The Show can arguably be considered the best baseball franchise since MVP Baseball 2005. It offers a realistic baseball experience unlike any other game offered. Last year’s PlayStation 3 version however was a bit underwhelming. Though it was a great title in general, it seemed to lack any of the true power behind the PlayStation 3 console. That’s why SCE Studios San Diego took the time to revamp almost the entire game for MLB 08: The Show.

IGN had the opportunity to get some sit down time with this title and have given their impressions to some of the new features and enhancements that have been made to the franchise itself. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to see new in MLB 08: The Show.

• In game music soundtrack,
• 720P Optimization,
• Visual overhauls for stadium flybys, player appearances, and gameplay arena
• Improved grass and uniform textures,
• Enhanced presentation visuals such as player disappointment from errors, as well as a level of fan interactivity to fly-balls,
• The Show will also feature the most complete Create-A-Player customization than any Sony title before it,
• Better Pitcher/Batter analysis tools,
• Progressive Batting Performance which will allow you to track how a batter has performed throughout the season,
• Improved timing on jumping for foul balls as well as homeruns. Highlighted circles will give you the opportunity to time the jump perfectly,
• Exclusive to PS3 is the in-game save ability across ALL game modes,
• Replay Vaults that tracks every at bat and play for you to enjoy later on. Whether it be a strikeout, single, double, whatever – the game will save it for replay and allow you to show it off later on,
• Box-scores during franchise/season play will now be tracked and displayed during the game,
• Headline Features which will draw stats from your season to create actual news stories to read throughout the season,
• And finally Roster Tracking which will come in handy for those franchise fanatics who love to check back on how their rosters came to fruition whether it be the draft, trading, or even free agency.

It’s looking like The Show is going to be a great title for baseball enthusiasts to grab on release day. With the improvements made over last year’s already impressive showing, this will undoubtedly be one of the better baseball games to come out within the last 4-5 years, respectfully.

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