Closest you'll get to MVP baseball :(
MLB 2006 is the first game i've played from the MLB series. While it's not quite as good as any of the MVP games i've played in the past, it's still good.
Graphics 8/10
With this game only being on the PS2, you can't expect the graphics to be extrodionary. They aren't particullarly bad, they don't look like something that would be put out in 2006....maybe more like 2003-2004. The lighting is still good, and the stadiums, and environents aren't too shabby either. Some of the character models are pretty acurate, where others are...well....bleh. I think the Albert Pujols face model is horrible.
But as we know graphics are not really what makes up a game, especially a baseball game. It's the gameplay
Gameplay 8/10
The gameplay actually kind of acts like MVP baseball, which is good. The batting system, fielding, and pitching system are almost similar. They add a few more things to the plate (no pun intended) such as being able to lock on the pitch, you can pick where you want to try and hit the ball, and the pitchers are now effected by more things than just his pitch count, such as how many balls he's throwing, how many runs he's given up, etc.
Some of the mechanics seem somewhat broken though. I had a really though time with the base stealing system. Finally after a week of practicing i've got it down. Also sometimes your players will seem to steal by themselves. You'll just be sitting there and all of a sudden you hear "and he's trying to steal 2nd!" and then of course they get thrown out and you lose a base runner. This can be extremely frustrating at times.
But the most notable problem is the fielding. You'll continuously just see your players overrun the ball, or when you are trying to go for a fly ball it seems like your players slow down while trying to run for the ball, giving the other team more opportunites to get hits.
There are a few glitches in this game, some noted above, and because of this, I have to take a point off of the gameplay.
Along with the in game mechanics, there are a wide array of gameplay modes too. You have your typical exhibition, and season modes, but you also get a career mode, and my favorite, franchise.
In career mode you make you. Meaning you create your own guy, and watch him progess from the minors to hopefully the majors. Franchise mode is what I play the most though. It's your typical season mode, but you get to provide your stadium and players with upgrades, such as private jets, or a spa for your training room. But there are other cool things that you would find in a dynasty mode too. You basically try and lead your team to becoming the best, and that's what I enjoy.
There is also online features, where you can compete against others, or get the most updated rosters,and you can't go wrong with that.
Sound 9/10
Nothing to complain about here. I really dont like any of the songs in the game, but other than that the announcers to a great job. They can get repetitive sometimes, but you'll find that in all sports games. Other neat little additions like the play, and player of the game at the end of each game is really neat.
Also if you play on a season, career, or franchise mode, the announcers take note on what's happening in the season, and the past games. If your guy is hitting the best in the league, they'll announce it when he comes up to the plate.
Over all the sound is probably the best i've heard in any baseball game.
Replayability 10/10
If your a fan of baseball, there is alot to do, especially with the career and franchise modes, you'll be able to keep yourself occupied, especially if you want to play through a whole season (or more than one season).
Over all I give MLB 06' The Show an 8.7 out of 10. I still miss MVP baseball, but it's the closest you can get to it. It's a quality baseball game, and should keep your baseball game needs satisfied till next year.