertisements for brands such as PlayStation can be seen on billboards and other stadium signs.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Not applicable
Privacy & safety

Creates privacy and safety concerns. Players can participate in online games with open chat so they could hear inappropriate language and be asked questions that are inappropriate.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that MLB 12 The Show is a straightforward simulation of Major League Baseball. Players can create their own star, or join one the league's teams on a quest toward the World Series. The game can be played online with open chat, so kids using that option could hear inappropriate things coming from strangers.

Parents say

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AGE
7
QUALITY
 
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Kids say

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AGE
4
QUALITY
 
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What's it about?

MLB 12 THE SHOW is a simulation of Major League Baseball. Players can control one of the league's teams, serve as a virtual owner, manager, and player, and guide them to a World Series. They can also create their own star and lead them through the minor leagues and then into the big stage. Owners of both the PlayStation 3 and Vita versions get the bonus of cross-platform play, allowing them to start careers and franchises on one device, save their progress, and continue on the other platform.

Is it any good?

QUALITY
 

The addition of Pulse Pitching is solid but quite tricky to learn. After choosing a pitch, a pulsing circle appears that grows and shrinks in size. Players press a button to throw the ball, and must do so when the circle is small to make an accurate pitch. It sounds easy in theory, but tough to pull off. Although the game doesn't change a great deal compared to last season, it's still an incredibly authentic game filled with realistic visuals and an enjoyable sports experience.

Families can talk about...

  • Families can talk about how this game compares to real-world baseball. How close does the game mimic the real thing?

  • Are sports games your favorite type of video games? Why?

Game details

Platforms:PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
Price:$59.99
Available online?Not available online
Developer:Sony Computer Entertainment
Release date:March 6, 2012
Genre:Sports
Topics:Sports and martial arts
ESRB rating:E for (PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita)

This review of MLB 12 The Show was written by

Brett Molina

About our rating system

  • ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
  • OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
  • NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids of any age.

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Quality

Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning ratings

  • Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
  • Very Good: Engaging, good learning approach.
  • Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
  • Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
  • Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
  • Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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What parents and kids say

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Kid, 10 years old May 13, 2012
AGE
2
QUALITY
 
LEARNING

great game for kids of all ages.

not bad at all. a game that is a good reputation and might make kids want to play sports and be active.
What other families should know
Great messages
Great role models
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Parent Written byBob Douglas August 13, 2012
AGE
7
QUALITY
 

Fun

It is hard to play but bad at all.
What other families should know
Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
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Kid, 11 years old August 21, 2012
AGE
7
QUALITY
 
LEARNING

Fun Game!

This game has really good graphics! The controls are a bit hard to get used to but fun when you do. Theres lots of features in this game!
What other families should know
Great messages
Great role models
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