Fans of Pablo Sanchez can rejoice! Publisher Playground Productions has revitalized the iconic Backyard Sports series, already releasing three games, and now Backyard Football `99 is available on Steam and mobile platforms. Just like the original, the game features a charming cast of young athletes alongside youthful versions of actual NFL legends.
The updated Backyard Football roster once again includes stars such as Barry Sanders, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, Jerry Rice, John Elway, Randall Cunningham, and Steve Young. However, Brett Favre is notably absent from this modern rendition. Developer Mega Cat Studios replaced him with a new character, Chase Downfield, marking the first time a new kid has been introduced in these remasters.
Despite the return of most “kiddified” professional football players, the game lacks any NFL imagery or team references. The original 1999 Backyard Football allowed players to use actual NFL team names, logos, and colors. Instead, players can now form unique teams with names like the Labrador Receivers, the Dirty Socks, or the Ticklish Tornados. Interestingly, Backyard Baseball `01, released on Steam in July, retained MLB teams and references.
Nevertheless, even without Brett Favre and official NFL branding, Backyard Football `99 promises a familiar and nostalgic experience for those who played the original on CD-ROM, thanks to its faithful visuals and audio.
“Backyard Football `99 turned me into a lifelong football fan. From learning plays to managing teams, this game made football accessible, fun, and exciting for all ages.”
Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions, expressed her pride in a press release celebrating the remaster`s launch, adding, “I am incredibly proud to bring it back just in time for football season.”
Playground Productions and Backyard Sports plan to re-release Backyard Basketball `01 and Backyard Hockey `02 next, though their specific launch dates have not yet been announced.