So I just got around to playing MLB The Show 24.

It's actually a lot more fun than I expected. I think one thing I never knew was how many options there were for pitching, batting and fielding there was: you can choose a style that makes the most sense to you, making the game more accessible then it perhaos ought to be.

I didn't play any of the Diamond Dynasty mode (where you need cards for player rankings etc etc) cause I just didn't care. I pretty much just did standard matches and had a good time.

One thing that struck me as odd, though, was how average graphically the whole game looks. This is especially noticable in the field, stadium, and crowds: just incredibly low effort. I know these don't seem so important but it really takes you out of the experience when you see how poor quality these aspects are.

I honestly feel that San Diego needs to team up with another Sony engine and utilise that instead... Decima would be incredible... what a glow up in terms of poly count, texture, and animation that would be for MLB.

That is what the game really needs imho: the rest of the game seems pretty solid from what I can tell.

You can be sure I would buy it.

Don't threaten me with a good time. 

I agree, The Show is a fun game even if you aren't that into baseball and it needs a better engine but between the preparations to release on pc for the first time and the mobile game I don't think that will change for next year (usually it releases in march). Hopefully for 2027 lol. 

PS+ for 2025 was pretty good I think: $45.42 USD (equivalent on discount from Dec 24). I played:

Stanley's Parable

Dragon Age Veilguard

TMNT Cowabunaga Collection

Sonic Colors Ultimate

Robocop Rogue City

Lies of P

Alan Wake 2

Taking the lowest discount price of these games: $132.60, almost 3 times the price I paid. So I am pretty happy with this last year. Next year will be a bit more expensive, so I wonder what games will be available and what I will play. Horizon Lego Adventure is definitely first on my list. 

For anyone thinking about giving Ace Combat 8 a chance, Ace Combat 7 is on sale right now for the lowest price ever.

Many other games and expansions are hitting previous low or lowest price ever currently, great time to go give it a look.

Just learned about the co-op game "Popucom" and it looks like a delight. I want to get it as a gift for my nieces, but I'm undecided on the platform. Is it even available on PS5 yet?

Also... are Split Fiction and It Takes Two suitable for kids (with guidance)? My nieces are 8 and 9 years old (they grow fast!).

Oh cheers, I just looked that up and its definitely on my radar.

As for the latter, I think both Split Fiction and It Takes Two are kid friendly, ITT a bit more fitting on the aesthetic side but I also think Splitfiction is cooler. So It depends whether they're into action or more adventure. Story wise ITT is more suitable.

There are some 'adult themes' in Split Fiction and It Takes Two, but not the violence or sex types you might be worried about. Stuff like divorce, marriage, relationships, creativity and work related trials and tribulations. There might be some scenes you may need to be wary of (The elephant level in It Takes Two traumatizes all who endure it), but overall I don't see any reason someone that age wouldn't enjoy them. They are more teen/young adult coded but I can't remember anything in them that would be egregious for kids.

Decided to tackle my back log and finally started Pacific Drive last night.

I'm a little surprised with how much I'm enjoying the gameplay loop. The adaptive triggers are excellent and makes the driving feel even more immersive. So far I'm enjoying how all the survival elements, the scavenging, repairing, inventory systems, are mixing together with the story beats. The UI is my only complaint so far, everything feels cluttered, and hard to read.