Matthew Coe: After two weeks with MLB 15 The Show, I can honestly say that I'm enjoying this year's game more than last year. One of the major reasons is completely unexpected and surprising to me: Diamond Dynasty. Last year, I tried Diamond Dynasty but I've never liked these card-based modes. The ability to actually "collect" the baseball cards in MLB 15 is a huge draw for me. I had hoped it would be well implemented and I honestly couldn't have asked for better implementation. Collecting a team of my favorite MLB players, not just a team with all 99-rated stars, is a game unto itself.

Beyond that mode, I enjoy replaying daily MLB games with The Show Live. I've been enjoying playing exhibitions as well, getting a feel for the different teams this year. The home run derby is always fun for me, and the Sony San Diego weekly challenges for high score always seems to draw me in to try and see how well I can do.

I'm one that traditionally waits for a roster set that suits me to use for franchise mode. There have been games and years where I spent much more time tinkering than actually playing. So with that said I haven't dug into Franchise mode yet. With this year's game I can't wait to get started, so it's been extremely tough to wait for the "right" roster for me. Once I get it, I may not play another game for months. I'm already neglecting many of my favorite game, including NBA 2K15, in favor of firing up The Show.

Last but not least, the ability to carry over my 'Road to the Show' closer from MLB 14 The Show has given the mode new life for me. I'm deeply engrossed in my pitchers' 2017 season with the Cleveland Indians. If I'd had to start over completely this year, I probably wouldn't have sunk nearly as much time into RttS. I'm completely in love with this year's edition!

Robert Kollars: Now that the honeymoon phase is over, it's probably fair to say that most people have a true understanding of where they stand in regards to The Show - including myself.

As a seasoned veteran of the series dating back to MLB 06, my first impression of this year's iteration was extremely positive, and at least for me, it has stayed so. When a series has such a long and successful run such as Sony San Diego has with their MLB franchise, it becomes easy to see the inherit flaws from one year to the next. While the developers are extremely diligent in trying correct these issues, most understand that some of these flaws will forever plague the game. For me I try to look at this game individually, as opposed to a collective unit, and by doing that it's easier to see the positives and look past the negatives.

Even with its issues, MLB 15 does an amazing job of mirroring it's real-life counterpart, and provides baseball fans an opportunity to to control their favorite players and teams. Not only does the game provide that, but with modes such as RttS, Diamond Dynasty and online franchise, there is most likely something there you can enjoy. On top of all that, there was a heavy emphasis put on correcting the online experience this year in head-to-head play, and for most, it has performed at a much higher level then in years past.

The improvements obviously do not excuse issues the game still has, but the good far outweighs the bad. MLB 15 is a must buy even for the most orbital of baseball fan.

 

 

Caley Roark: Like my colleagues, I'm still playing and enjoying MLB 15 The Show, perhaps much more than previous years.

As silly (and seemingly finite) as Diamond Dynasty is, there is something very satisfying about "ripping" open a pack of cards. The goal of unlocking a specific legend player has shaped my collecting practice, and thus far, I haven't felt any need to spend real money.

The ability to carry over saves both from year to year and through the cloud really has increased the value of the game. I have my RttS player from last year, now outfitted with real equipment. My franchise is easily ported between the PS4 and Vita, allowing me to sneak a game in while traveling.

While I can't say any of the big new features (other than revamped DD and lighting) have blown me away, as a whole product, there is tremendous value in MLB 15. In fact, I feel like I need more time to devote to RttS, as I've been honed in on franchise with the OSFM.

 

 

Chase Becotte: MLB The Show continues to be a comfort food. It's something I can play and know I'll get an experience I understand and enjoy. Two weeks later, it's also a game I'm still getting to know, which I think is really high praise.

I still haven't really delved deep into Franchise Mode, and I'll still never play Road to the Show -- just don't like the be-a-dude modes -- but online play has taken a nice step up this year (finally!) and off-shoot modes like the Challenge of the Week and Diamond Dynasty are keeping me engaged as well.

I can see myself getting into a rhythm with The Show at some point where even after I'm done playing the game every day, I'm still checking in weekly to mess with the Challenge of the Week, open a pack of cards, and squeeze another game or two in of my franchise.

With a yearly sports title, that type of end-game experience is just about what I want. Now if only the developers could figure out a way to speed up fielding animations online to curb the amount of bunting going on...

Kevin Groves: Being the casual baseball fan that I am, I admit being intrigued by the hype and positivity surrounding this series. After purchasing a PS4 and playing MLB 15 The Show for 4 innings via Share Play, I was sold. Having been over 10 years since I've purchased a baseball game, I expected the learning curve to be steep only to find out that the core gameplay is surprisingly easy to pick up. Don't get me wrong, there's a plethora of gameplay options to enhance your experience, but after a few exhibition games I felt like I was able to step-up to the plate and handle myself like a big-leaguer. I was a little worried that games would stretch out over an hour, but thanks to quick counts this new dad can complete a game in a reasonable amount of time.

The authenticity, ebb-and-flow of the game, sights, and sounds are all reflected well and are a testament to Sony San Diego's stellar reputation. They have turned this part-time baseball admirer into a born-again fan.