Review
With MLB '06: The Show, the development team at Sony has created a game that is not only incredibly deep, but also remarkably detailed and very fun to play. Much of what makes the overall game so enjoyable is the abundance of different game modes it offers. Those looking for some quick fun can join the Home Run Derby and knock the stuffing out of the ball in one of over 40 stadiums, or they can take part in the new arcade-style King of the Diamond minigame. Stat-heads will love the simulation aspects of the game, as they can take part in a full season, turn a youngster into a Hall of Famer in the Career Mode, or control every aspect of a team, from advertising to pitch-outs, in the Franchise Mode. And those just looking for some competition can go online and join tournaments or play head-to-head, or they can grab a friend and battle it out in Rival Mode, which keeps stats for all those grudge matches.
All the different game modes don’t mean much if the game isn’t fun to play, but luckily the game play is the real highlight here. Inexperienced gamers can jump right in and have fun, though base running might be a bit frustrating, while veterans can utilize the almost limitless customizability, from choosing pitches to user-controlled slides. Practically everything in this game is realistic too. Batters go through slumps and stare at umpires when they disagree with calls, pitchers lose confidence when they are getting shelled, and knucklehead fans even yell player specific comments during the game. The games are presented as though they are on TV, and the play-by-play is seamless and exudes realism. The game even supports Sony’s EyeToy, allowing people to put their own face on created players for those times when realism is trumped by fantasy.
Not everything about the game is perfect though. It is odd, in a game that is otherwise so realistic, that the weather never seems to change. There is something not quite right about never getting rained out and not playing doubleheaders in September. Players seem to drop fly balls a bit too often, experienced gamers will learn how to steal third base nearly every time, and sometimes the color commentary can be repetitive. These things keep the game from being perfect, but they are not enough to affect the overall enjoyment of what is essentially one of the best baseball games ever.
Graphics 
The graphics aren't amazing, but stadiums and their surroundings are beautifully rendered and realistic. A staggering amount of batting stances and pitching windups give players the posture and visage of their real-life counterparts.
Sound
The sounds of the game are captured very well, from the crack of a broken bat, to the hum of high-heat, to the white noise of a packed stadium. The commentary is terrific and the music soundtrack is average yet catchy.
Enjoyment 
This game is just plain fun to play, even for people marginally interested in baseball.
Replay Value
With the many different game modes, the inclusion of quite a few real minor league players, and online roster updates every week, MLB '06: The Show has a replay value higher than most yearly sports games.
Documentation
The instruction booklet is a little sparse, but the actual game provides hint screens that pop up at appropriate times and help explain the more complicated controls.
