Why baseball is (hopefully) better with MLB 15 The Show

A new year, a new installment in Sony's annual PlayStation exclusive baseball simulator. Each year, we're promised with the idea that "baseball is better" in the newest version, and with MLB 15 The Show it's no different. While we've already seen details and livestreams explaining all the reasons baseball is better with MLB 15 The Show, nothing explains it quite as nicely as the game's website where Sony so clearly lists the reasons why.

THE CAREERS ARE BETTER

That stud player or franchise you created in last year’s Road to the Show? Now with year-to-year saves you can carry them both into the 2015 season.

For longtime PlayStation owners, this is an awesome feature as all three versions of the game (PS3, PS4 and PS Vita) will allow you to be able to continue your franchise and Road to the Show progress from MLB 14 to MLB 15 The Show. This means no restarting!

THE LEATHER IS BETTER

Flash leather like a pro with officially licensed gloves from Wilson and Rawlings.

THE WHEELS ARE BETTER

Run like the wind in Under Armour and Nike cleats

THE THUNDER IS BETTER

Swing some pro grade lumber from the folks at Louisville Slugger

For years, Sony has strived to make The Show the most realistic, authentic baseball sim there is. Part of that is the presentation package which MLB 15 improves upon with the use of licensed equipment. It's not just included these name-brand items either. Sony has rolled them into a system called Universal Rewards which tracks your playstyle tendencies and passively rewards you with XP and stubs while you play.

THE PHYSICS ARE BETTER

Better physics = better accuracy = better game = better you.

THE D IS BETTER

Take more realistic routes to the ball and control cutoffs like a wizard.

Of course, when it comes down to it, one of the main things we want to be better is the actual gameplay. MLB The Show has prided itself on realistic gameplay and while I haven't gone hands-on with this year's version, it seems to be a heavy focus.

THE CATHEDRALS ARE BETTER

Enhanced stadium lighting and seasonal day/night transitions help you feel the season.

THE CELEBRATIONS ARE BETTER

Dugout celebrations with the fellas — it doesn't get any better than this.

While probably not as important as gameplay, presentation is a big factor in the overall experience. You want things to be realistic, and Sony has promised the most authentic stadiums we've seen yet. I wonder if that means Wrigley Field will be under construction to start the season in the game…

Again, it should be noted that I've yet to play this year's version of the game. These are all things Sony San Diego is saying. MLB The Show has always been a solid series, but I think it's running into the problem that plagues Madden in that every year we're getting practically the same game with a few tweaks. I hope all of these "baseball is better" features aren't just PR fluff and that MLB 15 The Show actually proves to be better.