MLB The Show 23

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of MLB The Show 23 are largely positive, with the majority of critics praising the inclusion of the Negro Leagues storylines as a standout feature. CGMagazine, COGconnected, Comicbook.com, Dexerto, Game Informer, GameSpot, GamingBolt, God is a Geek, IGN France, New York Daily News, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, The Loadout, Wccftech, Pure Xbox, Nintendo Life, and NintendoWorldReport all express their appreciation for the historical and educational dimension that the Negro Leagues storylines bring to the game. They highlight the accurate representation of the times, excellent narration by Bob Kendrick, and the opportunity to learn more about the game from a new perspective. In terms of negatives, there is a lack of specific criticism towards the Story of MLB The Show 23. While Dexerto mentions the absence of remarkable gameplay innovations, it does not detract from the overall positive sentiment towards the game. The critics seem to be focused on the positive aspects of the storylines, with no major flaws or criticisms mentioned. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Story of MLB The Show 23 is a very good addition to the game. The inclusion of the Negro Leagues storylines is widely praised for its historical and educational value, as well as its engaging and entertaining gameplay. Critics like GameSpot, PlayStation Universe, and Nintendo Life specifically mention the captivating and informative nature of the storylines. The positive sentiment expressed by the majority of the critics indicates that the Story of MLB The Show 23 is a well-received and successful feature of the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of MLB The Show 23, it is evident that the majority of critics had a positive view of the game's gameplay. Many reviewers praised the improvements and additions made to the gameplay mechanics. CGMagazine commended the updates to fielding, stating that higher fielding attributes made a noticeable difference in player performance. Game Informer mentioned that new animations and quirks added to the smooth and gorgeous gameplay, making it more skill-based. GamingTrend highlighted the fluid, responsive, and intuitive gameplay, with improvements in swing feedback and pitching and throwing timing. These positive opinions indicate that MLB The Show 23 has successfully enhanced the on-field action and provided an enjoyable and satisfying gameplay experience. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of MLB The Show 23 was largely positive, there were a few critics who expressed more mixed opinions or mentioned some areas for improvement. Digitally Downloaded stated that the gameplay was barely different from the previous iteration, with only slight improvements in fielding and AI. The Games Machine mentioned changes in the defensive phase after a hit, making it more challenging to execute a perfect play. Wccftech noted that while the core gameplay was solid and enjoyable, there weren't many significant changes or innovations. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay of MLB The Show 23 was generally well-received, some reviewers felt that it lacked significant advancements or improvements in certain aspects. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of MLB The Show 23 was very good. The positive feedback from reviewers such as Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, and PlayStation Universe, who praised the gameplay improvements, realistic feel, and varied playstyles, supports this conclusion. The majority of critics found the gameplay to be enjoyable, satisfying, and responsive. While there were a few minor criticisms and suggestions for further enhancements, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of MLB The Show 23 was overwhelmingly positive. This indicates that the game successfully delivered a solid and engaging baseball experience, catering to both hardcore simulation players and casual gamers.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of MLB The Show 23 are quite varied. Many critics praised the game's visuals, highlighting its stunning graphics, impressive stadium details, and realistic player animations. Critics such as COGconnected and GamingTrend commended the game for faithfully recreating stadiums and capturing the authentic feel of being at a major league ballpark. IGN France also mentioned the visuals as being impressive, with detailed graphics and fluid animations. The addition of new animations was also highlighted by Attack of the Fanboy and Game Informer, who noted that these animations contributed to the overall gorgeous gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the graphics and visual design. Comicbook.com mentioned that while the gameplay animations looked fantastic, the graphics themselves left the reviewer unimpressed. Digitally Downloaded stated that the graphics engine had not been improved from the previous year, which could be a disappointment for some players. Hardcore Gamer also criticized the visuals, describing them as showing their age, with old assets and a lack of ray tracing technology. Push Square went even further, stating that the visuals were in dire need of an overhaul, with stale graphics and drab lighting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there were several positive comments regarding the graphics and visual design, with praise for the stunning visuals, impressive stadium details, and realistic animations, there were also criticisms regarding the graphics engine not being improved, outdated assets, and the need for an overhaul. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as Dexerto and The Loadout, were particularly impressed with the visuals and considered them to be fantastic and authentic. Ultimately, it seems that while MLB The Show 23 has its strengths in terms of graphics and visual design, there are also areas that could use improvement to meet the expectations of some players and critics.

In terms of the sound design and music of MLB The Show 23, the opinions of the critics are generally positive. COGconnected praises the audio upgrades, highlighting the accurate sounds for hits and the addition of teams celebrating in the dugout. They also mention that the sound design captures the atmosphere of a baseball stadium, with realistic sound effects and a dynamic soundtrack, as noted by IGN France. Hardcore Gamer also commends the improvements in crowd chants, cheers, and sound effects on the field, adding to the overall realism of the game. God is a Geek further supports this sentiment by stating that the game sounds great, with immersive audio that adds to the realism. However, there are a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Attack of the Fanboy criticizes the generic commentary and unbalanced audio in the storyline mode. Gaming Age mentions that the sound design on the Switch version is not as good as on other consoles, with crowd noises sounding less crisp and the sound of the ball coming off the bat sounding different. Nintendo Life also points out the lack of a narrative-driven mode like NBA 2K's MyPlayer, which could use improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of MLB The Show 23 are generally positive. The improvements in audio upgrades, realistic sound effects, and immersive ambience are highly praised by multiple critics, such as COGconnected, Hardcore Gamer, and God is a Geek. Additionally, the new announcing team and reduced recycling of commentary anecdotes are appreciated, as mentioned by Comicbook.com and New Game Network. However, there are some criticisms regarding generic commentary, unbalanced audio, and the lack of a narrative-driven mode. Despite these minor flaws, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music contribute positively to the overall experience of the game.

