Sony unveils MLB 07: The Show @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on December 12, 2006

News: Time for a next-gen cup of coffee.

As the Hot Stove is heating up, Sony has revealed the first few details about MLB 07: The Show. First, the game will hit all active Sony consoles, the PS2, PSP and PS3. Second, the PSP and PS2 versions are currently scheduled to ship on February 27, 2007 with the PS3 version sporting a "sometime in 2007" date. And finally, all three versions will offer a slew of new features.

Sony plans to add new online modes to MLB 07: The Show to create what it hopes will be a thriving online community:

Adding to its already robust online feature set, the MLB franchise will now include Online League Play, which gives gamers the ability to set up leagues with up to 30 teams, complete statistical tracking, point benefits and full customization, while the My Sliders feature allows users to create their perfect game settings and upload them to the MLB 07 The Show server for others to try out.

Pitching has also been revamped for MLB 07 with two new systems called Adaptive Pitching Intelligence and the Pitch Command System:

For fans attempting to master the timeless art of pitching, MLB 07 The Show introduces some innovative new features such as Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API), which allows users to either shake off the catcher, or trust the calls he makes which are based on batter tendencies and the pitcher's strengths. Additionally, the Pitch Command System (PCS) delivers authenticity and strategy to pitch selection by offering players a predetermined pitch comfort level based on a best to worst pitch scenario. Providing an even more authentic feel to the game, the new Umpire Personalities feature provides a new challenge to pitchers as each umpire has their own version of the strike zone, unique tendencies and animations.

A few returning features have also made the cut in MLB 07: The Show including Career Mode, Season Mode, Career Spotlight and Exhibition Mode. Returning features "Rivalry Mode, which allows fans to set-up, track and maintain heated rivalries, King of the Diamond Mode, the classic playground duel where a pitcher and batter from opposing teams will square off head-to-head, Franchise mode, where players take control of the entire team, the Home Run Derby and EyeToy functionality" will all only appear in the PS2 version.

The three man booth of Rex Huddler, Matt Vasgerian and Dave Campbell will also be returning in MLB 07.

While these new features will be spread across all three versions, the PlayStation 3 version will also receive it's own special doodads:

MLB 07 The Show showcases its abilities with additional innovative features such as crowd interaction, which can be seen like never before with a vast array of new ambient elements including fans reaching for foul balls, the seventh inning stretch, the wave, standing ovations and much more. Also making the game more realistic, gamers will now be able to detail the different pitch grips and arm angles that a pitcher has when throwing each pitch. Scouting these details in Replay Mode shows players what to look for in release point and pitch arm angle from 15 different pitches. These new subtleties deliver an unrivaled virtual experience on PS3.

We'll have more on all three versions of MLB 07: The Show very soon.