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I hadn’t played this game since April, since I received my Japanese language copy of Pro Spirit ’24 / ’25 (now have the ’26 game, and jumped right into Season mode in that), but as I was creating some storage space and debating whether or not to uninstall MLBTS, I thought I’d give it a go, again, just to see if it compares as unfavorably as I had originally thought.

The real difference was blatantly obvious after a bit of distance. It wasn’t just the outdated player textures with their Play-Doh skin, the terrible physics governing balls in play, or the nonsensical proficiency of even bad (and seemingly out-of-scale?) defenders… it was just… bland. The gameplay experience was dull, lifeless, and uninspired.

Pro Spirit feels alive. The sounds alone are immersive, with crowds chanting player names and singing fight songs, roaring to life when someone delivers a clutch hit… bat-on-ball and other effects are amazing (like the thud of a ball bouncing off a padded wall) and MLBTS would do well to simply copy them; they’ve just done an incredible job with the audio all the way around (except the English commentary—it's bad; turn it off or stick with the Japanese).

It isn’t as if Pro Spirit is a perfect game, though, as it has its own peculiarities. People have pointed out that ball-in-play graphics take a big step back from the pitcher / batter screens, and that’s true. There are fewer fielder animations (but they don’t take the gameplay out of your hands like MLBTS’s Dragon’s Lair nonsense does), and there’s a weird little slide thing when a fielder isn’t lined up for the animation to reach down and pick up the ball; it doesn’t alter play results, but looks funny when instead of reaching down at a different angle, your outfielder kind of “slides” to the side to match the animation to the position of the ball on the ground. And there’s a pelvis problem (really can’t unsee that once you notice). So, yeah, not perfect, but the gameplay makes up for it.

Bottom line: actually playing the baseball part of MLBTS isn’t fun. DD and its addiction-based model hides some of that; it dangles “new” cards in front of your face and if you just get a few more hits with players you really aren’t interested in using, or trudge through modes you don’t want to play… but as soon as you do that, the next “new” card is already dangling, so you just grind a little bit more and keep playing...

If DD card collecting is your thing, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. But if you’re a franchise player, or an offline player—and you don’t mind learning about players you’ve likely not heard of yet—then you’re missing out on a really good baseball game by sticking with this one out of unreciprocated loyalty.

@Blind_Bleeder_PSN, I see that Saturday is the big day... I hope the young man does well.

@Blind_Bleeder_PSN, I saw he got called up! I see he's available in the pen tonight... would love to see him get a start.

@StinkyMcPooter_XBL - Do you know of a pill that makes ultracrepidarians seem less loathsome? I'd love one, thanks.

@StinkyMcPooter_XBL - Oh... so you were just passing judgement on things you have no actual experience with, and you lack the self control to refrain from making comments when you don't know what you're talking about. Sounds great!

@Deadmankillin_PSN, what are you talking about?

There is exactly one button required to make any throw; the corresponding button of the base (X = home, O = 1st, etc.) or R1 to throw to a cutoff. There's not even a meter (I actually like the controls of The Show better because there are more inputs), so it's literally push one button and throw.

@StinkyMcPooter_XBL said:

Have you ever played a Konami game? If you're into cartoonish graphics and poor menu UI, sounds great!

The Konami graphics are far better in the pitcher/batter screen, with The Show's player models (body) being slightly better, overall... and what is it with a UI that actually works and doesn't freeze the game that you don't like?

I don't think either one of you have actually played it.

The free version has no face-mapping and plays in fake stadiums, so the graphics suffer in each regard. Game play is hindered by extremely low attribute rankings for those fake players who really aren't capable of hitting the ball hard (or throwing hard).

The full version runs circles around The Show in every aspect of actual baseball gameplay.

I stopped playing this game in April. I played the free eBaseball title, saw the promise, bought the full Japanese version of Professional Spirits 2024-2025 on PlayAsia out of equal parts hope and curiosity, and I've now logged over 130 hours playing Season mode (equivalent to franchise). I love it, and with a new English language menu release coming in July, I don't plan on giving The Show another try until they completely revamp the physics and everything I read about it involves incredulous commentary about how drastically different the gameplay is. So... maybe never? We'll see.

