Description

"All-Star 1997 Featuring Frank Thomas," released for the Sega Saturn, is a baseball simulation game that stood out in its era for its realistic graphics and the endorsement of Frank Thomas, a renowned MLB player. Developed by Acclaim Entertainment, this game offers players an advanced baseball experience with detailed player models and an expansive array of animations that mimic real-life baseball actions. Players can engage in various modes such as Season, Exhibition, and Home Run Derby, either solo or in multiplayer settings, providing a comprehensive baseball experience. The inclusion of all 28 Major League Baseball teams from that period, complete with authentic player rosters and stadiums, adds an extra layer of realism for baseball fans.

The game is notable for its early use of 3D graphics, which was a significant step forward in sports gaming at the time. "All-Star 1997 Featuring Frank Thomas" leveraged the Sega Saturn's capabilities, including its sound system and graphics hardware, to provide an immersive sports gaming environment. One of the unique aspects of the game was its 'Big Hurt' meter—a feature that captured the prowess of Frank Thomas himself. This meter would fill up as players successfully hit and make plays, eventually enabling a powerful batting advantage, illustrating an innovative use of player endorsements in video gaming. Despite the competitive market of sports games during the late 90s, this game carved out a niche among Saturn owners and remains a fond memory for classic sports gaming enthusiasts.