The voice acting in MLB The Show 23 has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Bob Kendrick's narration for the Negro League storylines is particularly praised for its immaculate delivery and depth. Critics such as COGconnected and Comicbook.com highlight how Kendrick's narration adds to the storytelling experience, with Comicbook.com specifically mentioning that it is both captivating and enlightening. The passion put into the project by Kendrick, as noted by Dexerto, is also evident in his narration. IGN France further emphasizes that Kendrick's narration adds to the realism and authenticity of the game. The New York Daily News commends Kendrick for delivering deep insights and backstories into each player's career, further solidifying the positive reception of his voice acting. Additionally, the commentary services of Jon 'Boog' Sciambi and Chris Singleton, as mentioned by Push Square, are noted to add flavor to the stories presented in the game. In terms of negatives, there are no specific criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the voice acting in MLB The Show 23. This suggests that the voice acting was generally well-received and did not have any major flaws or issues that stood out to the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in MLB The Show 23 is of high quality and greatly enhances the gaming experience. The positive reception of Bob Kendrick's narration, particularly for the Negro League storylines, highlights the depth and authenticity it brings to the game. The lack of negative feedback further supports the notion that the voice acting is consistently praised. With the addition of commentary services by Jon 'Boog' Sciambi and Chris Singleton, the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in MLB The Show 23 is overwhelmingly positive.

In terms of the technical performance of MLB The Show 23, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) received mixed reviews from the critics. COGconnected mentions minor commentary issues and a convoluted player management screen, but these drawbacks do not significantly impact the overall experience. Game Informer highlights occasional technical or logic hiccups that break immersion on a semi-regular basis. The Games Machine mentions that the offline modes ran smoothly on the PS5, but there were some issues with online fluidity. Hardcore Gamer praises the online component for its excellent experience with low latency but criticizes the game for being visually dated. These opinions suggest that while the PS5 version of the game has some technical hiccups, it still manages to provide an overall enjoyable experience. On the Xbox Series X, the technical performance of MLB The Show 23 seems to be more positive. Pure Xbox describes the game as running perfectly at 4K/60FPS on Series X. However, Shacknews mentions latency issues in online matches on the Xbox Series X. Despite this drawback, the overall sentiment from these critics suggests that the Xbox Series X version of the game delivers a smooth and visually impressive experience. The Nintendo Switch version of MLB The Show 23 received mixed reviews regarding its technical performance. Gaming Age mentions that the console's limitations are evident in the game, with players and stadiums looking iffy and the sounds of the game sounding less true-to-life. Nintendo Life points out that the frame rate on the Switch can be troublesome and feels sluggish compared to other platforms. However, NintendoWorldReport states that the game runs smoothly without much playable compromise on the Nintendo Switch. These differing opinions indicate that while the Switch version may have some technical limitations, it still manages to provide a playable experience without significant compromises. Overall, the critics' opinions on the technical performance of MLB The Show 23 across different gaming platforms are varied. The PS5 version has some minor issues but still delivers an enjoyable experience. The Xbox Series X version is praised for its smooth performance, although there are some latency issues in online matches. The Nintendo Switch version shows limitations in graphics and frame rate but still manages to provide a playable experience. Despite the mixed opinions, it is clear that the game's technical performance is generally satisfactory across all platforms, with each platform having its own strengths and weaknesses.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of MLB The Show 23 are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various game modes and features that contribute to the game's replayability. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy and CGMagazine mention the game modes and the ability to earn high-rated players early on, making it easy to come back and play regularly. COGconnected praises fan-favorite modes like Diamond Dynasty and Franchise, which offer an ever-evolving list of challenges and new features. Dexerto mentions the cycling out of cards in Diamond Dynasty to keep the experience fresh, while Digitally Downloaded acknowledges the presence of modes like Diamond Dynasty and Road to the Show, suggesting replayability. TheXboxHub also highlights the multiple game modes, including Road to the Show, Franchise mode, and Diamond Dynasty, as factors contributing to the game's replay value. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the replay value of MLB The Show 23. Hardcore Gamer mentions frustration with the Challenge Mode and the reset of previous Diamond Dynasty progression. The Loadout points out that the presence of microtransactions limits team changes, potentially affecting the longevity of the game. Pure Xbox states that while Diamond Dynasty mode is a total blast with generous rewards, Road to the Show and Franchise modes are in need of a revamp. Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport also express mixed opinions, with Nintendo Life stating that the new Storylines mode and Diamond Dynasty offer good replay value, but other modes feel flat and uninvolved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that MLB The Show 23 offers significant replay value. The game is praised for its variety of game modes, including Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, Franchise, and Storylines, which provide different experiences and challenges. The ability to earn high-rated players, the ever-evolving challenges in fan-favorite modes, and the enjoyable gameplay are all mentioned as factors contributing to the game's replayability. While there are some criticisms regarding specific modes and features, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics such as PlayStation Universe stating that the game justifies its annual release with its rock-solid core gameplay and the addition of the new Storylines mode.