MLB 08: The Show sticks firmly to the, "If it ain't broke..." mantra. All of the gameplay modes from last year's game make a comeback with few changes. Dynasty mode puts you in the GM role and lets you make all of the major decisions that go with running a major league team. You'll have to set ticket prices, negotiate contracts, and draft players, as well as make game day decisions like pitching rotations and batting order. The only major limitation to the mode is length; you can't play anything shorter than the normal 162 game season, so it takes a bit of a time commitment. If you don't have the time to run everything, you can play a single season. While it doesn't come with all of the extraneous off-season decisions involved with running a dynasty, you still get to make game day decisions and work out trades during a season.
Road to the Show is MLB 08's core gameplay mode (after all, it does appear in the title) and is similar to Dynasty Mode, only instead of focusing on a team, your focus is directed at a player-created character. Once you create a character, you can try out for a major league team and depending on your performance (and team needs), they'll pick you up or send you to a farm club for a bit of extra polishing. In order to make it to the majors, you are given a set of goals that you must accomplish. These include working on certain player attributes or reaching career milestones. The system has been tweaked a little to allow more flexibility, but there are sporadic issues with 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.
Exhibition and mini-games, like the Home Run Derby, are also around if you're in the mood for a quick game or two. Online play is also supported, though it is one of the game's weaker features.
