MLB The Show 26 Road to the Show: Huge New Features & More Control

It’s nearly time once again to swing for the fences in San Diego Studio’s annual hit, MLB The Show 26. Scouts are out and ready to showcase what’s new and exciting in this year’s version of the game and its long-standing mode, Road To The Show. Over the past few years, there have been small iterations with Road To The Show, but never that “over the fence” moment fans wanted. Could this year finally deliver the home run hit we’ve been waiting for? Control is the big focus, as players will have more control over their destiny and time management than ever before.

A player's MLB career never starts at the top; you must learn to walk before you can run. That’s why you will get drafted right out of high school and select one of the 11 new colleges added to this year's title, featuring 19 colleges in total, each with its own unique recruiting package. The package and college you choose will help shape the outcome of your character - from the skills you develop, to the equipment, scouting exposure, and many other features in this year’s title.

I review MLB The Show every year, always asking for more depth and personality in Road To The Show. With a focus on more control for your character this year, it appears San Diego Studio has listened to its fans. A Road To The Show season can be long - over 2,000 games played by the time you begin your journey from leaving high school all the way to the big leagues. That’s a lot of games.

Not everyone will have time to play each game, which is why the team will allow players to simulate parts of their experience, moving you along at a faster pace and getting you to the moments in the game that matter most. Your simulation will follow your previous progression; if you’re on a hitting streak, that streak will boost the sim. Not to worry, though - the game will notify players when a big moment in their career is about to happen, allowing you to jump back in and take control of the situation.

Perks that matter to you: This year’s perks have changed, with specific requirements to unlock perks for your character. This means you’ll chase the perks you want to add as stats for your player, and benefiting your career the most. A revamped menu will also help with learning and upgrading systems, giving you more control in your quest for glory in Road To The Show. With all this control - and for the first time, the ability to request trades and talk with your coach about a possible position change - will add to a deeper and more rewarding career when MLB The Show 26 launches on March 13 for those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition, and on March 17 for the general public.

Will you be swinging for the fences this year? Let us know in the comments below. 

In other news, Supermassive revealed a release date for their next venture in the Dark Pictures Anothology - Directive 8020.