MLB The Show 21 Cover Athlete

The cover athlete for MLB The Show 21 is none other than Fernando Tatis Jr., the young superstar shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Revealed in February 2021, Tatis made history as the youngest player ever to appear on the cover of this iconic baseball game. At just 22 years old, Tatis brought energy, charisma, and undeniable talent to the game. What made this even more special is that this was the first time a player from the Padres was featured on the cover.

Who is Fernando Tatis Jr.?

Fernando Tatis Jr. had already made a name for himself in Major League Baseball before he was chosen as the cover athlete for MLB The Show 21. Known for his electrifying playstyle and boundless energy, Tatis quickly became a fan favorite. His talent and personality made him the perfect choice for the game's cover. At the time, he was a rising star and one of the most exciting young players in the league.

Game Details:

• Cover Athlete: Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres)
• Game Release Date: April 20, 2021
• Significance: Youngest cover athlete at 22 and first Padres player to appear on the cover.
• Special Edition: Jackie Robinson featured on the Collector's Edition.

This edition of the game is particularly special because it marked a milestone in the MLB The Show series. It was also the first time the game was available on Xbox consoles, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

Key Game Features

MLB The Show 21 introduced several exciting new features, making it one of the most engaging installments of the series. From customizing your own ballpark to playing as a two-way player, here's a breakdown of the biggest changes in the game.

1. Stadium Creator

One of the most anticipated features for MLB The Show 21 was the Stadium Creator. This new addition allowed players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S to build and customize their own ballparks. With over 1,000 unique pieces to choose from, this feature gave players the freedom to design stadiums that fit their vision. Whether you wanted a classic, old-school vibe or a futuristic design, the Stadium Creator gave you all the tools to make it happen.

2. Two-Way Players in Road to the Show (RTTS)

For the first time in MLB The Show history, players could create a two-way player in Road to the Show. This meant your custom "Ballplayer" could not only pitch but also bat in the same career mode. This added a new layer of excitement and versatility to the game, as you could dominate on both sides of the game. This feature extended beyond just RTTS and was integrated into other modes, including Diamond Dynasty.

3. Gameplay Styles

MLB The Show 21 introduced three customizable gameplay styles designed to suit different types of players:

• Casual: This mode is for newcomers or those who want a laid-back experience. It focuses on easy-to-learn mechanics and is perfect for players who just want to have fun without too much stress.
• Simulation: This mode offers a more authentic baseball experience, striking a balance between player attributes and gameplay skills. It's ideal for those who want to experience a realistic baseball simulation.
• Competitive: Geared toward experienced players, this mode is all about precision. It's the default for online head-to-head play and focuses heavily on user input and skill.

4. Pinpoint Pitching

Another exciting addition was Pinpoint Pitching, a new pitching mechanic that made the game more challenging and rewarding for skilled players. To succeed with Pinpoint Pitching, players had to make precise thumbstick gestures to accurately place their pitches. This was a more complex system compared to the previous pitching mechanics, adding depth and skill to the game.

Platforms and Multi-Platform Play

One of the most significant changes in MLB The Show 21 was the expansion to multi-platform play. For the first time, the game was available not just on PlayStation consoles, but also on Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S). This expanded the player base and made the game more accessible to fans across both platforms.

1. Cross-Platform Play and Progression

MLB The Show 21 also introduced cross-play, which allows players on different consoles to compete against each other online. Whether you were on PlayStation or Xbox, you could now face off in head-to-head matches without any platform restrictions. In addition, cross-progression allowed players to carry over their progress and inventory across different platforms. However, keep in mind that Stubs (the in-game currency) purchased on one platform could not be transferred between consoles.

2. Xbox Game Pass

Another first for MLB The Show 21 was its availability on Xbox Game Pass at launch. This made it easy for Xbox Game Pass subscribers to play the game without having to purchase it separately. It was a big deal for both new and returning players, as it made the game more accessible to a larger audience.

Critical Reception

Upon release, MLB The Show 21 received generally favorable reviews. Critics praised the introduction of the Stadium Creator and the improved fielding animations, which made the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. However, some long-time fans expressed disappointment with the server instability at launch and the lack of significant updates to certain game modes like Franchise and Road to the Show.

Review Highlights:

• IGN Rating: 8/10
• GameSpot Rating: 7/10

While some players had concerns about the online experience and the lack of new features in some modes, the overall consensus was that MLB The Show 21 delivered a solid baseball simulation with a range of exciting new additions.