Yet another Japanese only baseball game, this time from Namco. This one, however, features a different style of batting and some other fun features – such as a Namco-themed stadium.

Instead of very specifically aiming the bat, batting in this game is focused far more on timing, with you just moving slightly to the side and swinging at the right time. I was able to get to grips with this a lot more, and even scored some runs.

Once the ball has been hit, the game switches to a completely different 2D visual style. This works surprisingly well, with your players running and diving for the ball. I felt more in control of the game and based on that, I was able to enjoy this one.

Family Stadium also has a bunch of minigames, which serve as great practice and training for each individual part of the game – one for hitting far, one for hitting specific targets, one for catching balls and so on. They’re fun and can be played solo or with others.

There are also a couple of minigames which aren’t really related to baseball (or practicing one element of it), but are still fun. There’s one where you have to pump up a balloon before an opponent, one where you have to trace a picture and, what seems the most random, a 2D snowball fight minigame.

Family Stadium is the first baseball game that I’ve had some fun with – although I’m not sure if those fully into baseball would agree that it’s better.

Fine

It gives you an incentive to play rather than having you punished every time for the faintest whiff of an error. And despite its pudgy performers and hyper-cute surroundings (including Pac-Man’s Castle Stadium), it’s actually quite a serious baseball sim.

Tim Weaver, N64 Magazine #11. Review Score: 68%

Remake or remaster?

Sports games evolve over time – although minigames should be brought back for them.

Official ways to get the game.

There is no official way to get Family Stadium 64