MLB '09: The Show

by Sony

Product Features

• Pitch Command System (PCS) - Pitchers' abilities to throw a specific pitch change depending on how often the pitcher throws it.
• Road to the Show 3.0 - The new version of the popular mode includes an all-new steal and leadoff system, and more interaction with the player's coaches.
• Franchise 2.0 - Now includes salary arbitration, waiver transactions, September call-ups, and the 40-man roster.
• Improved online play - Now includes flex scheduling to allow players to play out-of-order games, and Roster Vault option to allow gamers can create their own custom rosters and upload them online for other gamers to use.
• Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) - Catchers will call the game based on individual strengths and weaknesses of each pitcher and analyze tendencies of batters.

Product Details

• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001O0EGLY
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches ; 2.4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: March 3, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,736 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #3 in Video Games > PlayStation 2 > Sports > Baseball

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.com Product Description

MLB 09: The Show is back for the 2009 baseball season with all the authentic baseball action that baseball and video game fans have come to expect from the longest running officially licensed Major League Baseball game series on PlayStation platforms. The fourth game in the series, MLB 09 also includes a wealth of new features such as Road to the Show 3.0, Franchise Mode 2.0, Online Season Leagues and Roster Vault.

Swing for the cheap seats. View larger.

Squeeze victory from the bases. View larger.

Play your position like a star. View larger.

Keep runners close on base. View larger.

An Update to 'The Road to the Show'
MLB 09: The Show comes with the new and improved Road to the Show 3.0 which allows for interactive training, new settings, a new steal/ lead-off system, presentations and coach interactions. Interactive training will consist of a set of mini-games designed to improve a player’s ability and performance in various areas of baseball.

Franchise Mode 2.0
Franchise Mode 2.0 brings improvements to your game including the long awaited 40-man roster. The latest Franchise Mode improvements will also offer Salary Arbitration, Waiver Transactions and September call-ups.

Online League Play
Along with improvements to the traditional Online Leagues, MLB 09 will offer major additions to Online Season Leagues. New Online Season Leagues will allow you to hold a fully functional draft and utilize a Flex Schedule, allowing players to play games ahead in the schedule.

Roster Vault
Roster Vault gives users the ability to create their perfect roster offline by adjusting player attributes, appearance, accessories, etc... Users can then save this Roster to their Memory Card. Once online users can upload them from where they are stored to allow others users online to download, use and rate their Roster. The new Roster Vault feature lets the The Show community share and judge any Roster.

Key Game Features:

• Road to the Show 3.0 - The new version of the popular mode includes an all-new steal and leadoff system, and more interaction with the player's coaches.
• Franchise 2.0 - Now includes salary arbitration, waiver transactions, September call-ups, and the 40-man roster.
• Improved online play - Now includes flex scheduling to allow players to play out-of-order games, and Roster Vault option to allow gamers can create their own custom rosters and upload them online for other gamers to use.
• SportsConnect Online User Tracking (SCOUT) - SCOUT allows gamers to set their game preferences, store them on the server, and then allows the system to look for a Quick Match with an opponent that fits their criteria.
• Multi-Branch Fielding - Branch Point Technology goes to a new level as gamers you can now take full control of fielders and break out of any animation in the process. Change a fielding decision and branch out of any animation after the first branch point.
• Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) - Catchers will call the game based on individual strengths and weaknesses of each pitcher and analyze tendencies of batters.
• Pitch Command System (PCS) - Pitchers' abilities to throw a specific pitch change depending on how often the pitcher throws it.
• Revamped Umpire Personalities - Umpire personalities have been tweaked further.
• Roster Vault - This gives users the ability to create their perfect roster offline by adjusting player attributes, appearance, accessories, etc... Users can then save this Roster to their Memory Card. Once online users can upload them from where they are stored to allow others users online to download, use and rate their Roster.
• In-game Saves - Ever needed to save your progress in the middle of the game or an inning? Never Miss A Single Play Again With In-Game Saves.
• Catcher Called Games - The Show pushes the envelope for realism by incorporating catchers calling pitches. You’ll really know what it feels like to stand on the mound and nod or shake a pitch from the catcher. It’s up to you – just don’t make a mistake pitch. The catcher’s setup also acts as a guide to your decisions on where to locate a pitch.
• Improved In-Game Pitcher and Batter Analysis - The Pitch Analysis is a breakdown of all the pitches thrown during the current game being played. You’ll be able sort by pitcher, LHB or RHB, pitch type and result. This is also available for Batters.
• Progressive Batting Performance - Specific to each batter, you’ll be rewarded with slight contact bonuses for each batter who performs beyond his statistical ability under your control. Conversely, if your performance takes a dip, you’ll see slight decreases in contact for each batter that performs below that statistical ability.
• 3-Man Booth - Rex Hudler joins Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell for the most comprehensive commentary you’ve heard in any baseball game. MLB 09 The Show sets the bar high with progressive commentary that changes you progress through the game, adapting to current actions and situations.
• User Controlled Slides - Control base runners down to the last detail. Split-second decisions are the difference between a win and a loss so as you round the bases, you decide when it’s time to get dirty.
• Unique Stadium Ambiance - Every MLB team is specific to their stadium with coordinated crowds, team colors and audio that catering to each team and specific players.

