Backyard Baseball '97 Game Cover
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Backyard Baseball '97, now on Steam, is a classic game that brings fun and excitement to baseball. Create your dream team, play pick-up games, practice batting, and keep track of stats. With adjustable game modes, including single games and a whole season, players of all skill levels can enjoy this realistic yet user-friendly game. Relive the nostalgia of backyard baseball!

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 665 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
stability5 negative mentions
  • The game perfectly captures the nostalgia of the original 1997 version, providing a charming and fun experience for both returning players and newcomers.
  • Pablo Sanchez remains a standout character, and the gameplay is simple yet engaging, making it accessible for players of all ages.
  • The port runs smoothly on modern systems, allowing players to relive their childhood memories without significant technical issues.
  • The game lacks modern updates or enhancements, which may disappoint players expecting improvements in graphics or gameplay mechanics.
  • There are some technical issues, such as cursor glitches and limited screen resolution options, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The AI can be frustrating at times, with questionable decision-making and frequent errors during gameplay.
  • gameplay22 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics that are easy to learn but offer depth for mastery, making it enjoyable for both nostalgic players and newcomers. While some feel the gameplay hasn't aged perfectly, it retains a charming quality with lovable characters and a fun, arcade-like atmosphere that appeals to a wide audience. Overall, it strikes a balance between retro appeal and satisfying gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

    • “I'm usually not that much into sports, but this game is just really fun to play, and the gameplay feels just as good as it did back in the day.”
    • “The gameplay is simple yet it remains fresh every time it is played.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, but surprisingly deep and complex for a game made for children.”
    • “However, I only wanted the quirky gameplay and ball flights, and it took far too long.”
    • “Some fans of the original game might be disappointed at the lack of visual and gameplay improvements, but it's perfect for newcomers, especially those of the target audience.”
    • “If you never played back then, it is likely worth trying it, though you may decide to return it as it is very much a retro game with gameplay that aged better than I expected.”
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic 90s art style that appeals to long-time fans, with no significant updates or graphical glitches. While some users note the visuals are basic and average, they appreciate the smooth performance and charm that evoke fond memories. Overall, the graphics serve to enhance the nostalgic experience rather than compete with modern standards.

    • “The drawn art style has ensured that outside of some aliasing, this game barely feels like it's aged more than 2 years despite being almost 30 years old.”
    • “It runs smooth and the upgraded graphics make it smoother and cleaner without making it feel clunky, loving the nostalgia while playing this game again.”
    • “Aspects like this aside, the commentary, art style, and neighborhood feel each of the parks gave you made it feel as if you were revisiting old friends each time you logged on.”
    • “The graphics are average and it's a little silly, but if you're into very basic point and click games, this is enjoyable even if you've never played it before.”
    • “Also don't go in thinking this is gonna be a modernized version with better graphics because it's the same as the original.”
    • “Will this game blow you out of the water with graphics or innovative features?”
  • stability6 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users noting it runs well and has minimal graphical glitches. However, some players report minor bugs reminiscent of the original version from 1997, suggesting that while the game is stable, it still retains some of its historical quirks.

    • “Runs great.”
    • “The game maintains a smooth performance without any crashes.”
    • “I appreciate how stable the gameplay is, even during intense moments.”
    • “Backyard Baseball '97 is good, a little buggy in some places, but I know it will be fixed in time. I can't wait to see the other games too; glad the Backyard games are back!”
    • “I would love to say this game lives up to the nostalgia for all the right reasons so far, but it's just as buggy as it was in 1997.”
    • “Yes, it's a little buggy, but c'mon man.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The optimization of the game has been praised for its smooth performance, effectively modernizing a classic title for contemporary systems, including the Steam Deck. While it doesn't introduce significant new features, minor adjustments enhance performance and nostalgia, making it a satisfying experience for long-time fans.

    • “They offer nothing new whatsoever, but they took the old game and made it run smoothly and perfectly over 25 years later.”
    • “Seems to run smoothly and scratches the nostalgia itch.”
    • “Ever so slightly 'modded (very loosely stated)' to add a few extra performance features.”
    • “Steam Deck users need to adjust the performance settings to make the game fill the screen correctly by setting the scaling mode to 'fit'.”
    • “The game is only ever so slightly 'modded' to add a few extra performance features.”
  • story3 mentions

    The reviews indicate that there is no significant story present in the game, with one user humorously noting the lack of narrative depth.

    • “There is no story to speak of.”
    • “The narrative is completely absent.”
    • “The game lacks any meaningful storyline.”
  • humor3 mentions

    The humor in the game remains timeless and engaging, eliciting genuine laughter and enjoyment from players even after many years. Users highlight the game's ability to create memorable and hilarious moments, making it a fun experience for couples and friends alike.

    • “17 years later and I'm finding that this gem is just as exciting, funny, and just plain awesome as it was before.”
    • “My fiancée and I spent most of the night just laughing and playing.”
    • “It's got me on the living room floor in a ball laughing.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Reviewers indicate that the lack of a scaling feature limits the game's replayability, particularly on smaller screens like the Steam Deck, as it detracts from the original experience. Consequently, players feel there is little incentive to revisit the game.

    • “A scaling feature like that on UFO 50 would make the game significantly more playable on both Steam Deck and small monitors, as well as allowing fans to get as close to the original resolution that they can perceive.”
    • “Because of this, there’s nothing really replayable.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players find the characters in Backyard Baseball '97 to be deeply relatable and wholesome, contributing to an emotional journey that resonates with their childhood experiences and has had a lasting impact on their lives.

    • “These characters are so wholesome with their well-scripted voices and personalities.”
    • “Backyard Baseball '97 wasn’t just a game—it was an emotional journey, one that wove itself into the fabric of my childhood and, ultimately, changed the course of my life.”
  • music2 mentions

    The music in the game closely mirrors that of the original, with standout tracks like Pablo Sanchez's walk-out song being particularly praised and considered a highlight worth the price of admission.

    • “Everything down to the music is the same as the original.”
    • “Pablo Sanchez's walk-out song is worth the price tag alone.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players express that the grinding aspect of the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic amount of effort, akin to needing a second life to fully engage with it.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
    • “Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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