Anyway, I thought I'd pop on here, see how things were going... WTF. It's worse than I thought, and at the same time, it isn't... sounds like there are some pretty serious gaffes and people are calling for heads, again... much of the same inflated indignation from the same malcontents, but I was genuinely surprised to see a few saner names tossing some sticks on the fire. Sounds like this game is barely hanging on by the skin of its MLB license...

For those of you who enjoy an exceptional franchise experience, I cannot recommend the Konami game enough. It does an amazing job of capturing the game of baseball (with a uniquely Japanese flair, so that might not be for everyone), so for those able to break their addiction to Diamond Dynasty and those willing to rediscover compelling gameplay with players you've likely never heard of (though players like Ichiro, Johjima, Seiya Suzuki, Darvish, and more are available), you might just want to give it a try.

It isn't without minor flaws, but where gameplay is concerned, there isn't a single thing The Show does better (I'd give the nod to MLBTS where defensive controls are concerned, but the defensive gameplay in Prospi is light years ahead).

For those staying put, I really do hope things change for the better. For those who don't, maybe I'll see you in some as yet created forum for Professional Spirits.

@Graeves-_PSN,

Your neurosurgeon makes many mistakes. The foot doctor knows that what PYS does that The Show does not, anymore, is pay attention to how the game of baseball actually moves when constrained by the laws of physics.

I'd take a good foot doctor over a bad neurosurgeon any day, and if the "fetish" in this awful metaphor is a better reflection of the game of baseball (you know, the game, not the brands), then, if the shoe fits...

You're right, though. The Show will be more popular.

@Dolenz_PSN

Okay. Something of a semantics argument, but technically you’re correct on the sim part; it isn’t a simulation in the way that Out of the Park Baseball is (more of a computer model), but it does focus on more realistic gameplay and generating realistic results (so more an imitation of a real-world process)… and an arcade-style game is one that pushes an adrenaline fueled, fast-action gameplay with little attention to realism (actually embracing a departure from it). NBA Jam was an arcade game. NBA 2K much less so. MLBTS has become an arcade game.

Graphically, not sure where you’re coming from (unless you’re using the free ebaseball offering as your source, which doesn’t face-map and lacks realistic textures). MLBTS, while offering decent detail, lacks sharpness and realistic textures. Konami’s models offer more realism.

And you’re likely right that Spirits 2026 will occupy a niche segment of the market, at least for now. Konami does have an MLB licensed mobile game, so this may very well be the first step toward building an audience, with MLB licensing to follow in coming years. That could change allegiance for many, but Americans tend to like American things, so an NPB offering will indeed be niche.

Still, I get it… not for everyone. But a great offering for those who are tired of the juiced-up home run fest that this game has become, and disappointed in the direction the franchise has taken. I will miss the game—or the memories of how much I used to look forward to it—and I’ll miss this forum… I can’t keep hanging around here and talking about another game forever. I may not like MLBTS much anymore, but there are enough people actually playing the game to [censored] on it without me adding to that while playing something else.

@gains413_MLBTS said:

The show has much better fielding…

I don't know about this... I think The Show has better fielding controls, where Spirits is a bit too simplified, but Spirits has a better grasp of which balls a fielder can and can't get to and how quickly a defense can move the ball around; the consideration of time and distance relative to ball velocity is much more realistic and better reflects the real game. The Show is more fluid, at times (though there are some really nice touches in Spirits), but just that defense on Spirits considers fielder momentum and the need to stop, plant, and then throw in most situations makes the experience better, from my perspective.

@ChuckCLC_PSN said:

Graphics are trash...

This is just dumb. The pitcher/batter screens are much better in Spirits, as is the dirt, but grass looks better in The Show, as well as more polished stadiums, overall. Again, defense is more fluid in The Show with all of the animations, but Spirits isn't hampered by animations that negate your input (they get underhand flips right, and you aren't hampered by lackadaisical animations in urgent situations).

... but im a DD player in MLB The Show, so, it cant compete there obviously.

Yes. It isn't that kind of game. It's a baseball simulation, not a card-collection simulation with arcade-style play that over emphasizes batted-ball velocity.

@fubar2k7_PSN, I didn't even see that it has said Pro enhanced... maybe it's time to pick one up!

I've only been to Japan once, way back in 2008 (I made a trip around the A's vs. Redsox in the Tokyo Dome). I took in a game at Meiji Jingu, but would have loved to see the Tigers play at Koshien... just too far from where we were (and there were non-baseball things to do, also).

