MLB 12 The Show

$40, PlayStation 3, Vita

Teaches: sports, baseball

CTR Review

Now that baseball season is in full swing, this year's edition of MLB is a nice addition to your libary. Available for both the PS3 and PS Vita, MLB The Show features all the core modes including Exhibition, Season, Franchise, Hoe Run Derby, online play, and Road to The Show. PS Vita users will able be able to use the new touch screen controls within the game, for example, front touch screen and rear touch screen to throw the ball to specific locations, make pitch commands, and run the bases. Players can also share save files between PS3 and PS Vita, and take their Franchise, Season, and Road to The Show save files up to the cloud where they can then access those files on either platform (limited to one file per mode per PlayStation Network account, which can be overwritten). The PS3 version supports the PS Move motion controller, allowing users to control all aspects of their game including pitching, hitting, fielding and running the bases. Other features include: Zone Analog Batting which allows you to use the right analog stick for the stride and swing, but if you choose you can use the left analog stick to control where you swing in the zone; Pulse Pitching which allows you to still pitch using an "X" button press, but you must time the press with an on-screen display to ensure pitch accuracy; Situational Collision Awareness; new Tag Animation System; and new Tutorial Moves. Prices are $40 for the PS Vita version and $60 for the PS3.