The highly anticipated return of the beloved Backyard Sports series is just around the corner, with the launch of Backyard Baseball ’97 set for October 10.
Playground Productions, the company that now owns the Backyard Sports game series, recently announced its plans to revive the franchise with new games, film adaptations, and TV shows. While details were initially vague, it has now been revealed that the classic sports games will make their comeback starting with Steam releases.
Backyard Baseball ’97 will mark the beginning of this revival on October 10, priced at $10. This nostalgic release stays true to the original game, featuring a group of kids forming teams and competing in a season without official MLB players or teams. Despite the original source code being lost, Playground Productions collaborated with Mega Cat Studios to recreate the game for modern PCs using a hack of the original CD-ROM.
Having had early access to Backyard Baseball ’97, I can attest to its timeless charm. Despite lacking modern embellishments, the game remains enjoyable and accessible for players of all ages.
While some may yearn for additional features or updates, the simplicity of Backyard Baseball ’97 is part of its appeal. The effort put into reviving the game for a new generation is commendable, making it easy for fans to relive the magic without complications.
With a smooth gameplay experience and engaging visuals, Backyard Baseball ’97 offers a delightful escape for baseball enthusiasts. Its straightforward mechanics and lovable characters make it a perfect choice for casual gaming sessions or family fun.
The re-release of Backyard Baseball ’97 on Steam demonstrates Playground Productions’ commitment to keeping the franchise alive. Hopefully, this is just the beginning, and we can look forward to seeing other Backyard Sports titles such as Backyard Soccer, Backyard Football, Backyard Basketball, and Backyard Hockey receive similar treatment in the future.
Mark your calendars for the launch of Backyard Baseball ’97 on Steam for $10 on October 10.
