MLB The Show 23

The majority of critics praised MLB The Show 23’s Storylines mode for its rich historical depth and educational value, particularly its focus on the Negro Leagues. Reviewers such as CGMagazine, COGconnected, and ComicBook highlighted the mode’s ability to shed light on African American athletes’ contributions, offering a fresh perspective on baseball history. IGN and GameSpot commended the narrative for showcasing legendary figures like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, while New York Daily News noted the detailed storytelling through eight player backstories narrated by Bob Kendrick. The documentary-style presentation, described as “superb” by PlayStation Universe and “enthralling” by Pure Xbox, was consistently praised for blending entertainment with historical insight. Many critics, including Game Informer and We Got This Covered, emphasized the mode’s significance in honoring underrepresented narratives, making it a standout feature that elevates the game’s cultural impact. While the Storylines mode received widespread acclaim, some critics pointed to its limitations. BaziCenter noted that the single-player focus created a disjointed progression, restricting player agency and depth. Gaming Age and GamingBolt mentioned that the mode felt less fleshed out compared to other game elements, with Dexerto criticizing the lack of gameplay innovation despite the story’s strengths. Additionally, Nintendo Life and TouchArcade acknowledged the educational value but suggested the interactive museum and challenges could have been more immersive. These critiques highlight a recurring theme: while the narrative is compelling, its execution occasionally falls short in terms of interactivity and polish, leaving some reviewers wanting more dynamic engagement beyond the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the Storylines mode being celebrated as a significant and meaningful addition to MLB The Show 23. IGN France and SpazioGames emphasized its historical and educational dimensions, while Twinfinite and The Loadout called it a “memorable” and “engaging” element that enriches the game’s narrative depth. Even critics who noted minor flaws, like BaziCenter and Gaming Age, acknowledged the mode’s importance in highlighting baseball’s legacy. The combination of respectful representation, compelling storytelling, and historical context solidified the Storylines mode as a critical success, with many reviewers agreeing it is essential for hardcore fans and a valuable tribute to the sport’s past.

The gameplay of MLB The Show 23 receives widespread praise for its incremental yet meaningful improvements, particularly in mechanics like fielding, pitching, and hitting. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy highlight the refined attribute system and swing feedback, which add depth to player performance, while CGMagazine and Game Informer commend the enhanced fielding mechanics and animations that make defensive plays feel more dynamic. COGconnected and Digital Chumps emphasize the realism in sound design and movement, noting how these elements elevate immersion. The introduction of a designated hitter (DH) and two-way players, as mentioned by Dexerto, and the overhauled throwing mechanics from GameSpot further demonstrate the game’s commitment to modernizing baseball simulation. Additionally, IGN and IGN Adria praise the strategic depth added through features like Captain Cards and ranked co-op matches, while PSX Brasil and Push Square appreciate the balance between accessibility and challenge for players of all skill levels. However, several critics point out that these improvements feel incremental rather than revolutionary. BaziCenter and Gaming Age argue that the gameplay remains largely unchanged from MLB The Show 22, with minimal innovations that fail to excite returning players. ComicBook and Comicbook.com note that core mechanics like Diamond Dynasty and Road to the Show feel underwhelming, with the former criticized for its repetitive rewards and the latter described as "stale" by Twinfinite. New York Daily News mentions that while fielding has been tuned for more animations, the absence of new MLB rules is a missed opportunity. We Got This Covered also points out frustrations with situational throw meters, which introduced errors, and TouchArcade highlights lingering technical issues from previous iterations. These critiques suggest that while the game is polished, it lacks the bold changes needed to feel truly transformative. Overall, critics agree that MLB The Show 23 is a solid, well-rounded baseball simulation with refined mechanics and improved accessibility, but its lack of groundbreaking innovation has left some fans wanting more. Game Informer and IGN Adria celebrate the game as the best in the series so far, citing its polish and depth, while others like SpazioGames and SECTOR.sk acknowledge its balance between arcade and simulation appeal. The consensus is that MLB The Show 23 is a worthy entry for fans of the franchise, offering a satisfying experience through incremental upgrades rather than radical overhauls. However, the repeated emphasis on "minimal changes" by reviewers like Gaming Age and Everyeye.it underscores a sense of stagnation, leaving room for future iterations to push boundaries further.

