MLB 14 The Show News Post

MLB 14 The Show: Initial Impressions

10:08 AM - April 1, 2014 by RaychelSnr

It is that time of year again folks. Baseball is back, and so is Sony’s MLB The Show franchise. We have a had a bit of time to spend with the newest iteration for the PS3, and will have our full review out in a couple of days. For now though, we wanted to take a quick look at MLB The Show ‘14, and share some quick impressions. Although we were able to try out a lot of the core game modes, any server based modes were not available to us as of yet.

- This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint, and a roster update. There are legitimate differences in this year’s title.

- The new quick counts option is truly a game-changer, and may help many gamers see the end of those unfinished seasons

- The new menu system is fast and well thought out. It allows the user to easily access the information they are looking for. It may take some time to adjust to it, but it will pay-off in the end.

- The new dynamic fielding cam is just as welcomed as the new quick count system. It really adds a fresh new feel to a game that was starting to show its age.

- The hit variety is this year’s title is as good as ever, and also just as authentic.

- Although we love the new dynamic fielding camera, we did notice a few wonky moments because of its implementation. It will likely become easier over time, but it will take users a bit of time to adjust.

- Unfortunately animation driven plays are just as abundant as in years past, but that is somewhat to be expected as the transition to next gen becomes the focus.

- For the most part, commentary feels and sounds about the same. If you are a veteran of the series, the 3-man booth becomes repetitive white noise after awhile.

- Visually, the crowds and players look as good as they ever have, and the stadiums are bursting with authentic ambiance.

- The game's options are as deep as you would expect, and still allow the user to adjust to their style of play.

- RTTS mode has some welcomed changes that should alleviate a bit of the grind mentality, and presents itself more as a true journey.

- The effects of the revamped overall presentation is felt immediately, and continues to feel that way throughout the game.

That is about it for now. As we mentioned earlier, look for our full review of Sony’s MLB The Show ’14 for the PS3, later this week.

Game: MLB 14 The ShowReader Score: 8.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS Vita / PS3 / PS4Votes for game: 12 - View All

MLB 14 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 21 RyanLaFalce @ 04/01/14 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shyner


	I created a account.but played the mlb game online ever since it game out.

Please stop now.

# 22 seasprite @ 04/01/14 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shyner


	I created a account.but played the mlb game online ever since it game out.

Next you're going to tell me you have $10M waiting for me in a bank in Nairobi

# 23 SVCbearcat10 @ 04/01/14 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shyner


	super slow game play online and offline,and once again putting a pitcher in later inns freezes the game. no aaa r aa players in the game there all made up names to fill out the 90 man roster booooooooooooooo

Quote:

Originally Posted by shyner


	hold up buying a ps4 45% defective rate xbox 1 leads the way with only 15% I was told to hold off on buying 1 right away because of this.eb games management informed me of this,so if u think u had serever problems with ps3 u will have a lot more with the ps4.i was told to wait a year.and the reason for this is that sony felt they had to hurry the ps4 console because xbox 1 was coming out with theres.so they rush it and will work out all the glitches in the first year.just giving u guys a heads up.

I was 95% sure someone else was going to come out of no where and say the aforementioned issues were the direct result of the Obamacare. Just seemed like the perfect fit.

# 24 Sip_16 @ 04/01/14 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVCbearcat10


	I was 95% sure someone else was going to come out of no where and say the aforementioned issues were the direct result of the Obamacare. Just seemed like the perfect fit.

.................................

# 25 SVCbearcat10 @ 04/01/14 02:19 PM

Back on topic, are the reviews of this game being held up because there is seemingly server issues at this moment? PS Nation wrote a review but didn't give it a score until online was working. Metacritic has yet to pick up a critic review.

# 26 ManiacMatt1782 @ 04/01/14 02:41 PM

Any Vita players here? Any major improvements to the Vita version this year?

# 27 dalger21 @ 04/01/14 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacMatt1782


	Any Vita players here? Any major improvements to the Vita version this year?

MLB '14 PS Vita Impressions

MLB '14 PS Vita Q & A

# 28 hahjrb @ 04/01/14 03:35 PM

Have to wait for PS4 version to hit. Gonna be a long month.

# 29 jeffy777 @ 04/01/14 03:58 PM

Not sure if there's enough to warrant a purchase for me. Quick counts don't interest me because working the count is something I really enjoy and it's a big part of the game. Other than that, it doesn't sound much different than last year's game, but a lot of things that are "just as good as ever" or "what you would expect", so I'll just stick to 13 since I'm on a tight budget.

# 30 bluengold34_OS @ 04/01/14 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777


	Not sure if there's enough to warrant a purchase for me. Quick counts don't interest me because working the count is something I really enjoy and it's a big part of the game. Other than that, it doesn't sound much different than last year's game, but a lot of things that are "just as good as year's past" or "what you would expect", so I'll just stick to that since I'm on a tight budget.

You know Jeff - I felt the exact same way. QC's always seemed cheesy to me, but for some reason I really enjoy it in the Show this year.

