They’re going to rush throws for those bang-bang plays at first, and take their time when they know they can banishing the frustration inherent in the lackadaisical fielding that plagued previous entries in the series, while still maintaining The Show’s authenticity. Now the AI is smart enough to discern between a speed merchant like Billy Hamilton bursting down the line and the lumbering stride of someone like Miguel Cabrera, and can adapt their level of urgency appropriately. You’ll never have to worry about a runner being called safe because your shortstop took his sweet time throwing to first base.

Those patrolling the diamond are more intelligent than ever thanks to The Show 17’s Humanity AI. This isn’t to suggest fielders are outmatched, however–far from it. I continue to be impressed by the MLB The Show 17’s ability to communicate the time of day and year based solely on changes in the sky and lighting. In-game, lighting looks like it has been improved, even after the attention it has received over the past few years. From the emphatic crack of the bat as the ball is sent careening through the air, to the way the crowd rises to their feet with oohs and aahs in equal parts awe and rabid excitement. MLB The Show 17 revels in this fact, making each line drive and moonshot feel immanently special. It’s a feat not just reliant on athletic ability, but on skill, patience, and finely tuned mechanics.

Hitting a baseball might be the hardest thing to do in professional sports.

Mlb the show 17 reviews