World Series Baseball '98 (USA)
Getting to Know World Series Baseball '98 (USA)
World Series Baseball '98 for the SEGA Genesis is a baseball simulation that covers the 1997 MLB season. Released by SEGA in 1997 (though named for the '98 season), this official title brought the diamond to 16-bit consoles with updated rosters and team data from that year. It's one of several annual entries in the World Series Baseball series, which aimed to deliver a realistic (for the time) baseball experience on the Genesis hardware.
You step into the role of manager and player, controlling your chosen MLB team through a full season or quick exhibition games. The gameplay revolves around pitch selection, batting timing, and fielding decisions, all handled via the Genesis controller. You can adjust lineups, check player stats, and attempt to guide your team to the World Series. The core loop involves alternating between pitching (choosing pitch type and location) and batting (timing your swing), with fielding sequences that require quick directional input to make plays.
For a Genesis baseball title, World Series Baseball '98 delivers a solid, if straightforward, sports sim that captures the feel of mid-90s baseball. It's worth trying today if you want a quick dose of retro sports gaming without the complexity of modern simulations. The game holds up as a competent example of the genre on the platform, though it naturally lacks the depth of later entries. Fans of classic SEGA sports titles will find it familiar and fun for short sessions.
How to Play World Series Baseball '98 (USA) Online
Getting Started
When you first boot up, you will see a title screen. Press Enter to proceed. The main menu offers options like Exhibition, Season, or Options. Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice and press X (A button) to confirm. If you select Exhibition, you will then pick two teams from the available MLB squads. Use the arrow keys to scroll and confirm with X.
The core gameplay is turn-based: each batter and pitcher exchange. On the mound, choose your pitch type (fastball, curve, etc.) and location using the D-Pad and button presses. As a batter, watch the incoming pitch and time your swing with the B button (S key). Fielding is automatic except for outfield plays where you control the fielder's movement with the D-Pad and throw to bases with the appropriate button.
To get comfortable, start with an exhibition game on easy difficulty. Pay attention to the on-screen prompts for base running and substitutions. The game does not have extensive tutorials, so expect a short learning curve through trial and error. Remember that V acts as Select if you need to adjust settings in certain menus.
World Series Baseball '98 (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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