Skip to main content

MLB The Show 21

Faster, a bit prettier, but much of the same, MLB The Show 21 on the PS5 won't raise the bar further...but still clears it nicely.
MLB The Show 21 Game Cover
64%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
optimization, monetization
73% User Score Based on 11 reviews
Critic Score 81%Based on 7 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox OneXboxPlayStation
View Game
MLB The Show 21 Game Cover

About

MLB The Show 21 is a single player and multiplayer sport game. It was developed by SIE San Diego Studio and was released on April 20, 2021. It received positive reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

Own the show! Experience faster, deeper and more intense moment-to-moment match action on the field, with a variety of game modes for all you rookie players and returning seasoned vets.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
MLB The Show 21 screenshot
MLB The Show 21 screenshot
MLB The Show 21 screenshot
MLB The Show 21 screenshot
MLB The Show 21 screenshot
Skip User Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 11 reviews
gameplay3 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • Exciting to finally have MLB The Show available on Xbox, fulfilling a long-awaited desire for Xbox owners.
  • Outstanding graphics and realistic gameplay enhance the overall experience, making it the best baseball game for many players.
  • New features like Pinpoint Pitching and a robust Diamond Dynasty mode add depth and variety to the gameplay.
  • Severe server issues and glitches make the game borderline unplayable, leading to frequent crashes and lost progress.
  • Baserunning and fielding controls are clunky, and hitting mechanics feel predictable and frustrating.
  • Missing features and slow progression in modes like Road to the Show disappoint many players, along with the push towards microtransactions.
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the latest release has been widely criticized, with users reporting significantly worse performance compared to previous versions, leading to a consensus that it is a major disappointment.

    • “I play regularly, and I thought I encountered the worst performance in MLB 17, but this release is a complete disaster.”
    • “The optimization in this game is abysmal; I experience constant frame drops and stuttering.”
    • “It's frustrating to see such poor optimization when the potential for this game is so high.”
  • gameplay
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is highlighted by improved fielding mechanics, contributing to the series' reputation for consistently excellent gameplay.

    • “The improved fielding adds to the series' consistently excellent gameplay.”
    • “The controls are intuitive and responsive, making every action feel satisfying.”
    • “The variety of gameplay modes keeps the experience fresh and engaging.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that the game's monetization strategy leans heavily on microtransactions, particularly through the introduction of perks that encourage players to spend more money.

    • “The addition of perks encourages players to consider microtransactions without feeling forced.”
    • “I appreciate that the monetization system offers fair options for players who want to enhance their experience.”
    • “The game strikes a good balance with its monetization, allowing players to enjoy content without excessive spending.”
    • “The addition of perks pushes players towards microtransactions.”
    • “The monetization system feels overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “It's frustrating how much the game encourages spending real money to enjoy basic features.”
  • graphics
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are consistently praised for their outstanding realism and quality, with many users expressing admiration for the game's visual presentation. Overall, the visuals contribute significantly to the immersive experience.

    • “Outstanding graphics; so realistic and terrific!”
    • “The graphics are amazing; I love it.”
Skip Critic Reviews

81%Critics’ scoreBased on 7 critic reviews
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like MLB The Show 21

Games Like MLB The Show 21

Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings Image
89%1.1kreviews

Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings

2015Sport
Playstation 3Xbox Series X|SPC+6
Super Mega Baseball 4 Image
76%608reviews

Super Mega Baseball 4

2023Sport
Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPC+8
Super Mega Baseball 2 Image
86%898reviews

Super Mega Baseball 2

2018Arcade Sport
Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPC+6
Out of the Park Baseball 23 Image
86%758reviews

Out of the Park Baseball 23

2022Sport
LinuxPCMac OS+1
Undisputed Image
68%21.4kreviews

Undisputed

2024Sport
Xbox Series X|SPCXbox Game Pass+8
More games like MLB The Show 21
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

MLB The Show 21 is a sport game.

MLB The Show 21 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and others.

MLB The Show 21 was released on April 20, 2021.

MLB The Show 21 was developed by SIE San Diego Studio.

MLB The Show 21 has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

MLB The Show 21 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Super Mega Baseball: Extra Innings, Super Mega Baseball 4, Super Mega Baseball 2, Out of the Park Baseball 23, Undisputed and others.