A complete console sports game on the PSP!

User Rating: 9.3 | MLB 06: The Show PSP
Overall, an incredible game. What's missing? Plate and base umpires, base coaches, actually seeing pitchers in the bullpen, and a few cut scenes (mound visits, home run celebrations, dug out temper tantrums, rushing the mound, etc.). Everything else is here. Warm-up swings, pitch guessing, accurate and up to speed commentary, changing billboards, active scoreboard in the outfield, great sound, fantastic graphics, EA quality transitions and, 90% of the time, a high and stable frame rate.

The variety and range of animations is astounding. Also worth mentioning is the collision detection between bat, ball and glove. The ball always connects firmly with the bat and always lands right in the glove with no "All-Star Baseball" vacuum effect. Controls are spot on with the analog nub actually working quite well for a change, although hitting often requires what feels like a too early swing. Load times, overall, are moderate and neither quick nor distractingly long.

The majority of the other goodies are here. Season mode (no franchise, though), the minor leagues (AA and AAA), create-a-player, an amazing career mode and tons of game play tuning options. Also worth noting are the stadiums (major, minor and spring training are included) which feature animated objects and console quality textures and details. Incredible.

Bugs are few, and relatively far between. Also, I have to mention the commentary again which, handheld or not, is the most incredible thing I have heard in a sports video game. The lack of repetition is impressive as is the speed and accuracy. Truly impressive and something that really adds to the immersion.

This is the first PSP game that I have bought (I have ten) that actually feels like a full blown console game and not a stripped down disappointment. Highly recommended.