Publisher Playground Productions and Developer Mega Cat Studios Unveil Remastered Edition of Backyard Baseball ’97
Publisher Playground Productions and developer Mega Cat Studios have unveiled a remastered edition of the beloved classic, Backyard Baseball ’97, originally released in 1997. This nostalgic title is set to make its debut on PC via Steam on October 10.
Lindsay Barnett, CEO and founder of Playground Productions, expressed her excitement in a recent press release, stating, “This was my favorite game growing up. While we’re already hard at work on the future of Backyard Sports, we first want to honor the past by restoring the games that started it all for me and so many others—beginning with Backyard Baseball 1997.”
Chris Waters, chief product officer at Playground Productions, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dedication of the engineering team: “This is just the beginning for Backyard and Mega Cat. We’re so proud of the engineers who worked long hours and overcame many obstacles to bring Backyard Baseball ’97 back to the gaming community.”
Game Overview
Players can expect to relive the charm of the original Backyard Baseball ’97, now enhanced for modern platforms. The game invites players to assemble their dream teams, hit home runs, and enjoy the lighthearted banter that made the original a fan favorite. With features that include:
- Pick-up games
- Batting practice
- Stat tracking
- Single games or full seasons
- Customizable rules
This remaster retains the essence of adult baseball games while offering simple, intuitive controls that cater to players of all ages.
Gameplay Mechanics
The rules of Backyard Baseball blend elements from both Major and Little League baseball:
- No leading off
- No injuries
- Bunting is permitted
- Tagging up is allowed
- Batting practice available
Players can engage in batting practice against Mr. Clanky, honing their skills to ensure they connect with the ball at just the right moment.
Iconic Characters and Game Modes
One of the standout features of this remaster is the inclusion of Pablo Sanchez, a character who has become an icon in the gaming world. Players can build their rosters from a diverse cast of 30 amusing child athletes, each contributing to the game’s cult status.
The game offers several modes to enhance the experience:
- Random Pick-Up: Jump straight into the action with randomly assigned teams.
- Single Game: Take turns selecting players from a random pool.
- Season: Create and manage a team through a 14-game series, culminating in playoffs and championship rounds.
Competitive Edge
For those seeking a competitive thrill, the game features a global leaderboard system through Steam, allowing players to track their performance in real-time. From home runs to strike-outs, players can see how they measure up against friends and gamers worldwide.
Development Journey
The remastering process was not without its challenges. With the original source code lost to time, Playground Productions collaborated with Mega Cat Studios to breathe new life into this classic. A dedicated team of gamers and Backyard Sports enthusiasts worked tirelessly to hack the original CD-ROM and develop new builds compatible with current PCs. While the game is initially available only on PC, both companies are committed to expanding the Backyard Sports franchise to multiple platforms in the future.
As anticipation builds for the launch, fans of all ages can look forward to experiencing the joy of Backyard Baseball ’97 once again, rekindling fond memories while introducing a new generation to the fun of backyard sports.
Steam Announce Trailer
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