Pablo Sanchez fans, rejoice. After reviving the Backyard Sports name and releasing three games in the quirky and cartoony series, publisher Playground Productions has launched Backyard Football ’99 on Steam and mobile platforms. As with the original release, the football game stars a colorful cast of child athletes, along with younger versions of actual NFL legends.
Real-life players Barry Sanders, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Randall Cunningham, and Steve Young are once again in the Backyard Football roster, though this modern remaster notably lacks Brett Favre. Developer Mega Cat Studios ended up replacing Favre with original character Chase Downfield, which marks the first time these remasters have introduced a new kid.
While most of the kiddified professional football players are back, the game lacks any imagery or references to the NFL. The original 1999 release of Backyard Football let players use actual NFL team names, logos, and colors. Instead, players can form teams like the Labrador Receivers, the Dirty Socks, or the Ticklish Tornados. Interestingly, Backyard Baseball ’01, which was released on Steam in July, includes MLB teams and references.
But despite being bereft of Brett Favre and any NFL iconography, Backyard Football ’99 should still prove to be a familiar and nostalgic romp for those who played the original game on CD-ROM thanks to its faithful visuals and audio.
“Backyard Football ‘99 made me a football fan for life. From learning plays to managing teams, this game made football accessible, fun, and exciting for all ages,” said CEO of Playground Productions Lindsay Barnett in a press release marking the remaster’s release. “I am so proud to bring it back in time for football season.”
Next up for Playground Productions and Backyard Sports are the re-releases of Backyard Basketball ’01 and Backyard Hockey ’02, though there are no announced release dates for either title yet.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.