Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball (1989-)

• Developer: TOSE

• Publisher: Brøderbund

• Genre: Sports

• Composer: Yuko Sano

Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball is a sports video game developed by TOSE and published by Brøderbund in North America and Tonkin House in Japan. The game was released in October 1989 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) under the title Softball Tengoku in Japan and as Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball in North America in July 1990. There are no known ports or sequels to the game.

The game offers a unique take on softball, blending elements of traditional baseball with imaginative characters and settings. Players can choose between fast-pitch and slow-pitch modes and select from a roster of 60 characters, each with distinct abilities and appearances. The game features six different playing fields, each with its own unique obstacles and rules. For example, the "Sandlot" field includes high grass and rocks that can interfere with gameplay, while the "School" field has a home run line, but breaking a window on the school building results in an automatic out.

The game's soundtrack, composed by Yuko Sano, complements its energetic gameplay with catchy and upbeat tunes. The music enhances the overall experience, keeping players engaged during matches. The soundtrack has been appreciated by fans for its ability to capture the game's lively atmosphere.

Upon release, Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball received positive reviews for its fun and engaging gameplay. Critics praised the game's unique characters and imaginative settings, noting that it stood out from other sports games of the era. The game's combination of traditional sports mechanics with creative elements contributed to its appeal among players. While it did not spawn any sequels, it remains a memorable title for fans of the NES sports genre.

Images from MobyGames