MLB The Show 21 is just days away from launch, and the anticipation is bubbling to the surface for what could be one of the top sports games of 2021.
With major improvements across the board in multiple game modes, innovation in core gameplay, and some big firsts just scratching the surface, here's five reasons to buy MLB The Show 21.
MLB The Show 21 is a Series First on Next Gen
MLB The Show has been around for over 15 years, and this year's 16th installment of the series will be the very first to land on next gen consoles.
Major innovation is coming with this, starting with some of the most gorgeous and stunning sports graphics we've seen so far.
MLB The Show 21 is continuing to take full advantage of next gen with a new in-depth Stadium Creator mode boasting over a thousand props and usage across multiple game modes.
Xbox Debut Breaks Ground With Crossplay
There's another big first this year, and that's the fact that MLB The Show 21 will be released on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
For the past 15 years, MLB The Show has been a PlayStation exclusive, but this Sony San Diego title from PlayStation Studios is breaking down barriers.
One of those barriers will be crossplay, and MLB The Show 21 will be the first major sports title to support crossplay between all four major platforms at launch.
Best Franchise Mode in Sports Gaming
One of the most beloved parts of sports gaming by fans is being able to craft your own Franchise, and it's a mode that's arguably been neglected by some games in recent years and lead to movements like #FixMaddenFranchise.
However, that neglect isn't happening here, as Sony San Diego is continuing to improve an already top-notch Franchise Mode this year with huge upgrades to player values, trade transactions, budgets, and a sleek new depth chart.
Franchise Mode also provides ultimate customization, allowing players to manually customize all 30 teams in their league, and those on next gen will be able to save 30 different Stadium Creator ballparks to give custom stadiums to the entire league.
Story-Driven Single Player Career Mode
An area that's unfortunately lacking at times in sports games is a truly special story-driven single player Career Mode, but Road to the Show (RTTS) is preparing to blow that out of the water this year.
MLB The Show 21 will include a completely revamped Career Mode, and RTTS will be linked to the custom Ballplayer that players can take into Diamond Dynasty as well.
An in-game podcast has been created for single player, with full video on next gen and audio only on current gen, following your Ballplayer as they progress through the minors and into the MLB, with dozens of episodes that change based on your progress.
Diamond Dynasty Ultimate Team Doesn't Require Microtransactions
As enjoyable as it can be to experience an Ultimate Team mode, most games tend to prioritize microtransactions so heavily that it's impossible to stand a chance without spend extra money on the game.
However, Diamond Dynasty bucks that trend by keeping things more effectively balanced, and ensuring that all cards are obtainable through grinding and microtransactions aren't required.
Sony San Diego has even stated they've looked at some of the cards from previous years that were most difficult to acquire without microtransactions and created new ways to make them obtainable for the average player.
Pre Order Now for Early Access
If you're hoping to get in on the action right away, there's just a little time left to pre order MLB The Show 21, and anyone who pre orders a non-Standard Edition will get Early Access.
While the main title will release on April 20, 2021, including on Xbox Game Pass, those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition, Jackie Robinson Edition, or Jackie Robinson Deluxe Edition will get to play four days early.
That means you can start the fun as soon as Midnight ET on April 16, 2021, and you can find more details about Early Access here.