Thanks to how packed the opening months of 2022 have already been, players might have forgotten about some of the games coming their way in the not too distant future. Following the release ofElden RingandHorizon Forbidden West,MLB The Show 22is one of the major titles coming next. Set for a full-release on April 5,San Diego Studio’s latest entryin its long-running baseball franchise shouldn’t have too much trouble capturing the imagination of newcomers and veterans alike.
Long-term fans of the iconic baseball series won’t be surprised to learn that San Diego Studio hasn’t stood still from a development perspective. The commitment to refining its formula, a process that’s made the series one of the more celebrated sports titles in gaming, has seemingly been at the core of its latest installment as well. Subsequently, there’s plenty of things that players should be aware of before they jump intoMLB The Show 22.
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MLB The Show 22’s Platforms
WhenMLB The Show 22makes its full debut on April 5, the latest entry in San Diego Studio’s series will pick up where 2021’s installment left off. That’s because the game, which stars Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, will launch on more platforms thanthe studio’s traditional PlayStation heartlands. Following renegotiated contract talks in 2019, in order to keep its exclusive rights to MLB’s stars, stadiums, and teams, the sport’s governing body has mandated that Sony needs to makeThe Showavailable on as many platforms as possible.
Last year, San Diego Studio took the first steps toward realizing this multi-platform mandate with the release ofMLB The Show 21on Xbox. Having gotten to grips with development within Microsoft’s ecosystem, the studio’s next mission is to do the same on Nintendo’s. As a result,MLB The Show 22will make history by being the first PlayStation Studios developed game to launch on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Right now, there’s no word on if the game will beported to PC later onlike theUncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection. If a port doesn’t materialize this year, 2023’s entry seems like a solid bet for fans to bank on instead.
MLB The Show’s Price
WhenMLB The Show 22launches on April 5,players will be spoiled for choice when it comes to how they access the game. The first option that will be available to them is the game’s Standard Edition, which will set players back $59.99 on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. Alternatively, on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, this version will cost $69.99, just like most of Sony’s other current generation first party games. A $10 upgrade offer will also be available to players who opt for the cheaper option, which is a sight that’s set to become rarer for the publisher’s future releases.
Just like 2021’s installment,MLB The Show 22’s Standard Edition willlaunch on Xbox Game Passas a high-profile day one release. Right now, there’s no word if Sony will follow suit on its own platforms. There’s been some speculation that the game could feature on PS Plus, either in its current form or rumored Project Spartacus relaunch. However, based on the fact that the game is currently pre-orderable on the PlayStation Store - a process that takes payment immediately from players - this seems unlikely to transpire.
In any eventuality, the Standard Edition ofMLB The Show 22isn’t the only option that PlayStation and Xbox owners might want to consider. As has become standard for the franchise,special MVP and Digital Deluxe Editionswill also be purchasable. These will set players back $84.99 and $99.99 respectively. Beyond featuring cover art by legendary manga artist Takashi Okazaki, both of these versions come complete with 4-days early access to the game. It’s worth keeping in mind that the other bonus content is the same across both versions, though, with the download-only Digital Deluxe Edition just getting more Packs and Stubs.
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The Show’s Crossplay Abilities
ReleasingMLB The Show 22onXbox’s Game Pass subscription serviceis a solid idea that should benefit every version of the game. That’s because, for this year’s release, San Diego Studio has promised that players will be able to play with all of their friends on other platforms. What’s more, they will also be able to transfer their progress across each console boundary.
Even though crossplay multiplayer and progression was a cornerstone of 2021’s game, the fact that the latest entry is unifying play across the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo ecosystems is still a big deal. In the wider context of the gaming industry at large, experiences that are cross-compatible across all three are still a rare occurrence. As a result of all of this, players shouldn’t have too much trouble getting into an online ball game.
The Show 22’s New Features
Even though San Diego Studio is spreading its development expertise across more platforms than ever before, that hasn’t stopped the studio from refining and revampingThe Showfrom a gameplay perspective. In addition to Legends Roster additions and new narrative commentary options, the studio has promised that hitting, pitching, and fielding, will all beupgraded inMLB The Show 22. With tweaks to each of the game’s major modes and two new difficulty options also set to make their debut, the complete package should provide an engrossing experience for both veterans and newcomers.
San Diego Studio has promised that players will get comparative experiences, no matter which ecosystem they purchaseMLB The Show 22on. This should be music to the ears of Switch owners in particular. While the version that will launch on Nintendo’s hybrid console won’t include the Stadium Creator mode, Diamond Dynasty, Road To The Show, March To October, and Franchise will all be present and playable. Even though it’s unlikely that the Switch version will be able to output the game at the same visual fidelity asthe PS5 and Xbox Series X, the promise of a targeted 30 fps frame rate should still create a smooth gameplay experience.
MLB The Show 22releases on April 5 for PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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