Preview: The Return of Backyard Baseball 97 – A Nostalgic Home Run for the Kids
Backyard Baseball is back, and while it still holds up well, it’s clear that the game remains primarily aimed at a younger audience. If you’re a long-time fan of the classic children’s sports franchise, there’s a lot of nostalgia to enjoy here. But make no mistake, this game is still for the kids.
Backyard Baseball 97 Returns in Full Swing
The return of Backyard Baseball on Steam brings back fond memories of the game that once dominated many childhoods. Originally launched in 1997, this classic sports game is now accessible without the need for shady downloads or overpriced eBay copies. Backyard Baseball has always been known for its vibrant characters and simple yet fun mechanics, and the Steam re-release retains that charm.
Diverse Characters Make the Game Shine
The heart of Backyard Baseball has always been its roster of 30 diverse and memorable kids, each with their own distinct personalities and abilities. From Pete Wheeler, the fast but clueless runner, to Keisha Phillips, the towering power hitter, every character has a unique appeal. And, of course, there’s Pablo Sanchez—the Secret Weapon—who is a fan favorite for being able to dominate every aspect of the game.
This emphasis on character-driven fun is what makes Backyard Baseball timeless. It’s more than just a baseball game; it’s a world full of charm and personality, where every kid feels like a real player, complete with voice lines, nicknames, and fun interactions.
A Kid’s-Eye View of Baseball
Backyard Baseball continues to capture the magic of childhood by immersing players in makeshift baseball fields that resemble what you’d find in any neighborhood. Fields like Tin Can Alley, with its quirky obstacles, or Ernie Steele’s backyard, complete with a neighbor’s pool, add a sense of authenticity and fun to the game. The game’s colorful 2D graphics, combined with humorous commentary from Sunny Day and Vinny The Gooch, create a light-hearted atmosphere that’s perfect for kids.
The core gameplay remains simple, relying on point-and-click mechanics to move players and pitch or swing. It’s an intuitive setup that makes it easy for young players or those new to gaming to pick up. The challenge lies in timing and positioning, which are vital in both batting and fielding.
Still Fun, But Not for the Older Crowd
Despite the nostalgia, Backyard Baseball is, at its core, a game for children. As someone who played the original game in the late ’90s, I found myself breezing through matches, even on the highest difficulty settings. The game doesn’t present much of a challenge for adult players, and after a few innings, the CPU couldn’t keep up, leading to lopsided victories.
While the baseball mechanics still hold up, and the characters are as fun as ever, adult players may find the lack of challenge disappointing. However, this doesn’t take away from the fact that Backyard Baseball remains an excellent game for kids, and parents can enjoy sharing this part of their childhood with a new generation.
A Missed Opportunity for Modern Features
One notable downside of the re-release is the lack of modern features like online multiplayer or co-op modes. With only a pick-up game and season mode available, there’s not much to keep older players engaged for long. Hopefully, a modding community will develop around the game, bringing in new features or enhancements. A more modern remaster could have included quality-of-life updates or additional content, but for now, this re-release stays true to the original.
A Heartwarming Game for Kids and Families
At its core, Backyard Baseball is a game that’s still incredibly enjoyable for children. Its simple controls, colorful characters, and fun gameplay make it perfect for young players just getting into sports games. For adults, it may not be as challenging as we remember, but passing the game on to the next generation brings its own kind of joy. Playing alongside your kids, watching their excitement, and seeing which characters become their favorites is where Backyard Baseball truly shines in 2024.
Get the game here.
