Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is bringing more than just his likeness for use in the upcoming "MLB The Show 17."
The video game will include a "Retro Mode" that harkens back to the 1990's when he was the face of four popular baseball games: "Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball" (1994), "Ken Griffey Jr.’s Winning Run" (1996), "Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr." (1998) and "Ken Griffey Jr.’s Slugfest" (1999).
MORE: 10 times Ken Griffey Jr. invaded pop culture in the '90s
Griffey will be joining at least 55 other legends who were in the game previously after the first ones were introduced in 2015. Until now, their purpose in the game has been limited to appearing in the Diamond Dynasty team-building mode and as free agents that could be signed in Franchise mode.
Here's a look at the Retro Mode that'll be in MLB The Show 17 pic.twitter.com/jjb5tzEr35
— Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre) December 3, 2016
"Retro Mode allows you to move the pitcher across the pitcher’s rubber and move around the batter’s box with ease, classic on-screen displays, an old school soundtrack, unique sound effects, a throwback pause menu and more. Retro Mode is entirely separate to the popular Road To The Show, Diamond Dynasty and Franchise game modes. This new way to play MLB The Show is designed to be a fun, throwback game mode that instigates battles on the couch with friends."
The first trailer for "MLB The Show 17" was unveiled Saturday and provides a look at some flashy highlights from the game beyond the reveal of the "Retro Mode."
While the game won't be out until March 28, you can pre-order now through Amazon with a Prime discount of 20 percent or 15 percent for those who aren't members. The standard edition is then $48/$51 while the MVP Edition becomes $56/$59. The MVP Edition includes bonus content in the form of 5K Stubs, Gold Season Starter Pack, Sponsor Pack, 10 Standard Packs, limited edition steel book and PS4 themes for every team in the league that makes it well worth the extra $8 if you're planning to play Diamond Dynasty.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.