MLB® The Show™ 26

playstation, xboxPremium

Health Score

GOOD

About This Game

Super Review

MLB The Show 26 delivers an authentic baseball simulation with a deep career mode and historical content, earning it a 'Good' rating. While its realistic gameplay and educational features are strong, parents should be aware of aggressive monetization through randomized card packs and the social risks inherent in its online multiplayer. Clear family rules around spending and screen time are recommended for this premium title.

Super Review

Parent verdict

MLB The Show 26 offers a detailed and engaging baseball experience, making it a good fit for dedicated sports fans. The 'Good' rating reflects its strengths in educational content and career progression, balanced against significant monetization pressures and online social interaction risks. It's best for families who can proactively manage in-game spending and online exposure, especially for younger players drawn to its card-collecting modes.

What players actually do

Players build a baseball career from high school through college to the professional leagues, developing skills and making strategic choices in 'Road to the Show' mode.
Players collect virtual player cards to assemble fantasy teams, then compete against others online or in cooperative modes, exercising team building and strategic play.
Players engage in historical 'Negro Leagues' content, learning about significant figures and events in baseball history through narrative and gameplay challenges.

Where it shines

The 'Road to the Show' career mode provides a comprehensive and engaging progression system that rewards long-term commitment and strategic development, offering a sense of accomplishment.
The 'Storylines: The Negro Leagues Season 4' content offers valuable educational insights into baseball history, introducing players to important cultural and athletic narratives.

Parent watch-outs

The 'Diamond Dynasty' mode relies heavily on randomized 'packs' for player cards, which can incentivize repeated purchases and foster gambling-like behaviors.
Daily rewards and seasonal programs within 'Diamond Dynasty' create time pressure and a fear of missing out, encouraging frequent and prolonged play sessions to keep up with content.

Family rules worth setting

Set clear spending limits, or disable in-game purchases entirely, especially for the Diamond Dynasty mode, to prevent impulsive spending on randomized packs.
Establish screen time limits, particularly for daily login incentives, to ensure gameplay doesn't interfere with other activities and to manage the urge to chase timed rewards.

Talk about this

Discuss the psychology behind randomized rewards and why they can feel exciting, contrasting it with the actual value received and the risks of excessive spending.
Talk about good sportsmanship and respectful communication when playing online, and establish guidelines for what information should never be shared with strangers.

Play style

Sessions can vary from quick exhibition matches to longer, immersive career mode progression or competitive online Diamond Dynasty games. The difficulty is scalable, allowing new players to learn and veterans to find a challenge. Players can enjoy extensive solo play in career mode or engage in online competitive and cooperative modes. Younger players may need assistance navigating menus or understanding complex baseball strategies.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

2/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

0/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

2/5

Social Risk

3/5

Content Intensity

0/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

3/5

The game provides moderate educational value, primarily through its 'Storylines: The Negro Leagues Season 4' content, which highlights historical baseball figures and events. The 'Road to the Show' mode also simulates a realistic athletic career progression, offering insights into player development.

Addictive Monetization

0/5

MLB The Show 26 exhibits aggressive monetization with its 'Diamond Dynasty' mode, which heavily features randomized rewards like 'packs' that can create spending pressure. The Digital Deluxe Edition also offers benefits like 'Double Daily Rewards' and various packs, further incentivizing purchases and regular engagement.

Pro-Social

3/5

The game offers moderate pro-social opportunities, particularly through its online co-op modes where players can team up with friends. This encourages teamwork and communication to achieve shared objectives within the baseball simulation.

Social Risk

3/5

There are moderate social risks due to extensive online multiplayer modes, including ranked 1v1 and co-op play, which expose players to interactions with strangers. Cross-play and cross-progression features expand the pool of potential online encounters across various platforms.

Negatives

•The game contains aggressive monetization with randomized rewards ('packs') that can create spending pressure and gambling-like habits.
•There is moderate time pressure due to daily rewards and seasonal programs that incentivize regular logins.
•Moderate social risks exist with online multiplayer modes that may expose children to interactions with strangers.

Positives

•The game provides moderate educational value through its historical 'Negro Leagues' content and a realistic career progression mode.
•Players can engage in moderate teamwork opportunities via online co-op modes.
•There are light creative elements with enhanced player customization options.
•The content is suitable for all ages, with an ESRB Everyone rating.

Gameplay Videos

MLB The Show 26 - First Look: Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games

PlayStation

1 of 3

Other Recommended Games

flOw

Sony Interactive Entertainment

73/100

Same platform, Same business model, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

The Orange Box

Valve Software

70/100

Same platform, Same business model, Similar gameplay style

Stardew Valley

ConcernedApe

71/100

Same platform, Same business model, Similar gameplay style

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition

Forgotten Empires

78/100

Same platform, Same business model, Similar gameplay style, Higher health score

Official Ratings

No official ratings available.

Age Fit

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not suitable for this age band due to complex mechanics and online features.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

A qualified fit with active parental supervision due to online interaction and aggressive monetization; best for children with strong impulse control.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Suitable with parental oversight to manage exposure to online strangers and the strong incentives for in-game purchases.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Recommended for players in this age group, though continued vigilance regarding in-game spending is advisable.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Recommended for experienced players; online risks and monetization are less impactful with developed judgment.

Help us rate the next game

GameCompass is free for every family and takes nothing from game studios. A coffee is what puts the next game on the list.

Buy us a coffee What support pays for