MLB The Show 16

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}} {{Infobox video game | title = MLB The Show 16 | image = MLBTheShow16.jpg | caption = United States cover art featuring [[Josh Donaldson]] | developer = [[San Diego Studio]] | publisher = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] | series = ''[[MLB: The Show]]'' | platforms = [[PlayStation 3]]<br>[[PlayStation 4]] | released = March 29, 2016<ref name="Release"/> | genre = [[Sports video game|Sports]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] }}

'''''MLB The Show 16''''' is a 2016 [[baseball]] [[video game]] developed by [[San Diego Studio]] and published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation 4]]. It is the eleventh installment in the ''[[MLB: The Show]]'' series.<ref name="Release">{{cite web|url=http://ca.ign.com/articles/2015/12/05/psx-2015-mlb-the-show-16-announced|title=PSX 2015: MLB The Show 16 announced|last=Sanchez|first=Miranda|work=[[IGN]]|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 5, 2015|archive-date=July 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721031501/http://ca.ign.com/articles/2015/12/05/psx-2015-mlb-the-show-16-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the first entry in the series to not have a portable version (due to waning first-party support for the PlayStation Vita), and is the final entry to be released on the PlayStation 3. [[Toronto Blue Jays]] [[third baseman]] and 2015 [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|American League MVP]] winner [[Josh Donaldson]] is featured on the main cover of the game. He also appears on the separate Canadian cover edition, making him the first player to be on both the American and Canadian versions of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-donaldson-lands-cover-of-mlb-16-the-show/|title=Blue Jays' Donaldson lands cover of MLB 16: The Show|last=Hoad|first=Michael|work=[[Sportsnet]]|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=December 5, 2015}}</ref> [[Jung-ho Kang]] of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] and [[Wei-Yin Chen]] of the [[Miami Marlins]] appear on the Korean and Taiwanese covers, respectively. The servers for the game shut down on July 28, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noah |first=Steve |date=2020-02-12 |title=Just in Case You Are Still Playing MLB The Show 16... The Servers Will Be Decommissioned on July 28 |url=https://www.operationsports.com/just-in-case-you-are-still-playing-mlb-the-show-16-the-servers-will-be-decommissioned-on-july-28/#:~:text=The%20Servers%20Will%20Be%20Decommissioned%20on%20July%2028,-Steve%20Noah&text=Attention%20MLB%20The%20Show%2016,for%20good,%20on%20July%2028. |access-date=2025-03-26 |website=Operation Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

==New features== The game features more game modes than the previous iteration, [[MLB 15: The Show]], such as Road To The Show and an all-new franchise mode. In addition, Conquest Mode and Battle Royale have been added to Diamond Dynasty.<ref name="MLB The Show 16">{{cite web|title=MLB The Show 16|url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/mlb-the-show-16-ps4/|website=Playstation|publisher=SCEA|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418184221/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/mlb-the-show-16-ps4/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Conquest Mode===

Conquest Mode pits the user's Diamond Dynasty team against all 30 [[MLB]] teams and their strongholds to capture new territories and eventually all of North America. Each territory is inhabited by fans of the user's team or one of the 30 [[MLB]] teams. In order to capture one of the territories, the user must attack the territory by either playing a minimum three-inning game against that team or simulating to avoid playing the game. However, all 30 [[MLB]] teams are also trying to capture territories and strongholds, which means the user's team will have to defend its territories and strongholds.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lelinwalla|first1=Mark|title='MLB The Show 16' Introduces Battle Royale And Conquest Mode|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/139507/20160308/mlb-show-16-introduces-battle-royale-conquest-mode.htm|website=TechTimes|publisher=Tech Times|access-date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406093823/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/139507/20160308/mlb-show-16-introduces-battle-royale-conquest-mode.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Battle Royale===

Battle Royale is a competitive player-vs-player mode. The user has 25 rounds to draft their best team to go up against opponents to reach the 20-win mark in a double-elimination format, with smaller bonuses awarded for 19-win campaigns. Playing Battle Royale the first time is free, but any other entries cost an additional 1,500 stubs.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lelinwalla|first1=Mark|title='MLB The Show 16' Introduces Battle Royale And Conquest Mode|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/139507/20160308/mlb-show-16-introduces-battle-royale-conquest-mode.htm|website=TechTimes.com|publisher=TechTimes|access-date=April 21, 2016}}</ref>

===ShowTime===

ShowTime is a feature that allows the user to slow down time while batting in clutch situations or making game saving defensive plays.<ref name="MLB The Show 16"/>