@Redman20806765, sadly, no XBox title. XBox does pretty poorly in Japan... it will be released on Steam for PC, though.

@fubar2k7_PSN, Nice. I hope they have Pro support on the new game for you...

With the physical discs, now, you don't need a Japanese account; it's all unlocked and even updates just fine... just needed to lean heavily on Google Translator when I started playing (but now I at least know the positions, and the difference between a right and left hander). The online H2H features are region-locked, though.

I think you'll really like the Season mode on this new one coming up... I can't stop playing it. Just light years ahead where gameplay is concerned, and quite customizable. And playing with Ichiro and Matsui is pretty fun, too.

@fubar2k7_PSN, ah... yeah, tough to get around that region lock without a physical disc. I'd actually wanted a digital only PS5, but only had stock of disc models when I bought... which I'm quite glad of, now.

The 2024-2025 version is a really good game. I don't know how well those who really like the collecting part of DD will take to it, but certainly for anyone who plays mostly offline (especially franchise), it's a must have.

@fubar2k7_PSN, absolutely.

I played the free version quite a bit, bought the 2024-2025 Japanese version, and I'm about 30 games into a Season mode on that.

It has it's quirks, but the physics engine is great. A much better baseball simulation than MLBTS. Haven't played MLBTS since early April... I think I've found my new baseball game.

@Sarge1387_PSN, it's amazing how much of a difference it makes when the physics more accurately reflect real life. And I don't know about you, but one of the things that makes it far and away superior, for me, is the more realistic depiction of time in-play; a ball can actually hang in the air for 3 to 4 seconds without a fielder being able to get to it... it takes a while for a slower outfielder to get to the corner to grab a ball rattling around there.

And after roughly 40 or so games played between the free version and the Japanese 2024-2025 game, I have yet to see a superball bounce ground-rule double.

@Easy_Duhz_It__PSN said:

According to the PSN store, the WBC game mode will only be available in Japan and the Asia region. Also, looks like microtransactions will still be a thing and color commentary wont be available in English. Good luck with this one lol

Yes, the WBC mode won't be available in our region, and that might be a deal-breaker for some. You're not going to find major leaguers in this game (save for former players now in Japan, and once-NPB players now in MLB), so if people don't like the idea of getting to know all new players and teams and stadiums, then maybe they won't want to give it a try. And there are microtransactions, but they're mainly stadium chants and customized sounds (at least in the full 2024-2025 version). Of course, the superior physics engine and a much better article of baseball will be available in all regions.

This game won't be for everyone. If you prefer a game where even the greatest contact hitters of all time are irrelevant because most singles are accidental, where pitching is an afterthought, and especially if you enjoy seeing the same six or seven hits repeated ad nauseum, then Konami's game probably isn't for you. If you prefer your defenders grossly out-of-scale relative to the field of play and like that middling outfielders cover so much ground and throw so hard that decisions are unnecessary while running bases, then you may want to just stick with the game you know.

As to the commentary, I agree that the English version will be terrible (as it is in the free version). So desu ne... I'd suggest pouring yourself a few fingers of The Yamazaki, choosing the Taisuke Mitsuhashi option, and opening your mind to the fact that there are few things more delightful than people speaking excitedly about baseball in Japanese.

@theBlindRhino_PSN, you should mess around with it some more.

It has an old-school, Wii-like menu and music to match that feels a bit odd, at first, but that hides a pretty [censored] good baseball simulation. The free game doesn't look as good as its Japanese counterpart because the players in it are all fictional, created models without any face-mapping, and it appears somewhat hastily constructed; but it led me to order the 2024-2025 Japanese version and the pitcher/batter screens look amazing. Not as graphically polished as The Show when the ball is in play, but MLBTS relies on canned animations that look smooth, and really just limit control to the point that you may as well be playing Dragon's Lair.

The physics engine puts MLBTS to shame, making it a much better baseball simulation, and if you played it for a few hours, I think you'd start to see just how many things SDS gets wrong. The free game gives you a taste, but it plays even better when you try the import version because the players have better attribute rankings (the free version starts you with a selection of pretty weak players), speeding things up and allowing for more variation without destroying gameplay like high ranked cards do in DD.