The graphics and visual design of MLB The Show 23 received widespread praise for their authenticity, attention to detail, and immersive presentation. Critics like BaziCenter highlighted the "high-quality player models, stadiums, and crowd details," placing it among the best in the sports genre, while COGconnected lauded its "gorgeous visuals" and faithful recreation of ballparks. Digital Chumps and GamersRD emphasized stunning stadium design, lighting, and textures, with the latter calling it a "visually stunning experience." The game’s animations also stood out, as noted by Attack of the Fanboy, who praised new animations, and IGN, which highlighted "gorgeous and lifelike recreations" of stadiums. GameSpot and PSX Brasil commended historical accuracy in uniforms and player likenesses, particularly in Storylines mode, while The Loadout noted small details that enhanced authenticity. Overall, the visuals were seen as a strong selling point, with many reviewers appreciating the nostalgic and broadcast-like atmosphere. However, several critics pointed out limitations, particularly regarding technical shortcomings and lack of innovation. ComicBook and Comicbook.com criticized the "unimpressive" graphics, attributing them to last-gen console constraints, while Everyeye.it called the graphics engine "outdated," noting subpar player models and textures. Push Square and Hardcore Gamer lamented "stale graphics" and a lack of ray tracing, with Digitally Downloaded pointing out no significant improvements from the previous year. Gaming Age described stadiums as "lifeless," and The Games Machine suggested player models needed updating. Even on next-gen consoles, SECTOR.sk and TheXboxHub acknowledged decent visuals but expressed a desire for more advancements. These critiques highlight a divide between the game’s nostalgic charm and its inability to fully leverage modern hardware capabilities. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for MLB The Show 23’s visual strengths, even as technical limitations are acknowledged. While IGN and COGconnected praised its "authentic feel" and "fluid animations," others like Wccftech and SpazioGames noted it "still feels like a last-generation title." The Switch version faced more criticism for graphical downgrades, though Nintendo Life and TouchArcade acknowledged its "solid visual experience" despite compromises. Ultimately, the game’s visuals are seen as a blend of nostalgic charm and technical restraint, with many reviewers agreeing that it delivers a compelling baseball experience through its attention to detail and immersive presentation, even if it falls short of pushing the boundaries of next-gen graphics.

The Sound Design and Music of MLB The Show 23 received largely positive feedback from multiple reviewers, highlighting significant improvements in immersion and authenticity. Critics like BaziCenter praised the "well-executed" ambient sounds that adapt to stadium environments and game timing, while COGconnected noted "excellent audio upgrades" with accurate hit sounds and dugout celebrations. Game Informer called the commentary "top-notch," and God is a Geek emphasized the "immersive audio" that enhances realism. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer and IGN commended the dynamic crowd chants, field sound effects, and the inclusion of diverse music tracks, including a notable Metallica song mentioned by IGN Adria. The soundtrack’s variety and attention to detail in capturing baseball’s atmosphere were frequently lauded, with Gaming Age and TheXboxHub noting how realistic ambience and home-run sound effects elevated the experience. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws, particularly in the commentary and technical execution. Attack of the Fanboy criticized the "generic commentary" and "unbalanced audio" in storyline mode, while Gaming Age described Jon Sciambi and Chris Singleton’s voices as "repetitive and boring." Twinfinite found the commentary "flat and surface-level," and Digital Chumps noted that repetition "detracted from the overall audio experience." Some reviewers also highlighted inconsistencies across platforms: Gaming Age (Switch) mentioned less crisp crowd noises, and Atomix pointed out the absence of Spanish commentary. Additionally, COGconnected critiqued the jarring use of modern music in historical contexts, creating a disconnect that undermined authenticity. These issues suggest that while the audio design was ambitious, it occasionally fell short in execution or adaptability. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for MLB The Show 23’s sound design and music, despite its flaws. The majority of reviewers, including Game Informer, IGN, and Hardcore Gamer, celebrated the realistic audio effects, dynamic crowd interactions, and improved commentary variety. However, persistent criticisms about repetitive dialogue, platform-specific technical issues, and occasional tonal mismatches in music underscore areas for improvement. While BaziCenter and COGconnected highlighted the game’s strengths in atmospheric detail, others like Twinfinite and Attack of the Fanboy emphasized that these elements occasionally undermined immersion. The mixed reception reflects a game that excels in many audio aspects but struggles with consistency, particularly in commentary and cross-platform optimization.

The voice acting in MLB The Show 23 receives widespread acclaim, particularly for Bob Kendrick’s narration in the Negro Leagues mode, which is consistently praised as a standout element. Critics like COGconnected and Comicbook.com highlight Kendrick’s “immaculate” and “captivating” delivery, noting how his storytelling adds depth and historical insight to the game’s narrative. IGN and IGN France emphasize that his passionate and authentic narration enhances realism, while New York Daily News applauds his ability to deliver “deep insights” into players’ careers. The consensus here is that Kendrick’s work elevates the game’s storytelling, making it a poignant and immersive experience for fans of baseball history. However, some critics point to shortcomings in the broader commentary system. Digital Chumps and Gaming Age criticize the lack of variety and repetitive anecdotes in the overall commentary, with the latter calling voice acting a “weak point” that detracts from the experience. Twinfinite notes that while Kendrick’s narration adds depth, the game’s general commentary lacks chemistry and engagement. Similarly, SECTOR.sk acknowledges the commentary as engaging but warns of its repetitiveness over time. These critiques suggest that while individual performances like Kendrick’s are exceptional, the overall audio design struggles to maintain consistency and freshness throughout the gameplay. Despite mixed feedback on the broader commentary, there is a clear consensus that Bob Kendrick’s narration in the Negro Leagues mode is a critical success. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, emotional resonance, and historical value, with multiple outlets like Dexerto and We Got This Covered recognizing it as a highlight. While some reviewers, such as Push Square, acknowledge the flavor added by commentators like Jon ‘Boog’ Sciambi and Chris Singleton, the majority agree that the game’s voice acting excels in specific contexts but falters when judged as a cohesive whole. The overall sentiment leans positive, with Kendrick’s contributions standing out as a defining strength of MLB The Show 23.

