In order to provide players with an unrivaled simulation and broadcast presentation, MLB '06 The Show serves up the perfect blend of authentic gameplay, cut scenes and now more than 3,000 individual player animations, including personalized stances, pitching animations, individual swings, batting rituals and pitcher release points. Additionally, Rex Hudler joins Matt Vasgersian and Dave Campbell for a new Three-Man Booth to go along with a Progressive Broadcast to deliver the most comprehensive, game-specific commentary heard in any baseball videogame.
For fans seeking a quick, arcade-style mini-game, the innovative King of the Diamond Mode takes the classic pitcher vs. batter duel and highlights the intricacies of the showdown in a head-to-head, time-based challenge. Plus, MLB'06 The Show now offers online head-to-head gameplay in both King of the Diamond and Exhibition Modes, along with a new user-friendly online community complete with downloadable rosters, instant messaging, live sports tickers and an online news service providing users with news from the League or their favorite team.
"With advancements to Career, Franchise and Online Modes, as well as an unrivaled broadcast simulation, MLB'06 The Show has raised the level of authenticity and realism and further solidified its position as the most true-to-life game in the market," said Scott Rohde, director, sports product development, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We're excited to provide baseball fans with an opportunity to truly feel what it's like to play in the Big Leagues."
Top MLB players are literally at a player's finger tips with the new Rivalry Mode for MLB '06 The Show on PlayStation 2, where players can set up and maintain multi-game rivalries and track all the stats for the ultimate bragging rights. Additionally, players will be able to utilize new features such as User Control Slides and new Multi-Branch Fielding to control runners and fielders as they attempt to make or avoid double plays. Controlled access to the full 40-man rosters will help players respond to new Game Time Decisions in Franchise and Season Modes, as players will be presented with scenarios where they need to closely manage their teams to succeed. Favorite returning features include EyeToy functionality, Release Point Pitching, Pitching Confidence Meter, Guess Pitch, Career Mode, and more.
MLB '06 The Show for the PSP system steps to the plate as the premiere portable baseball simulation. Gaming on the go is a snap as multiplayer Ad Hoc Mode allows quick wireless match ups between local players, while the multiplayer Infrastructure Mode allows players to compete across the nation and take advantage of the Online News Service to stay on top of MLB news from around the country. With the Memory Stick Duo users can save news updates to review at a later time. And now that the highly desired Career Mode is available on the portable platform, MLB '06 The Show lets users create a player to take out and play anytime, anywhere, or test their skills against the best in the history of the game with the Historical Greats option.
This year's cover athlete, Boston Red Sox Designated Hitter David Ortiz, affectionately know as "Big Papi" by the Red Sox Nation, joined a hallowed group of MLB All-Stars that have graced the cover of the popular baseball simulation, including last years cover athlete, Los Angeles Angels All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero. In 2004, Ortiz put up MVP worthy stats during his first All-Star season (91 extra base hits, 139 RBI and 41 HR), and he looks to continue to put up those types of numbers this year.
Marketing efforts for MLB '06 The Show include a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, radio, print and online, that will run nationally throughout the entire Major League Baseball season. Additionally, MLB '06 The Show will receive full public relations and promotional support, as well as dedicated point-of-purchase displays and merchandising support.
The Independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates MLB '06 The Show "E" for "Everyone." For more information about the ESRB visit www.esrb.org