Sony's MLB series has consistently been one of the better baseball games on the market. While MLB 08: The Show is yet another showing for the series, there are still a number of smaller, nagging issues that keep it from hitting a grand slam.

It is easy to look at the big picture and see that MLB 08: The Show is one of the most visually impressive baseball games on the market, but you really have to look closely to see why. Players, stadiums and crowds all look incredible, but MLB 08 pays just as much attention to smaller details as it does the bigger ones. The number of player animations has been increased, adding a good dose of realism to the game since you won't see as many reused moves. Some of the better moments aren't even directly related to the game; after missing a big play or striking out, players will hang their head in disgust or storm off the field into the dugout. The camera also does a really cool depth of field effect that gives the entire game more of a television-style look.

Hudler, Campbell and Vasgersian all sit in to provide play-by-play and, like the visuals, deliver one of the best audio experiences to ever grace a sports game. It's high praise for sure, but MLB 08 backs it up. Fans will heckle and cheer on players, which gives that little extra touch.

When a mode's name appears in the title of the game, you know it has to be an important one. As in years past, Road to the Show, which is the game's Career mode, is an incredibly important aspect of the entire experience. After creating a player, you are given a set of goals to accomplish on your way to the big leagues. You typically start in the minors and, after completing on-field goals, you will attract the attention of other clubs. The system has been tweaked a little to allow more flexibility, but even with the removal of the limiting "Pass/Fail" structure, there are issues with actually getting your promotion. It's completely possible to complete all of your goals and still be told that you're "not ready" or to be suddenly bumped back down to the minors despite your success on the field.

If you're not interested in Road to the Show, you can also take part in MLB 08: The Show's deep Franchise Mode. Instead of playing as one player, you are put in the role of GM and charged with running things. You can micromanage nearly every aspect of your team, including setting up rehab for players, promotions and even managing finances. Really, the only thing you can't do is testify at Senate hearings. Similar to Road to the Show, you are given a set list of goals to reach as GM, which include everything from turning a profit to making the playoffs. Every team has a different set of goals, which is great if your favorite team hasn't really done anything since the late 90's (mad face/ cry) and you still want to feel like you're getting somewhere. The only major downside to Franchise mode is that it requires a serious time commitment to see it all the way through.

Outside the slightly reworked Road to the Show, MLB 08 sticks to the same modes that helped it become a great game of baseball in the first place. There are a couple of mini-games that are a lot of fun, as well as Exhibition and online games. While online, you can instant message other players, trade rosters or just play a single game, but there are a few lag issues that can make some games harder to play.

A.I. has, like many other elements of MLB 08: The Show, been improved in a few areas. The most noticeable of the changes are that players aren't nearly as mistake-prone and show a little common sense before throwing a ball. Unlike last year, the A.I. will actually think before throwing the ball and won't overlook obvious double play opportunities.

Even with the additions, fielding A.I. could still use some work. Fielders still lack that extra bit of pep in their step and take their time getting to the ball or reacting to a particular play. Throwing is also a big issue; I've never been a fan of the pop-up strength indicator and MLB 08 does nothing to make me a fan. It functions well enough that it doesn't kill the game, but it still feels like it doesn't really matter. It seems that the more complicated developers try to make the system, the worse it gets - which may indicate a simpler approach might be best.

Most of the game's control mechanics have been retooled and work much better, including using the SIXAXIS' motion control to slide into bases, which was a cool feature last year that didn't work well enough to warrant using it. Sliding is actually one of the game's deeper functions since you can use the analog sticks to execute any number of slides, such as hook slides, depending on the current situation.

The relationship between the pitcher and batter is one of the core focuses in MLB 08: The Show. By hitting (Select), you can now bring up a tool that indicates which type of pitch a batter is more successful hitting or what types of throws a pitcher favors. You can also bring up a menu that highlights what type of pitches a player has in his arsenal and which have the higher strike percentages. When looking at a batter, you can pull up info that will help a pitcher get a better idea about how to handle the guy at the plate. You're not obligated to use the provided info, but it helps a lot - especially when dealing with players you aren't familiar with (which, for me is anyone not associated with the Oakland A's or a former LSU player).

Another new feature is the Progressive Batting Performance system, which tracks how hot or cold a batter is. The system is represented on-screen by icons that show how confident your batter is at the plate. The PBP system is a pretty useful device for determining your player's state of mind as well.

Batting and pitching aren't the only areas to receive spiffy new upgrades. Fielding has received a few cosmetic updates like additional animations and pitchers will get in front of the ball if it is coming their way rather than letting the fielders handle it.... well, most of the time anyway. When a ball is going towards the wall, the Rob Home Run system activates by first showing a series of circles on the field that show a rough trajectory for the ball. If you can get your player into the circle, you can snag the ball out of the air with a well-timed button press. It's a great feature and helps address the problem of too many home runs.

MLB 08: The Show doesn't improve on all of MLB 07's shortcomings, but it does more than enough to make up for it. MLB 08: The Show plays just as good as it looks and should find its way into every baseball fan's collection, even if you have to buy a PS3 to play it.