Sliding into Home in MLB The Show 23 (Xbox): A Guide for Graceful...or Not-So-Graceful Landings
Ah, the slide. A glorious ballet of athleticism (sometimes), a desperate scramble to avoid a tag (often), and a guaranteed source of hilarity when your baserunner forgets how legs work (always for me). But fear not, fellow Xbox jockeys! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to slide into home like a pro (or at least avoid looking like a flailing fish).
Basic Slide Mechanics: From "Hey There!" to "Oh Crap!"
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The Button Masher: Hold down the Left Bumper (LB). This is your bread-and-butter slide button. It initiates that good ol' automatic slide, where the game decides your fate. Pro Tip: Pray to the baseball gods for a merciful outcome.
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Taking Control of the Slide (Because the Auto-Slide Hates You): Here's where things get interesting. Hold LB again, but this time, channel your inner baserunning maestro with the Right Stick.
- Flick Up: Headfirst Slide: Great for dodging tags, but slower than a sloth on vacation. Imagine Superman landing...but way less cool.
- Flick Down: Feet-First Slide: Need for speed? This is your jam. Just be careful not to overshoot the base and wind up stranded in center field explaining to a confused outfielder how you got there.
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Slide Like a Boss: Directional Mastery Combine the flick of the Right Stick with a direction to become a slide sensei:
- Flick Up + Right Stick Right: Headfirst slide aimed at the right side of the base. Useful for those close calls where the fielder throws a bit wide.
- Flick Up + Right Stick Left: Headfirst slide aimed at the left side of the base. Same idea, but the other way around.
- The "I'm Cutting It WAY Too Close" Slide: Flick the Right Stick in the direction of the base (left or right) for a desperate, last-ditch slide. This is a high-risk, high-reward maneuver that can result in either a spectacular save or your baserunner face-planting directly into the dirt. Use with caution (and maybe a helmet).
Advanced Sliding Techniques: When Regular Sliding Just Won't Cut It
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The "Surprise! I'm Actually Safe!" Slide: Sometimes, an auto-slide can be your best friend. If you're neck-and-neck with the tag, a well-timed button mash (hold LB) can confuse the fielder and lead to a safe call.
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The "I Meant to Do That" Slide: Ever slide and completely whiff the base? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us (or at least me). Just own it. Celebrate like you meant to slide into the dirt three feet away. Bonus points for yelling, "That's how I roll!"
Remember, Baserunning is a Beautiful Mess: Embrace the Slide, No Matter How Derpy
MLB The Show 23's sliding mechanics offer a delightful mix of strategy and hilarity. Master the controls, or flail around wildly – either way, you're guaranteed some entertainment (for yourself, and maybe your opponent). So get out there, hone your sliding skills, and remember: a safe slide is a good slide, but a funny slide is a legendary slide. Now go forth and conquer the basepaths (or at least avoid tripping over yourself)!
