The highly anticipated comeback of the Backyard Sports series is just around the corner, as it has been announced that Backyard Baseball ’97 will be available on October 10.
In August, a new entity called Playground Productions surfaced, proclaiming ownership of Humongous Entertainment’s Backyard Sports game series, with plans to breathe new life into the franchise across various media including games, movies, and television. Although they hinted at future re-releases, specifics were sparse. Now, we finally have some clarity: the initial offering will be the revival of these classic sports games on Steam.
Backyard Baseball ’97 will launch on October 10 with a price tag of $10. This release is a faithful reproduction of the original game that initiated the Backyard Sports franchise. Notably, there are no real MLB players or teams; instead, players form teams with a diverse group of kids as they navigate through a season. Although the original source code was lost, Playground Productions collaborated with Mega Cat Studios to recreate the game by utilizing a CD-ROM version, effectively crafting a new build suitable for modern PCs.
I had the opportunity to test Backyard Baseball ’97 ahead of its release, and I found it to be a straightforward reboot of a classic kids’ game, which still manages to resonate with players today.
This title doesn’t come packed with many features commonly found in modern remasters, such as bonus content or special editions. Mega Cat Studios successfully revived the original game, ensuring it operates seamlessly on today’s PCs, much like it did back in 1999. Although some players might wish for significant updates or additional features that evolved in later installments, I value its straightforwardness, especially given the effort Mega Cat Studios invested in bringing it back.
Players now have an official way to buy and enjoy the game through a leading digital distribution platform, eliminating any technical issues commonly associated with emulation. Despite its simplicity, the original Backyard Baseball still stands strong. The distinct art style and animation in Backyard Baseball ’97 maintain their charm, and the diverse cast of characters available for team selection is delightful. The game is designed to be accessible with just a mouse, offering a lighthearted experience that teaches young players the fundamentals of baseball or gives adults a chance to unwind during busy days.
The Backyard Baseball series has always had a special appeal, and the release of Backyard Baseball ’97 on Steam reinforces that charm. If Playground Productions is serious about reviving this beloved franchise, making the original titles accessible on contemporary PCs is a smart leap forward, even if it lacks the polish typical of releases by companies like Digital Eclipse or Limited Run Games. Let’s hope that titles like Backyard Soccer, Backyard Football, Backyard Basketball, and Backyard Hockey will follow in the same spirit soon.
Mark your calendars: Backyard Baseball ’97 will hit Steam on October 10, priced at $10.
