Summary
MLB The Showhas been one of the premier baseball simulation franchises for well over a decade. Fans of America’s pastime have been crushing home runs and slinging strikeouts with some of the best players the league has ever seen, and much like the sport itself,MLBThe Show’s gameplay formula has changed very little over the last few years.MLB The Show 23, however, introduced a handful of changes to the series' Diamond Dynasty game mode,The Show’s answer toFIFAandMadden NFL’s Ultimate Team. It was an ambitious decision on the part of developer SDS, but it wasn’t without its string of consequences.
BeforeMLB The Show 23, Diamond Dynasty content was released gradually throughout a game’s lifecycle. Early in the year, players would have to build a team using middle-tier cards, and upgrade to more viable cards as they were released.The Show 23completely altered this system with card sets and seasons, which would make more high-level cards available from the start, with the trade off being that those cards would eventually become locked from competitive play in subsequent seasons. It had potential on paper, but in execution, it’s proven to be a decision that should be left behind when it comes time forMLB The Show 24.
The Issues With MLB The Show 23’s Sets & Seasons Explained
The Show 23’s content problems became apparent rather quickly. Around the timeSeason 2 of Diamond Dynasty’s contentwas released, many players started to recognize that while high-level cards were more plentiful, the most sought after were locked behind card packs. Acquiring these packs would often require a considerable amount ofThe Show’s in-game currency, and even when players could get a hold of them, it wasn’t guaranteed that they’d receive the card they were looking for. Compared to past entries where players could earn some of the best cards just by playing the game, this shift has become an unpopular one.
Alongside this change in how high-level cards are distributed, the quality and excitement around those cards took a hit inThe Show 23as well. In past games, there were certain cards that players would often look forward to because they were consistently the best to use in Diamond Dynasty. This included cards forMLB legends like Babe Ruth and Ken Griffey Jr., but by making these high-level cards available early, and then locking them after certain seasons, SDS just ended up making duplicate cards for them. While their stats weren’t identical, it took away any sense of progress in building a strong team throughout the year.
How SDS Can Fix Diamond Dynasty Content In MLB The Show 24
If SDS is going to rework Diamond Dynasty once again inMLB The Show 24, it would likely be best to just go back to basics. The mode’s previous content structure may not have been as flashy as those found in otherlive-service titles likeFortnite, but it was nonetheless accessible and offered a sense of rewarding progression. If abandoning this new system isn’t possible for one reason or another, SDS could at least find a middle ground that makes high-level cards available sooner, without making players feel like they’re using different flavors of the same cards month after month.
MLB The Show’s Diamond Dynasty has frequently been cited as one of the more player-friendly card collecting game modes in the sports genre.MLB The Show 23struck a blow to that reputation, one SDS would be wise to rectify inMLB The Show 24. For the time being, there’s next to no official information onwhat to expect fromMLB The Show 2., but with how receptive SDS is to fan feedback, there may be hope yet that Diamond Dynasty will feel more satisyfing inMLB The Show 24.
MLB The Show 23
WHERE TO PLAY
MLB® The Show™ 23 gets you closer than ever to living your Baseball dreams on the diamond. Shock The Game and Own The Show with your favorite players, your favorite rivalries, and all your favorite MLB moments.Live out your Baseball dreams with expanded commentary and in-game presentation updates that bring updated broadcast themes, realistic 3D environments including new external views of your favorite MLB stadiums, and more detail to uniforms and equipment.For the first time in history, MLB® The Show™ 23 is partnering with the WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC™. Build your dream team of national stars and Flashbacks from the 2023 World Baseball Classic tournament and customize your Diamond Dynasty squad with official uniforms from every participating country!Diamond Dynasty give you new ways to play, earn, and develop your squad! Live out your Baseball dreams with over 25 new MLB Legends, bringing the total to over 180 available in game, to collect from and build your team.Face your friends with cross-platform play.** With cross progression, continue your progress and earn and use content on other console platforms
