Although sports games often receive valid criticism for minor and incremental changes, with many feeling like a mere $60 roster update, MLB The Show 23 has made a significant, commendable contribution with the addition of its Negro League mode.

The historical Negro Leagues mode in MLB The Show 23 is a lovingly crafted feature that goes beyond a mere scorebug filter, bringing the stories of eight legendary baseball players to life in playable documentaries.

This mode is so exceptional that it would be worth purchasing the game for, making it a highly recommended addition for sports and history enthusiasts alike.

The Negro Leagues mode in MLB The Show 23 begins with a captivating introduction on baseball legend Satchel Paige, narrated by Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro League Baseball Museum.

Archival footage and drawn art are used to create an immersive experience, allowing players to not only learn about Satchel's impressive achievements, but to also appreciate his impact on the sport.

The Negro Leagues mode in MLB The Show 23 stands out for never overstaying its welcome, unlike many other historical game modes. Players are quickly thrown into action, tasked with completing specific objectives within just one or two innings.

For example, playing as Satchel Paige, players may need to prevent hits and strike out three batters using only Paige's legendary 105 mph fastball. The mode also adds another layer of authenticity by replacing traditional pitch types with Paige's unique and memorable nicknames for them, such as the "Bee Ball", the "Dipsy Doo" and the "Bat Dodger".

It describes how playing as Satchel Paige in the Negro Leagues mode of MLB The Show 23 feels unique and exciting, thanks to his iconic pitching style. The mode also includes a memorable and historically significant moment when Paige and his team responded to racial taunts by daring their opponents to try to and hit off of him again, which players can experience firsthand in the game.

Paige alone deserves of praise as a legend, but the Monarchs had seven other players who may not be well-known beyond the most dedicated baseball fans. While Jackie Robinson is a household name, Hilton Smith, who was the team's second top pitcher after Paige, has mostly been overlooked by history.

After pitching with Paige, players in the Negro League mode of MLB The Show 23 take on the role of off-speed pitcher Smith with his devastating curveballs, and then get a chance to bat in a two-way legend style gameplay. Bob Kendrick's commentary adds to the enjoyment.

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MLB The Show 23's Negro League mode showcases every player with a 1-2 hour documentary (including play time) that feels fully realized and complete , far from just featuring Paige and Robinson without any cost of MLB 23 Stubs.

The Negro League mode finds a way to honor the players who were denied recognition due to segregation in baseball and provides a blueprint for what every sports video game should do moving forward.

It advocates for sports video games, like Madden, to provide an opportunity for players to experience historical moments in sports, such as playing as Sid Luckman or Jim Brown during their impressive performances, if given the proper time and attention.

It has been proposed that sports games could add value through historical modes like MLB The Show 23's Negro League mode, as there are limitations to updating graphics and physics for current generation games, and advocates for giving historical modes the time and attention they deserve.

The Negro Leagues mode in MLB The Show 23 is a must-play for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and is considered a true game changer. Even non-baseball fans will appreciate the incredible attention to detail and depth of storytelling in this mode, making it one of the best features ever included in a video game.