Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

World Series Baseball 98 delivers a robust baseball simulation that caters to both casual players and die-hard fans. The inclusion of three distinct modes—Exhibition, Season, and Playoff—ensures you can jump into a quick game for a pick-up-and-play experience or immerse yourself in a full 162-game campaign. Exhibition mode is perfect for testing out new teams or experimenting with settings, while Season mode offers the depth of roster management and schedule tracking that brings the grind of a real MLB season to your living room.

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The game’s MLB license shines through in every at-bat. With 20 fully licensed teams and more than 700 major league players accurately represented, you’ll find yourself facing off against real rosters from the 1997 season. Pitchers throw signature wind-ups, and batters showcase authentic stances and swing mechanics. This level of detail makes every matchup feel like a true major league contest rather than a generic baseball simulation.

Controls are intuitive yet deep enough to reward skilled timing and strategy. Pitch selection menus allow you to mix fastballs, sliders, and changeups with ease, and the timing-based batting system gives a real sense of connection between your button press and the ball’s trajectory. The option to adjust difficulty settings and enable analog control support keeps the learning curve manageable for newcomers while still offering a challenge for veteran players.

Graphics

Visually, World Series Baseball 98 represents a noticeable step forward from its predecessor. An updated graphics engine brings sharper player models, smoother animations, and more detailed stadium environments. Lighting has been improved to reflect day and night games realistically, and the lush outfield grass and polished infield clay now have a convincing texture that helps draw you into the ballpark atmosphere.

The detailed animations are a standout feature. Pitchers go through their full wind-ups with a variety of motion quirks, from fluid leg kicks to tense follow-throughs. Batters display personalized batting stances, adjusting foot placement and backswings depending on the hitter’s real–world habits. These nuances lend authenticity to each at-bat and make the difference between a routine groundout and a spectacular hook into the corner.

Multiple camera angles let you tailor the visual presentation to your preference. You can choose the classic center-field view, a pitcher’s perspective for honing your pitches, or the 360-degree camera that places you right behind the batter. Meanwhile, play-by-play commentary polished up from earlier installments provides live updates and player stats, enhancing immersion and keeping you informed without pulling you away from the action.

Story

While World Series Baseball 98 doesn’t feature a traditional narrative campaign, it tells a story through your season’s journey. As you guide your chosen team through the grind of spring training, early-season bounces, and pennant races, the unfolding drama of wins, losses, and player performances becomes its own compelling arc. Each victory feels earned, and historical rivalries inject emotional weight into key matchups.

Season mode’s stat tracking and leaderboard system give context to every decision you make. Trading for a star slugger becomes your effort to turn around a mid-season slump, while watching a rookie earn his first major league hit feels like watching the beginning of a legend. These narrative beats emerge naturally from the gameplay rather than from scripted cutscenes, allowing you to craft your own baseball saga.

Playoff mode ratchets the tension up even further, pitting your team against the league’s best in a best-of-series gauntlet. The higher stakes mean that every pitch, swing, and defensive play carries more weight. Whether you’re staging a late-inning rally or trying to protect a slim lead, the emotional highs and lows mirror the true thrills of October baseball.

Overall Experience

World Series Baseball 98 stands out as one of the most authentic baseball sims on the market. Its official MLB license, deep roster of teams and players, and multiple gameplay modes cater to a wide audience. Newcomers can enjoy a straightforward pick-up-and-play mode, while veterans can sink dozens of hours into a full season or playoff run, managing every detail along the way.

The combination of improved visuals, richly detailed animations, and dynamic camera options makes each game a treat for the eyes. Add in engaging play-by-play commentary and you’ve got an experience that captures the sights and sounds of the ballpark. Even without a scripted storyline, the natural ebb and flow of a baseball season generates its own drama, keeping you invested from Opening Day to the World Series.

For anyone seeking a comprehensive baseball experience that balances realism with accessibility, World Series Baseball 98 is a strong pick. Whether you’re vying for a perfect season in Season mode or simply enjoying a quick exhibition game with friends, this installment brings the diamond to life in ways that few predecessors have matched. Lace up your cleats and get ready to step into the batter’s box—America’s pastime awaits.

Retro Replay Score

null/10