Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

MLB 98 delivers a depth of baseball action that was groundbreaking for its time, offering both newcomers and seasoned fans a wide array of modes to dive into. From your first exhibition match to the tension of the World Series, the game strikes a balance between arcade accessibility and simulation fidelity. Controls are intuitive—batting requires timing and shot selection via the main buttons, while pitching blends button combinations with analog-like precision to nail that fastball or curveball.

Beyond the basics, MLB 98 shines in its spectrum of game modes. Exhibition lets you jump right into the fun, whereas Season and Playoffs immerse you in a full campaign, complete with stat tracking that rivals dedicated sports management titles. The Home Run Derby and All-Star Game modes add a festival atmosphere, offering quick, high-octane play sessions when you just want to swing for the fences.

For players craving deeper engagement, the Franchise mode is a highlight. You can draft rookies, negotiate free agency, and orchestrate trades just as a real general manager would. Detailed player creation and the ability to save custom athletes further bolster replayability, allowing you to inject your own heroes into the lineup and watch their careers unfold across multiple seasons.

Graphics

Visually, MLB 98 represents one of Sony’s earliest forays into fully polygonal sports graphics. Players and stadiums are rendered in 3D, with distinct team uniforms and ballpark details that capture each venue’s character—from Fenway Park’s Green Monster to Dodger Stadium’s sprawling stands. While textures are relatively simple by today’s standards, the polygon models convey enough personality to make every ballpark feel unique.

Animation plays a crucial role in the game’s presentation. Batting stances, pitching windups, and fielding movements flow smoothly, giving each player a sense of individuality. Even though occasional clipping or rigid limb rotation can occur, the overall effect is immersive, especially when viewed on the CRT televisions of the late ’90s.

Dynamic camera angles further enhance the spectacle. Whether you’re zoomed in behind the pitcher’s mound or pulling back for an overhead view, the framing adapts to the on-field action, highlighting diving catches or close plays at the plate. These cinematic touches add drama to routine innings, making every crucial out feel like a highlight reel moment.

Story

While MLB 98 is not a narrative-driven title in the traditional sense, it offers a story-like progression through its Season and World Series modes. Each campaign unfolds with tension as your chosen team chases a pennant, facing rivals in pivotal interleague matchups that were newly implemented that year. The interleague play rule brings fresh storylines, pitting historic rivals from the AL and NL against each other in regular season battles.

The real magic lies in the emergent narratives you create. Underperforming rookies can blossom into All-Stars by mid-season, while veteran sluggers might surprise you with a late-game heroics. Tracking stats and milestones over the course of a season builds a natural arc—one that can culminate in a dramatic World Series upset or cement a dynasty through multiple championship runs.

Custom player creation adds another layer of storytelling. Designing your own prospect and guiding them from debut to Hall of Fame status personalizes the narrative. You’ll celebrate their first home run, nurse them through slumps, and reel in free agents to support your squad. This organic progression ensures that every franchise playthrough feels like your own baseball saga.

Overall Experience

MLB 98 stands as a landmark title in Sony’s baseball lineup, capturing the excitement of America’s pastime with a robust feature set and accessible gameplay. Whether you’re chasing a quick victory in Exhibition mode or deep in the weeds of franchise management, the game delivers consistent entertainment value. The inclusion of all 30 MLB teams and up-to-date rosters of 1998 makes it a comprehensive snapshot of that season.

The balance between depth and pick-up-and-play is a core strength. Casual gamers can enjoy batting and fielding without memorizing complex inputs, while hardcore fans can spend hours tweaking lineups, tracking player stats, and orchestrating trades to engineer the perfect team. The variety of modes ensures that no two sessions feel alike, and the multiplayer support of the era adds that competitive spark.

For anyone curious about the evolution of baseball video games, MLB 98 is a must-experience classic. It may not have modern-day polish, but its pioneering 3D graphics, rich mode selection, and authentic MLB presentation paved the way for future entries. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or a fan of baseball simulations, this title offers an engaging trip back to the late ’90s diamond.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10