The rollout of information for MLB The Show 24 is still in progress. Still, some nuggets of exciting intel have been shared in the past few weeks since the cover athlete (Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) and the March 19 release date were unveiled.
With significant updates about the changes to gameplay, franchise mode, Road to the Show, and Diamond Dynasty info still likely on the way, the information we’ve learned is mainly focused on the return of the Storylines feature.
Here are the best things we’ve learned about MLB The Show 24 so far.
The Focus on Negro Leagues Continue
After a successful and well-received debut in MLB The Show 23, the Negro Leagues Storyline feature heads into its second year with heavy hitters.
This year’s focus will be on Buck Leonard, Hank Aaron, Toni Stone and Josh Gibson. Gibson was perhaps the most requested player not featured in the initial rollout, so it’s good to see him in this year’s game.
Stone, the first female to play in the Negro Leagues and to ever appear in MLB The Show, makes a strong statement of inclusion from Sony San Diego Studios. It’s great to see the focus on the Negro Leagues continue and to see it serve as a platform for the great stories of the game.
It’s also an excellent way to add more content and enjoyment for the user.
Derek Jeter Storyline
Jackie Robinson had his Storyline feature even apart from the Negro Leagues. It seems Sony San Diego is looking to offer this experience and focus on a different legend each year.
After serving as the cover athlete for the Legends Edition of MLB The Show 23, New York Yankees great Derek Jeter will have his own interactive career retrospective in MLB The Show 24.
The challenges are based on Jeter’s most iconic moments, and from what we can see from the feature preview, the entire package is being presented in a way that suggests the concept is being blown out into a celebrated annual feature. I love this idea as it can create intrigue around the next legend who will be the subject of the featured storyline and which moments will be highlighted.
It’s similar to the Michael Jordan Challenge and Mamba Moments in the NBA 2K series and the 2K Showcase in WWE 2K. Fans are interested in this feature each year, and it’s wise for The Show to have a similar concept.
New Legends
There were bound to be new legends in MLB The Show 24; most will likely be unveiled during the Diamond Dynasty deep dive. However, the Jeter and Negro Leagues Storylines preview has already revealed Gibson, Leonard, Stone, Andy Pettite, Paul O’Neill, and Bernie Williams.
The unveiling of these six new legends is exciting news. New legends are always one of the most significant topics of conversation ahead of the MLB The Show release.
We’re still hoping to see Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Clemens added to the list of included legends.
New Menu Presentation
Gamers don’t often spend a ton of time discussing in-game menus, but we do spend a lot of time navigating them.
Because of this, it seems safe to assume this aspect of game design can go underappreciated when it is done well. From the brief previews, The Show’s complete re-design and restructuring of its menu system looks like a home run.
It’s sleeker, more modern, and alive than ever in the series’ long history. If the menu system is part of a user’s first impression of the game, things will start positively.
Be on the lookout for more reaction spiels as more information is revealed on MLB The Show 24.
