The early access release of MLB The Show 25 is just around the corner, and excitement is building. For those eager to get a head start in Diamond Dynasty, many players are looking to buy MLB 25 Stubs to bolster their teams. Having had the opportunity to play a full build of the game early at a special Spring Training event, I’m here to share my initial thoughts and experiences on the gameplay, focusing on the new features and how they impact the overall feel of MLB The Show 25.
Ambush Hitting: A Strategic Revolution
One of the most talked-about new additions is "Ambush Hitting." Initially, the concept seemed a bit confusing, but after using it, I can say it adds a fascinating layer of strategy to each at-bat. Ambush Hitting aims to replicate how real hitters approach the plate with a specific plan. By choosing to ambush inside or outside, you increase your PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) if you guess correctly, significantly improving your chances of a hit. Guess wrong, and your PCI shrinks, making it much harder to make contact.
This feature shines in favorable counts, like 0-0 or 1-0. It creates a cat-and-mouse game between the hitter and pitcher, especially online. Spamming inside sinkers, a common tactic in previous years, becomes much riskier as savvy hitters can ambush inside and punish those predictable pitches. I don’t think it will be for every situation, but it definitely changes how you go and actually hit within the game. While it might not be for everyone, I found Ambush Hitting to be a great addition that will change how people approach hitting.
Infielder Reactions: Defense Matters More Than Ever
Another significant change is the revamped infielder reaction system. Slower reactions for infielders mean more choppers and weakly hit ground balls finding their way through for base hits. While some may find these "cheap" hits frustrating, they are a direct result of the tiered reaction system. Elite defenders with high reaction ratings will consistently make plays, while lower-rated defenders will have a much harder time.
There are three tiers: the best possible, pretty good, and not great reaction. Even a 60-rated defender can make a great play, but it's far less likely than a 90+ rated player. This new system will force players to carefully consider defensive attributes when constructing their lineups in Diamond Dynasty, Franchise, and even Road to the Show.
Home Run Robs and Arm Accuracy: Incremental Improvements
The home run rob meter has also received an upgrade, with new animations leading to more successful robberies. The timing is a bit different, but players who master it will be able to prevent more home runs than in previous years. The arm accuracy meter aims to make throwing more challenging, with the perfect notch at the tail end of the green. The developers want more errors to happen, forcing players to think about whether it is worth it to try and hit a perfect throw in this scenario when you really can't afford a red throw being an error. Overall, it wasn’t as drastic as I first thought when they were talking about it.
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