The release of God of War III and Heavy Rain has a lot of PS3 owners pounding their chest in conquest in the so-called "Console Wars". However, in my opinion, the crown jewel exclusive title under sony's belt is the MLB franchise.
Microsoft could always compete with Sony in terms of action-adventure games, FPS (First-Person Shooters), etc. However, one field t
hat the XBOX can't even hold a candle to sony's bad boy...baseball.
If you are a baseball fan and own both systems, than there is only one clear choice for you. If you are the unfortunate 360 owner who has to press your nose against the window, regretting that you won't have the chance to play this beast of a title...well than I'd heavily consider trading in that "Ring of Death" waiting to happen and pick yourself up a PS3. I guarantee it will be worth it.
So what makes MLB 10: The Show so good? Where to begin...
The presentation is near perfect. Character models are more refined than last year's, jerseys ripple with every stride your player takes, every cut of the bat. Dirt gets dusted off after a success slide. Foul line chalk gets dusted off if you ripe a foul ball. The camera transitions after contact to the field with the smoothness of an actual televised broadcast. The only disappointment I couldn't ignore is the play-by-play which is nearly identical to last year's entry. A minor nuisance in an otherwise flawless delivery.
The controls, as expected are perfect. Button sensitive throwing from the field, similar to EA's MVP Baseball franchise has been included finally, which makes all the difference in the world. Fielding animations are smooth, whether a fielder is jogging under a ball, preparing for a routine catch or collides against the wall after his momentum from a catch carries him into his painful demise.
Pitching and Hitting is unchanged and remain some of the most intense confrontations in sports. If the AI has your in an 0-2 count you are pretty much theirs to toy with. A Sharp eye and sharper reflexes is what will determine your success at the plate. Newbies will no doubt be frustrated, but I assure you the practice will been worth the initial headaches. However, veterans of the franchise will have no trouble picking up where you left off.
Finally, it wouldn't be an MLB game without mentioning their Road to the Show. This year's edition features all the same options, improved development and fielding/running controls, as well as a new feature that allows you to play from the catchers point of view. If you decide to make a catcher you will be in charge of calling pitch sequences, managing the pitching staff, and keeping your eyes on runners anxious to test out your arm. Catchers have been called field generals, and after a lengthy session with this new addition to RotS, I can tell you that's exactly how it feels.
The MLB2K series has made serious strides in improving their franchise after the mess that was released last year, and if anything else they made a valiant effort. However, MLB 10: The Show remains the dynasty that has yet to be dethroned. I will even go on record as to calling it the greatest baseball game to date.