Steam Just Quietly Added The Most Classic Sports Game Ever, Right in Time For Football Season

"And now an entirely new generation, or anyone looking for that weekly dose of nostalgia, can dive into Backyard Football '99 on Steam, or on your mobile device if you need a football fix on the go - you could even play it while you're at an actual NFL game. While it's a game that does show its age, its simplistic approach to recreating America's favorite pastime is undeniably charming, and a genuine good time for anyone of any age."

"This new re-released version of the game is exactly the same as the original, just updated for modern systems and with a few extra things like Steam Achievements. Developer Mega Cat Studios has said the main goal of these releases is preservation, and that's something I genuinely respect, considering how the Backyard games helped mold my life - giving me a bridge between two of the major facets of my adolescence."

"Originally released in, you guessed it, 1999, Backyard Football was one of the first games in the franchise to feature kid versions of real-life sports stars. Alongside the iconic series' characters like Pablo Sanchez, you could now recruit the likes of John Elway, Jerry Rice, and Barry Sanders to your team. All of the original players are in this version, outside of one obvious exclusion - Brett Favre, who has been replaced by Chase Downfield."

Backyard Football '99 returns as a faithful re-release updated for modern systems and mobile platforms, retaining original gameplay and characters while adding Steam Achievements. The release prioritizes preservation and emulation of the 1999 experience, preserving the game's Saturday-morning-cartoon aesthetic and simple, charming approach to football. The roster includes kid versions of real-life stars like John Elway, Jerry Rice, and Barry Sanders alongside series staples such as Pablo Sanchez. One original player, Brett Favre, is omitted and replaced by Chase Downfield. The game shows its age visually but remains accessible and enjoyable for new players and nostalgic fans.

Read at Inverse