MLB The Show 25 is finally here, and the first few hours of gameplay offer a glimpse into what's new and what's been tweaked. One of the biggest talking points, as always, is the gameplay itself. Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it's worth considering all options to maximize your gaming experience. Many players choose to buy MLB The Show 25 stubs to quickly acquire top-tier players and equipment, giving them a competitive edge from the start. One thing noticed early is that exit velocities seem a bit low. Is it the game, or is it the players?

The first ranked game provides some interesting data points. A perfect-perfect flyout with Juan Soto raises eyebrows, especially considering his power stats. On the other hand, a home run with a 71 power hitter that goes 420 feet with a 103 exit velocity. Maybe things were tuned mid-game to get them back to normal.

Content is king in MLB The Show, and while the gameplay is important, a steady stream of new players and events is what keeps players engaged. The milestone graphic for home runs is a nice touch, and it's clear that the developers are focused on creating a fun and rewarding experience.

There are some frustrations. A perfect-perfect fly out with Soto, whose power versus lefties is 88, shouldn’t happen. But it did. Some of the balls seem to jump off the bat, while others seem to die. More time with the game is needed before making any definitive judgments.

While the graphics haven't undergone a massive overhaul, they're still crisp and detailed. The focus seems to be on refining the gameplay and content, rather than chasing visual perfection. There are more important issues than graphics, because everyone can tell who each player is.

The first game ends with a win, thanks to a second tank by Juan Soto. It's a good start, but the real test will come against tougher opponents. As for the content, there's still that annoying pack opening animation that forces you to open one pack at a time. The first opponent in the next game has a slightly better team. The focus is on the next game and is against a tough, undefeated opponent.

Recommendation: The Best Batting Stance In MLB The Show 25