Backyard Sports, a beloved game series from the 1990s, is making a comeback under the stewardship of Playground Productions. The revival kicks off with the rerelease of Backyard Baseball ‘97, priced at .99, which is now available exclusively on PC through Steam. Developed by Mega Cat Studios, this nostalgic title retains its original charm while introducing a few minor enhancements. Set to launch on October 10, early impressions reveal a familiar yet refreshing experience.
What Is Backyard Baseball ’97?
Backyard Baseball ’97 is designed to be an engaging and accessible title, perfect for both young players and those revisiting their childhood. Featuring a cast of delightful child athletes, each with unique personalities and attributes, players can enjoy quick matches or dive into a career mode. While fans may hope for a significant graphical upgrade, the game remains true to its roots, offering the same cartoonish aesthetic without any major visual enhancements. Notably, the game does not support gamepads, relying solely on mouse and keyboard controls, which may be a limitation for some.
The original source code for Backyard Baseball was lost, which restricted Mega Cat Studios from adding new features. Before this rerelease, playing Backyard Baseball on modern PCs was a challenge, often requiring emulation. Now, however, the game is accessible once again, allowing both new and returning fans to relive the fun.
Backyard Baseball, Just as You Remember It
Upon launching the game, players are greeted by a wave of nostalgia, as the treehouse club room serves as the central hub for various modes. Here, you can set up quick exhibition games, explore the roster of characters, or embark on League mode.
League play forms the core of Backyard Baseball ’97. After naming your coach and creating a save file, you can choose a club name and colors before drafting your team from the diverse cast. Iconic characters like the all-star Pablo Sanchez, power hitter Keisha Philipps, and ace pitcher Kenny Kawaguchi are all present. Players can customize their batting order, assign positions, and select the length and difficulty of the game. Those who opt for the Hard difficulty will find the batting mechanics to be a rewarding challenge.
Offensive gameplay involves selecting swing types—bunt, grounder, line drive, or power—before timing your click as the pitch approaches. Mastery of these mechanics takes practice, as early swings may result in pop-ups or slices. Pitching, on the other hand, is more straightforward, allowing players to throw fastballs, hooks, and slow pitches. As players progress, they can earn special pitches through impressive plays, adding a layer of excitement to each match.
Each season consists of 14 games, and while six-inning matches can feel lengthy, the thrill of big hits and strategic pitching keeps the gameplay engaging. On the defensive side, the game shifts to an overhead view, where players must click to catch and throw. The varying stats of the characters add depth, making each match unique.
While Backyard Baseball ’97 is undeniably fun, its simplicity may not resonate with older players unfamiliar with the franchise. However, it stands out as an excellent family-friendly sports title, ideal for enjoying with younger audiences.
Can Your PC Run Backyard Baseball ’97?
True to its 1990s origins, Backyard Baseball is not demanding on system resources. According to its Steam page, the minimum requirements include a 2GHz CPU, an AMD Radeon HD 5670 GPU with 1GB of memory, and 200MB of available storage. Most modern PCs running Windows 10 should have no trouble running the game.
While Backyard Baseball ’97 supports Steam achievements and features a global leaderboard, it lacks compatibility with gamepads and the Steam Deck due to the missing source code. Additionally, the absence of typical visual settings may disappoint some PC gamers, as the game launches in a small window with black borders, although players can opt for a fullscreen view with horizontal borders.
Early Verdict: One for the ’90s Kids (Or Their Kids)
Backyard Baseball ’97 presents a charming experience, though its simplicity and limited visual options may pose challenges for newcomers. For returning fans, the nostalgia factor helps overcome these minor hurdles. Regardless of age, the game offers enjoyment and serves as a perfect introduction for children to the world of sports gaming. Mark your calendars for October 10, as Backyard Baseball ’97 makes its debut on Steam, with a full review to follow soon.
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