MLB The Show 24
Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family-friendly baseball game adds more history, diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
MLB The Show 24
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
What’s It About?
As with the many previous MLB The Show video games before it, MLB THE SHOW 24 is a baseball simulation created to capture the look, sound and feel of Major League Baseball. You can play as or against your favorite teams and players, in authentically recreated stadiums, against the computer-controlled opponents or friends beside you in front of the same TV or online (and supporting cross-platform play, too). Available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X and Nintendo Switch, the game offers several modes, including: Storylines (now with the historic Negro Leagues Season 2 and another that focuses on Derek "The Captain" Jeter); Diamond Dynasty (create a dream team using players from all eras); Franchise (assume the role of a team manager) and March to October (a quicker Franchise mode); and the return of the career mode called Road to the Show, which lets you create a unique player and advance through the minors to majors (now with the option to play in an all-female league, too). Note: All versions feature the same modes but the production quality will vary based on platform.
Is It Any Good?
MLB The Show 24 is easily one of the best baseball games in one of the best franchises. When it comes to quality of gameplay, a deep feature set, and a consistent experience, MLB The Show 24 is as good as it gets. That said, there are a couple of minor stumbles, but overall it's a fantastic pick that swings at the fences. One of the big differences from previous games is Impact Plays, a defensive bonus when you're playing as an individual ball player, which lets you focus and respond intently on a slowed down play. It's a highly gratifying new feature. Also worth noting is the new Storylines mode additions, including the Negro Leagues Season 2, with four stories at launch and more to come, and featuring vintage photos, videos and narration about these players whom were mostly not able to play in the MLB (a highlight is the Hank Aaron story). Being able to play as a female player is a great and long-overdue addition. Adding more history and diversity to the MLB The Show franchise, MLB The Show 24 is the best game in the series yet.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork required in playing sports games like MLB The Show 24. Why is this an important character strength?
Talk about the pros and cons of being able to spend money to have better characters and more skills. Set expectations for rules around in-game spending. If you want to prevent online spending, don't attach your credit card to your game or console, or make sure you have parental controls turned on.
Game Details
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure: Paid ($56.99 – $69.99 (depending on platform))
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
- Release date: March 19, 2024
- Genre: Sports
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Sports and Martial Arts , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- ESRB rating: E for N/A
- Last updated: September 4, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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