Product Description

MLB 09

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great game for the avid baseball fan., April 3, 2009

By 

G. Bunting - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: MLB 09 The Show (Video Game)

After having played EA Sports baseball games for a long time, I was initially disappointed when I heard they do longer had a MLB license. I'm not anymore! MLB The Show 09 is a great game. It is by far the most realistic, in depth game I've ever played. In fact, in terms of realism, this is the closest thing to a perfect sports game I've ever played. The casual fan who isn't up to speed on all of the MLB rules regarding player transactions can have the computer completely manage the roster, finances, etc., but the avid fan has to pay close attention to the off season schedule to make sure contracts are renewed, salary arbitration is offered, etc. There is even a Rule 5 draft, and just like in real life, your team loses a draft pick if you sign an A or B free agent. It's a great game. I highly recommend it!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much better than the '07 version, March 7, 2009

By 

Steven (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: MLB 09 The Show (Video Game)

I'm not sure how different this is from the '08 edition, but it's much improved from 2007. The new features are really nice and add an element of realism to the franchise mode. They've also greatly improved the Road to the Show mode and fixed a few of those annoying control issues of previous editions.

Cool game and I'd highly recommend it to any PS2 holdovers who love baseball.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Stick to '08, May 13, 2009

By 

Evan "Evan" - See all my reviews

= Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: MLB 09 The Show (Video Game)

I was skeptical about this game. I really enjoyed '07 and '08, but like most, thought they were both too easy. As soon as I heard that Sony would be making this year's version harder, I started to worry.

Video game producers have long used everything from cheap kills to "glitches" to make games appear to be harder or more difficult than they are. That is sort of what they've done with the PS2 '09 version. The first three ABs that I had all resulted in line drives caught by the second baseman in shallow CF. The 2B will dive from his regular spot and land in the outfield to catch a bullet line-drive? Maz couldn't even do that.

In past versions, I have always used the slider to slide the pitch speed up since the default doesn't throw very hard. On this one, it still doesn't throw hard enough but it throws 12 to 6 curves that drop from a 6'2" hitter's head to the dirt. You have sliders that are acting like screwballs at the end of the pitch. Curves away, only to slam on the brakes and catch the corner with a slight curve back towards the plate.

I played a total of 6 games before putting it back in the box and bringing MLB 08 The Show back out. I'm all for a game with a challenge and baseball is a sport that when hitting, you're going to get out more times than not, but the difficulty seems to have supernatural powers and while the challenge adds replay value, it won't matter since the realism is lost when you see players diving 10-15 feet to catch a ball.

My main reason for posting this isn't to bash the game. MLB The Show is by far my favorite baseball series since the old Sega World Series Baseball games, so I can recommend 08, adjust the rosters accordingly, bump the sliders up to make it a bit tougher and you have the game, 09 should have been.

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