Description

"98 Kōshien" is a baseball simulation game developed by Magical Company (Mahou) and released exclusively in Japan in 1998 for the Sony PlayStation. The game is part of the long-running Kōshien series, named after the prestigious National High School Baseball Championship held annually at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Japan. This particular iteration of the series is celebrated for its detailed emulation of high school baseball culture in Japan, featuring real teams, players, and uniforms from the 1998 season. Players can manage and lead their chosen high school team through rigorous training, seasonal competitions, and towards the ultimate goal of winning the national title at Koshien.

The gameplay in "98 Kōshien" offers a deep tactical experience, allowing players to control nearly every aspect of team management, from setting line-ups and pitching rotations to conducting practice sessions that improve specific player skills. Unique to this game is its highly detailed pitch editor, enabling players to create custom pitches—adjusting everything from speed and breaking direction to spin. The graphics and audio were advanced for the time, providing a realistic baseball atmosphere with accurately rendered stadiums and enthusiastic crowd noises. "98 Kōshien" remains a beloved entry in the genre, noted for its commitment to realism and its educational insight into the high school baseball scene in Japan.