# 31 BrianU @ 04/01/14 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffy777


	Not sure if there's enough to warrant a purchase for me. Quick counts don't interest me because working the count is something I really enjoy and it's a big part of the game. Other than that, it doesn't sound much different than last year's game, but a lot of things that are "just as good as ever" or "what you would expect", so I'll just stick to 13 since I'm on a tight budget.

What is your favorite mode? You can't have drastic changes every year but the game is improved in subtle ways in every area. It is so much more refined I could not imagine play 13 again. All the little improvements don't seem like much alone but together they add up. Hell even the menu alone is a huge upgrade. Franchise mode has working budgets, improved sim stats, things that aren't mentioned but enhance the game. I haven't looked at player progressioin/regression but I assume that is improved as well. Yearly save transfers is huge.

I am an offline franchise guy but with Quick Counts being playable in all the online modes I have more incentive to play those and this year I will. It makes online a lot more tolerable and cuts out the BS and time wasting. Quick Counts feels like it was made for online play it works great!

# 32 jrjolley @ 04/01/14 04:23 PM

I wanted to comment on the presentation, specifically the commentary. I feel that it has improved substantially. There is a lot of situational dialogue and discussion between the 3 man team. This does add quite a bit to the experience, though I do realise that the PS4 version will be something else.

The Vita version also has much improved crowd ambience if you go for that sort of thing.

# 33 woz411 @ 04/01/14 04:30 PM

When should we expect metacritic (and sits lke gamespot/IGN etc) to post their reviews?

So far I am loving this game

# 34 sandmac @ 04/01/14 05:32 PM

So it's not just a new coat of paint, but yet most of your observations are things are "as good as ever". Was it supposed to be WORSE?!

# 35 bluengold34_OS @ 04/01/14 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandmac


	So it's not just a new coat of paint, but yet most of your observations are things are "as good as ever". Was it supposed to be WORSE?!

It means that while there are a couple of significant improvements, they didn't try to reinvent the wheel. They took almost everything and tweaked it for the positive. Add all that together, and it's a very nice package that SCEA has delivered.

# 36 jeffy777 @ 04/01/14 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluengold34_OS


	You know Jeff - I felt the exact same way. QC's always seemed cheesy to me, but for some reason I really enjoy it in the Show this year.

That's good to hear. It's just too big of a piece of the game for me though, especially for RTTS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianU


	What is your favorite mode? You can't have drastic changes every year but the game is improved in subtle ways in every area. It is so much more refined I could not imagine play 13 again. All the little improvements don't seem like much alone but together they add up. Hell even the menu alone is a huge upgrade. Franchise mode has working budgets, improved sim stats, things that aren't mentioned but enhance the game. I haven't looked at player progressioin/regression but I assume that is improved as well. Yearly save transfers is huge. I am an offline franchise guy but with Quick Counts being playable in all the online modes I have more incentive to play those and this year I will. It makes online a lot more tolerable and cuts out the BS and time wasting. Quick Counts feels like it was made for online play it works great!

RTTS. I guess I was hoping for a bigger makeover in that department this year. They removed the goals (which I actually liked), added the Showcase game (I'm kinda meh on that), made it so you can emulate the career of a current star (which doesn't interest me either)...just doesnt seem like enough to get me to shell out the cash, especially since I wouldn't use Quick Counts. I'm perfectly happy sticking with 13.

# 37 miknhoj1983 @ 04/01/14 07:20 PM

Any stances get changed in the vita version? Not new stances but old ones that were redone?

As a Mets fan would like to know if they fixed the horrible David Wright and Ike Davis stances.

# 38 TGov @ 04/01/14 07:23 PM

Ive only played a round of batting practice, a homerun derby(offline) and an exhibition game with quick counts and my very first impression is...

My timing is Horrible! lol...

Quick Counts is awesome but you have to pay attention...

And the New Dynamic Field camera is AWESOME, it just takes a little getting use to...

Ive only touched the surface like I said but this is a great sign of things to come, literally... (Including RTTS, Franchises, Community Challenge and possibly Online Franchise, Im not much for online play...)

# 39 chandlerdavis1807 @ 04/02/14 12:17 AM

Is it just me or does rtts seem a lot easier then last. I have played 2.5 hours and already in AAA.

# 40 chaz526 @ 04/02/14 09:28 AM

I'm not sure if I'm alone here - but MLB 13 had some framerate issues for me last year. After starting my first game in MLB 14, I immediately noticed a framerate difference. It feels much smoother and more responsive.

I also really enjoy Quick Counts. I have played 2 games with them on and while the change in time isn't significant, it's definitely noticeable. Basically it comes down to having a good pitchers on the mound. That way, there are more 2-strike counts and thus the hitters have to be less patient, thus speeding up the game. I had some 3-pitch innings and I had some 20+ pitch innings. Still a lot of fun though!

The dynamic cameras are excellent. Not much else I can say about them other than that I really enjoy them.

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