The latest installment of Sony’s Major League Baseball franchise, MLB 12 The Show, has shipped to retail today exclusively for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita systems. MLB The Show has been the highest ranked officially licensed baseball title of this console generation and the top-rated sports game over the past four years, according to Metacritic and GameRankings, respectively.
MLB 12 The Show has full PlayStation Move support in all gameplay modes, cross-platform save functionality between the PS3 and PS Vita versions, enhanced graphics and visuals with TruBroadcast presentations, revamped gameplay mechanics in the form of true ball physics, and new “Diamond Dynasty” mode that juggles every GM-like aspect of team management and player progression.
Leading off on the new features set for the PS3 version is full PS Move support in all gameplay modes, meaning players can control all aspects of The Show with the PS Move motion controller, including hitting, pitching, fielding, and even running the bases. There are also custom meters on screen to compliment the experience so players will see the on-screens batter’s hands move as you move at the virtual plate.
Next up is cross platform save functionality between the PS3 and PS Vita versions. Yes, MLB 12 The Show will be available on PS Vita utilizing all of the core gameplay features and modes found in the PS3 game, including Exhibition, Home Run Derby and online play, as well as the ability to share save files between both hardware platforms. Therefore, players can save their Season, Franchise and Road to The Show campaigns, then load their save files at home on PS3 or on the road with PS Vita. MLB 12 The Show for PS Vita will also feature new touch screen controls, including user interface navigation by tapping or sliding your fingers on the Front Touch screen and additional gameplay controls using the Rear Touch Pad controls, such as throwing the ball to specific locations, pitching commands, and running the bases.
On the visual side, MLB 12 The Show makes the biggest leap forward ever with TruBroadcast presentations, truly blurring the line between reality and the in-game experience. With completely refined presentations combined with enhanced AI, revamped cameras, and expanded audio, MLB 12 The Show is poised to deliver the most realistic baseball gaming experience to date.
Brand new to MLB 12 The Show is the addition of Diamond Dynasty, a new mode that allows players to build a team through virtual baseball cards and customize all aspects of that team by managing its performance, training, and budget against other players or against the CPU. Players can acquire cards through pack purchasing, buying from other users, or through the Diamond Dynasty recycling system.
Lastly, the sixth generation of Road to The Show returns with a new assortment of training modes for base running and fielding, along with a slew of new accessories to compliment the already extensive system. Ultra realistic ball physics have also been added to this year’s game incorporating the proper spin for balls that bounce off the bases, the pitcher’s mound and rubber, and other surfaces on the field. The baseball now bounces realistically using actual math for a spinning ball hitting these surfaces. Additional new features includes compatibility with the 3D Display from Sony Computer Entertainment incorporating revolutionary SimulView™ technology, Zone Analog Batting, Pulse Pitching, situational collision awareness, improved catch mechanics, a new tag animation system, improved online gameplay via PlayStation Network, hundreds of new animations, and more.
