Sony’s hitting it hard with 3D games, with Killzone 3 supporting stereoscopic 3D (review coming Wednesday) and today’s release of MLB 11 The Show for PS3 shipping with 3D support as well. MLB 11 The Show, the top-selling and highest-rated baseball video game of this console generation, is also available for the PSP and PS2, sans the 3D functionality.
MLB 11 The Show brings fans closer to the Major Leagues than ever before with broadcast-quality gameplay and authentic franchise and season modes, plus a host of new features. Leading off the new features for PS3 is the addition of stereoscopic 3D functionality in all gameplay modes, plus PlayStation Move support for the Home Run Derby mode — a perfect fit for a baseball game.
Speaking of swinging for the fences, MLB 11 The Show also includes a new Pure Analog Control System that lets players use analog controls for hitting, pitching and throwing. Pure Hitting, meanwhile, allows players to stride and swing using the Right Analog Stick, while Pure Pitching functionality incorporates a new Pitch Meter when setting strength and location, and Pure Throwing can be used to make defensive throws by simply pointing the Right Analog Stick in the direction of the base. The latter function also allows for fake throws to keep runners honest.
MLB 11 The Show also includes a new Co-op Mode supporting four-player offline or online cooperative play where gamers can split duties covering either the infield or outfield, while also switching off at the plate or choosing the specific batters they’d like to control. Users can play 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 2, or 2 vs. CPU.
The overall level of realism in this year’s outing is enhanced by a customizable camera editor, stadium-specific broadcast camera angles for all 30 MLB teams, dynamic weather, stadium-specific jumbotrons and firework displays.
Now, as for the non-PS3 versions, MLB 11 The Show for PSP and PSPgo uses the core gameplay features found in the PS3 version. The PS2 version, meanwhile, provides the system-exclusive Player Creator, which provides users with endless possibilities to create their own players, all the way down to the player’s face using the EyeToy. Users can also adjust their personal rituals, swings, and even emotions.
And in terms of the broadcast features mentioned above, former Los Angeles Dodger first baseman and current FOX commentator Eric Karros has joined the broadcast booth for MLB 11 The Show, joining franchise veterans Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell to complete the three-man crew.