MLB 15 The Show’s Universal Rewards detailed

Some of the many new features hitting MLB 15 The Show this year are the addition of licensed equipment and Universal Rewards. New to the PS4 version are bats, batting gloves, fielding gloves, and cleats from nine of the iconic brands from baseball. Before we get into the details, here are the brands included:

• Franklin®
• Louisville Slugger®
• Nike®
• Under Armour®
• Wilson®
• Rawlings®
• Sam Bat®
• Mizuno®
• Marucci®

In addition to adding a new level of authenticity, it gives players something to work towards in another new system called Universal Rewards. In the past, Sony San Diego has used Universal Profile, which tracks your playstyle tendencies and passively rewards you with XP and stubs while your play. This year, you'll also earn new items usable throughout MLB 15's different game modes. Your Universal Rewards will vary depending on what mode you're playing.

For example, in Road to the Show, which is focused on one player's path to the majors, you'll find different qualities of licensed equipment that can enhance your player's attributes. Your player can equip a Bat, Batting Gloves, Fielding Glove, Cleats, and a Ritual Item (think Jobu from the movie Major League).

In Franchise mode, you'll find be offered Brand Sponsorship contracts, allowing you to partner your franchise team with a brand, adding some flavor to your game broadcasts. The sponsorship also earns your team budget incentives based on your performance.

Diamond Dynasty, MLB The Show's fantasy baseball card mode similar to EA's Ultimate Team, has also "drastically changed" this year, though Sony San Diego is keeping most of that a mystery for now. They did reveal, however, that you'll be passively rewarded with MLB Player Cards and Stadium Cards while playing not just Diamond Dynasty, but any mode. By collecting an entire MLB roster, you'll unlock an iconic legendary player from that team. There's one from each team in MLB 15 The Show.  You can see them all towards the end of the video below.