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Backyard Baseball ’97 Review: Still Swinging a Home Run

Backyard Baseball '97 Review: A nostalgic remaster with fun characters, but outdated graphics and slow gameplay may deter younger players.

Backyard Baseball ’97 is a true nostalgia trip for kids of the ‘90s. After almost two decades, this beloved sports video game franchise has made a surprising comeback. Game returns to its roots with a remaster of the original Backyard Baseball which was adored by baseball fans of all ages. This remastered version is designed to appeal to both the young generation and those who grew up playing it. The story behind how this remaster came to life is quite fascinating.

The original game’s source code, lost since its 1997 release, made recreating it seem nearly impossible. However, publisher Playground Productions teamed up with Mega Cat Studios to bring it back. Despite the missing source code, Mega Cat Studios managed to hack and rebuild the original CD-ROM, adapting it for modern players. With this remaster, fans of the Backyard Sports franchise can relive the fun especially as it arrives just in time for the excitement of the MLB postseason.

Backyard Baseball ’97 is a perfect blend of fun and nostalgia for returning fans and could easily win over a new generation of players.

Backyard Baseball ‘97: A Nostalgic Revival of the Beloved MVP Players

When people think of the Backyard Sports franchise, first thing that comes to mind is game’s memorable roster of kids. Backyard Baseball is like a video game version of The Sandlot but with a roster of 30 diverse kids to choose from. These characters have stood the test of time since 1997 and remain as iconic as ever. The roster is diverse in gender, race and abilities, showcasing kids from different backgrounds playing together. A standout is Kenny Kawaguchi, a wheelchair-using player, showing that anyone who loves game can play baseball. This inclusion sends a powerful message about equality in sports.

One of the most exciting aspects of Backyard Baseball ‘97 is the return of fan-favorite players from the franchise including the legendary Pablo Sanchez. Known as the “secret weapon,” Pablo is the perfect player, admired even by real-life athletes. He’s incredibly fast, hits with power and excels at fielding—making him a true icon in game.

Each kid in game has their own distinct personality, voice and set of stats. Their strengths and weaknesses add depth and strategy to gameplay. For example a player might be great for infield positions but not so much in the outfield. Or a fast runner may struggle due to poor eyesight, making them run in the wrong direction. This diversity keeps game interesting and allows for creative team-building. Picking a character like Pablo might seem like a guaranteed win but game’s variety ensures that any well-thought-out team can perform well.

Backyard Baseball ‘97 Remaster Feels Almost Identical to the Original Game

Although Backyard Baseball ‘97 is marketed as a remaster, it doesn’t offer significant improvements to the original game. The graphics and gameplay are nearly indistinguishable from the 1997 version with the biggest change being the ability to play without using the old CD-ROM. In terms of gameplay and visuals, the remaster captures the nostalgic feel of early PC gaming which is charming for longtime fans. However, very little has changed or improved especially when it comes to the art style.

The decision not to drastically alter game makes sense, as changing too much could diminish its nostalgic appeal. However, the official trailer showed an updated art style that looked crisp and modern which would have been a welcome update. Unfortunately, remaster sticks to the original 1997 graphics which might be visually outdated for younger audiences. While older gamers may appreciate the throwback, it’s possible that today’s kids, game’s target audience, may not find it appealing.

Beyond the graphics, gameplay and controls also feel dated. The point-and-click mechanics are slow and imprecise, making simple actions like swinging the bat or fielding frustrating. A small misstep can lead to errors, like missing a ball in the outfield or throwing to the wrong base, giving the opposing team an advantage. While longtime fans might overlook these flaws for nostalgia’s sake, younger players used to smoother, modern games might find it difficult to enjoy without getting frustrated.

Backyard Baseball ‘97 Offers Plenty of Replay Value with Diverse Game Modes

Backyard Baseball ‘97 gives players two main gameplay modes: Pick-Up Game and League Play. In Pick-Up Game, players can jump right into a casual match, perfect for those who just want to play a quick game. You can also choose to practice or watch a simulated game. The standard nine-inning format gives everyone a fair shot at showing off their skills.

League Play, on the other hand, is for players who want to dive deeper into game. You can draft a team of nine kids, each with unique quirks and abilities and create your dream baseball franchise. Some kids even have sibling pairs which work well together but take up two valuable roster spots. The creativity and variety in choosing your team make League Play especially engaging. Not only does it include a full season but players can also aim for the playoffs and championships, adding many hours of fun to Backyard Baseball ‘97.

Backyard Baseball ‘97 Is a Fun and Nostalgic Blast From the Past

Backyard Baseball ‘97 brings back the charm of original game, appealing to baseball fans and nostalgic players alike. Real highlight of the remaster is its memorable cast of characters each of whom adds personality and fun to game. While mechanics are simple, there’s a surprising amount of depth that can keep players engaged. Newcomers may need bit of time to get used to slower, old-school pace but game’s nostalgic charm makes it a delightful experience for those who grew up playing it. Overall, Backyard Baseball ‘97 is a fun and casual way to relive childhood baseball dreams.

Backyard Baseball ‘97 Pros and Cons

👍 Pros👎 Cons
🎮 Fun and memorable characters🎨 Old art style with no updates
🏆 League Play offers lots of replay value🕹️ Slow controls may frustrate younger players
🔧 Impressive remaster achievementGameplay feels slow for modern standards
🕹️ Strong nostalgia for old fans🛠️ Some mechanics feel outdated

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