By Brady O’Neil – Staff Reporter

“MLB The Show ’24” is the latest baseball game in the series, and it’s definitely a solid addition. It brings realistic gameplay, improved graphics, and a few new features to the table, but it doesn’t exactly change the game in a huge way. Fans of baseball and the series will enjoy it, but it may feel a little too familiar for some.

The graphics in this year’s game are really impressive. Player animations look super smooth, and the stadiums are full of little details that make them feel alive. From fans waving in the stands to the shadows changing as the game goes on, it all looks like a real baseball game. Even the way players’ jerseys move looks realistic, which is a nice touch. The faces of most players look spot-on, though a few less popular ones don’t look as well animated as others.

The gameplay is where “MLB: The Show” always shines, and it’s no different here. Hitting and pitching feel great, and fielding seems better this year, especially with diving plays and animations being smoother. The game rewards timing and strategy, which makes every at-bat and pitch feel important. The different difficulty options also make it easy for beginners to pick up while still being challenging for experienced players.

Modes like Franchise and Road to the Show are back, and they’re still fun, but they don’t feel all that different from last year. Franchise Mode lets you take control of a team and manage everything from trades to lineups, while Road to the Show lets you create a player and take them through their career. Both are still good but could use some fresh ideas. Diamond Dynasty is where a lot of people spend their time, and it’s fun to build a dream team, but grinding for top players takes a lot of time unless you’re willing to spend real money.

Overall, “MLB The Show ’24” does a lot of things right but doesn’t do much to stand out compared to last year’s game. It’s still the best baseball game out there and worth playing, but it might not feel like a huge step forward. For baseball fans, though, it’s hard to beat.