The technical performance of MLB The Show 23 across platforms received generally positive feedback, with notable strengths on PS5 and Xbox Series X. On PS5, critics like GamersRD praised the game’s "minimal frame drops and good loading times," while Digital Chumps highlighted improved online stability and balance. Game Informer noted that offline modes ran smoothly, and SpazioGames described the performance as "stable with no major issues." On Xbox Series X, Pure Xbox lauded the game’s flawless 4K/60FPS performance, while SECTOR.sk acknowledged minor technical hiccups but emphasized overall stability. For Nintendo Switch, Nintendo WorldReport and TouchArcade both noted that the game runs smoothly without significant compromises, despite acknowledging hardware limitations. These positives suggest strong optimization on higher-end platforms, with the Switch holding its own in terms of playability. However, platform-specific technical issues were reported. On PS5, Everyeye.it pointed to CPU player stamina problems requiring a patch, while Game Informer and The Games Machine mentioned occasional "technical or logic hiccups" and online fluidity issues. The Loadout noted slowdowns during critical moments in online play, and We Got This Covered highlighted errors from new situational throw meters. On Xbox Series X, SECTOR.sk criticized long loading times and online infrastructure problems, while Shacknews reported latency issues in matches. For Switch, Nintendo Life described frame rates as "troublesome" and "sluggish," with Gaming Age noting subpar visuals and audio due to hardware constraints. These negatives reveal persistent challenges, particularly on the Switch and in online multiplayer across all platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that MLB The Show 23 delivers solid technical performance, though it varies by platform. PS5 and Xbox Series X users experience fewer issues, with GamersRD and Pure Xbox highlighting stability and graphical fidelity, respectively. The Switch, while functional, faces limitations in visual quality and frame rates, as noted by Nintendo Life and Gaming Age, but still offers a playable experience. Online play remains a mixed bag, with Digital Chumps and The Loadout pointing to improvements and regressions, respectively. While minor bugs and optimizations are present across all platforms, the game’s core technical foundation is robust, with critics like SpazioGames and COGconnected agreeing that these issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The title appears to balance accessibility and performance well, though its long-term success may depend on addressing platform-specific quirks.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of MLB The Show 23 is largely positive, with many praising its diverse array of modes and features that keep players engaged over time. Reviewers like CGMagazine, COGconnected, and ComicBook highlight the game’s ability to sustain interest through fan-favorite modes such as Diamond Dynasty, Franchise, and Road to the Show, which offer endless customization, progression systems, and evolving challenges. The introduction of new content like Storylines: The Negro Leagues (noted by Everyeye.it and PSX Brasil) and seasonal updates in Diamond Dynasty (mentioned by Dexerto and IGN) further enhance longevity. Additionally, GameSpot and GamingTrend emphasize the game’s variety of team-building mechanics and online play options, while Digital Chumps and God is a Geek stress that the multiple modes cater to different playstyles, ensuring players have "plenty of replay value." The inclusion of microtransactions in Diamond Dynasty (as noted by The Loadout) doesn’t detract from its appeal for many, as the mode’s rewards and structure keep it engaging. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that could diminish long-term enjoyment. BaziCenter and GamingAge argue that the lack of substantial changes from previous iterations creates a sense of monotony, particularly for veteran players. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the repetitive nature of modes like Challenge Mode and the reset of Diamond Dynasty progression, while IGN raises concerns about the "planned obsolescence" of cards in Diamond Dynasty, which might frustrate long-term collectors. Additionally, New York Daily News notes that some modes, like Franchise, lack advanced features such as custom draft classes, and Nintendo Life mentions that other modes feel "flat and uninvolved." These critiques suggest that while the game offers a wealth of content, its reliance on familiar mechanics without major innovation could alienate players seeking fresh experiences. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that MLB The Show 23 delivers strong replay value through its extensive modes and iterative improvements. Game Informer and GamingBolt acknowledge that the game’s core gameplay remains "rock-solid," while Push Square and SpazioGames highlight how new features like Storylines and seasonal updates keep the experience dynamic. However, the balance between innovation and repetition is a recurring theme: while Digital Chumps and Twinfinite note that some modes may feel repetitive, others like CGMagazine and Wccftech argue that the sheer volume of content justifies repeated playthroughs. Ultimately, the game’s replayability hinges on player preferences—those who value customization, progression, and baseball simulation will find it rewarding, while others might grow weary of its incremental updates. As IGN Adria suggests, though not directly addressing replay value, the game’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evolve annually, ensuring it remains a staple for baseball fans.