===Camera views===

A new batting camera called "Fish Eye" is now the default batting camera. It is much wider than last year's version of the batting view as it allows the user to see where all the infielders are lined up. It also allows the user to see where the ball goes in the event the catcher misses the ball.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wiedey|first1=Bryan|title=Review: MLB The Show 16 builds upon its strengths|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb-news/4700274-review-mlb-the-show-16-ps4-josh-donaldson|website=SportingNews.com|publisher=SportingNews|access-date=28 April 2016|archive-date=April 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417030055/http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb-news/4700274-review-mlb-the-show-16-ps4-josh-donaldson|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = 85/100<ref name="mc-ps4">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mlb-the-show-16/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=MLB The Show 16 for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-date=December 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241208005630/https://www.metacritic.com/game/mlb-the-show-16/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> | IGN = 9.3/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last1=Mitchell |first1=Mike |title=MLB The Show 16 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/01/mlb-the-show-16-review |website=[[IGN]] |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314013526/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/04/01/mlb-the-show-16-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last1=Todd |first1=Brett |title=MLB The Show 16 Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mlb-the-show-16-review/1900-6416405/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=12 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407170947/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mlb-the-show-16-review/1900-6416405/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | Destruct = 7.5/10<ref name="Destruct">{{cite web |last1=Hansen |first1=Steven |title=Review: MLB The Show 16 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-mlb-the-show-16/ |website=[[Destructoid]] |date=20 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> | GRadar = 4.5/5<ref name="GRadar">{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Ben |title=MLB The Show 16 review |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/mlb-show-16-review/ |website=[[GamesRadar]] |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> | Poly = 8/10<ref name="Poly">{{cite web |last1=S Good |first1=Owen |title=MLB The Show 16 Review |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/6/11372152/mlb-16-review-the-show-ps4-playstation-4 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=6 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> | SN = 8/10<ref name="SN">{{cite web |last1=Carr |first1=Bryan |title=MLB The Show 16 Review: Five Tool Player |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/93850/mlb-the-show-16-review-five-tool-player |website=[[Shacknews]] |date=31 March 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627115219/https://www.shacknews.com/article/93850/mlb-the-show-16-review-five-tool-player |url-status=live }}</ref> | HCG = 4/5<ref name="HCG">{{cite web |last1=Whittaker |first1=Matt |title=Review: MLB The Show 16 |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/reviews/review-mlb-the-show-16/200620/ |website=Hardcore Gamer |date=2 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> | GameRev = 7/10<ref name="GameRev">{{cite web |last1=Charles |first1=Devin |title=MLB The Show 16 Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70122-mlb-the-show-16-review#/slide/1 |website=[[GameRevolution]] |date=28 March 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201183745/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/70122-mlb-the-show-16-review#/slide/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | USG = 4/5<ref name="USG">{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Kat |title=MLB 16 The Show PlayStation 4 Review: Building a Diamond Dynasty |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mlb-16-the-show-playstation-4-review-building-a-diamond-dynasty |website=[[USgamer]] |date=30 March 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527215929/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/mlb-16-the-show-playstation-4-review-building-a-diamond-dynasty |url-status=live }}</ref> | GI = 8/10<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last1=Reiner |first1=Andrew |title=MLB The Show 16 Review - When Authenticity Isn't Enough |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mlb_the_show_16/b/playstation4/archive/2016/04/01/when-authenticity-isn-t-enough.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403033810/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/mlb_the_show_16/b/playstation4/archive/2016/04/01/when-authenticity-isn-t-enough.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=1 April 2016 |access-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> }} ''MLB The Show 16'' received generally positive reviews, according to review aggregator [[Metacritic]].

''[[Destructoid]]'' gave the game 7.5 out of 10, taking issue with the lack of collision physics, Quick Count system, technical issues, commentary, and mediocre soundtrack, while lauding the core gameplay, writing, "If ''MLB The Show''‘s new MO is just coasting on the good gameplay and providing minor tweaks to disparate modes...then there's no greater candidate for games-as-service that I can see...the baseball itself is as good as ever, and one of the better modes, Road to the Show, is far less clunky this time around."<ref name="Destruct"/> ''[[IGN]]'' called it "the best baseball game available on any current-gen console", commending the animations, graphics, various modes, load times, and depth via consumable perks and the morale system. ''[[Game Informer]]'' praised the title's departure from being an authentic simulation, addition of new modes, and the core gameplay while likening the new gameplay experience to that of a superhero game.<ref name="IGN"/> ''[[USgamer]]'' gave the title a 4 out of 5, concluding, "If you're a curious newcomer who likes baseball, you will find an extremely strong baseball sim; but if you're a returning player, your mileage will probably vary depending on how willing you are to indulge in The Show's card-collecting mode."<ref name="USG"/> [[Polygon (website)|''Polygon'']] praised its iteration upon [[MLB 15: The Show|its predecessor]], writing, "''MLB The Show 16''<nowiki/>'s additions and changes may not be breakthroughs, but they refine weaker areas of the game that had been routine or even chorelike."<ref name="Poly"/>

''[[GameRevolution]]'' reviewed the game less positively, praising its in-depth feature modes, lighting engine, and representation of MLB careers, and expressed frustration with its new focus on [[Role-playing video game|RPG]] elements and the dated graphics while still noting, "''MLB The Show 16'' is a solid sim that plays well and looks better than ever."<ref name="GameRev"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' heavily praised the Conquest and Diamond Dynasty modes, visuals, lighting, stadium detail, options, and incremental improvements, but cited the presence of perks and [[microtransaction]]s as negatives.<ref name="GSpot"/> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' thought highly of the presentation, accessibility, pitching engine, and roster updates, while the scouting system and bloat of content were seen as minor negatives.<ref name="GRadar"/> ''[[Shacknews]]'' liked the core gameplay, accessibility, visuals, presentation, quality of life improvements, amount of content, and perks, but disliked the microtransactions, lag, and finicky controls.<ref name="SN"/>

During the [[20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''MLB The Show 16'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Sports Game of the Year|Sports Game of the Year]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2017&idGameAwardType=126 |title=2017 Awards Category Details Sports Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=30 November 2023 |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109125544/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2017&idGameAwardType=126 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

[[Category:2016 video games]] [[Category:MLB: The Show video games|16]] [[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]] [[Category:PlayStation 3 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:San Diego Studio games]] [[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]] [[Category:Sports video games with career mode]] [[Category:Video games developed in the United States]] [[Category:Video games set in Canada]] [[Category:Video games set in Maryland]] [[Category:Video games set in the United States]]