I don't know how online H2H play will be, but for anyone who enjoys a franchise-like mode (Konami's Season mode is amazing), especially, I think this will be a great alternative to what SDS is trying to pass off as baseball.

I'm throwing in the towel on DD. I've never been one for the big collections, so card caps and overpriced LS don't have as meaningful an impact on me as they do on others. For my style, I could always get the cards I wanted by playing the game; even this year, I hadn't had any issue getting enough stubs just from playing to buy the cards I wanted. Ranked lost luster for me with the further enfeebling of pitching and high scoring, but I figured I’d move to mostly off-line play. There were still plenty of cards in programs that I could grind for, but ultimately I just didn't feel like putting the time in and playing with cards I didn't want to play with to earn the cards I actually wanted.

I was bored. I thought I’d just play some Franchise, like the old days... but that wasn't a lot of fun, either. Granted, it played a bit better with lower ranked cards, but still far too easy to put the bat on the ball, the batted ball outcomes too repetitive, the physics not quite right, the fielders far too fast with arms like cannons... and I realized why I don't want to play DD anymore: sure, you can still get “rewards” by just playing the game, but I just don’t enjoy playing this game that much anymore.

I’d just heard about the F2P game Konami dropped a month or so ago, and tried it out. It’s bare bones, and has its own quirks, but it plays more like baseball. Admittedly, it doesn’t look as nice when the ball is put in play, but things generally progress realistically and at the right pace; a deep drive may hang in the air for a few seconds and fielders still can’t track it down, balls hook around the bag, fair, and curl into foul territory before rattling around in the corner. Home runs are rare enough to be special. Pitching matters, because making good contact is hard.

I liked it enough to order the NPB import version, and that arrives today, so I’m moving away from The Show this year. In April, which says something. And maybe people like the heavy emphasis on offense and home runs, in particular; if that’s you, this is probably a good game for you and I hope it brings you joy. If it’s not your bag, maybe that F2P game is the first salvo in what will ultimately be a US Konami release that will push both franchises to get better through healthy competition… and offer fans both a simulation and a slugfest.

But, yes; I think DD has gotten boring, and it’s more than a little sad for me.

I'd like to see what happens if Konami actually offers a more polished game in this market. That new F2P is a pretty decent simulation that does a lot of things right, and some where this game just flat out misses... where fielding is concerned, I couldn't have told you where TS felt off, exactly, but a lot of things that happen with the ball in play don't feel right. After spending some time with the Konami game, you can see how they intentionally focused on the time in which it takes events to unfold; balls driven into the gap hang up there for a bit, fielders take time to get there and simply don't move fast enough to cut everything off... it just feels better. It makes me smile playing it. This one doesn't anymore.

And I'm not saying its a better game, because it's stark, but the makings of a good simulation is there. It's fun, unless you're into smashing homeruns more frequently than you hit singles and want average exit velocities of 100+.

Regardless, it's time for someone else to push harder toward a more sim-style game and give a little love to pitching and defense. They matter. I know this game has its market, but I don't think it's for me, as-is... just ordered the NPB version of Konami's and plan to get my baseball fix this year running seasons using Hanshin and the Fighters. I'll miss the online play (but will play the F2P if I need it), but at least I'll get to learn a little Japanese while working my way through the menus.

@MrDero_MLBTS, sadly, that seems to be true.

It's just too bad that it infects the rest of gameplay... someone had posted a few days back about how out-of-whack defense is; about how everyone has a cannon arm and such. I've noticed that it's a real challenge to get to second base with anyone under 55 speed when a gapper finds grass and hits the wall... I'm talking about you, Pete Alonso. He hit 41 doubles last year in MLB, but he's getting hosed by a fair amount if he tries to grab second after hitting a screamer between the fielders. And forget trying to score or sacrifice him over with a fly to the outfield.

But, if batters are given endless chances at the dish and gameplay is tilted so that no one cries when they strike out, outs have to come from somewhere. More line outs. More ridiculous seed-like throws from the outfield with preternatural accuracy. This catering to the infants who can't handle not putting the ball in play if they're beaten has skewed this game into a boring and unsatisfying home run derby.

Call strikes. Make the inner PCI more generous. Kill the outer PCI altogether.

We've jumped the shark, here. Start moving toward more toward realistic outcomes, as advertised.