Gridiron Masters '98

Gridiron Masters '98 - Early Access Review - 7/10 Recommended tldr: Approach this game as a coach prestige sim rather than a team dynasty and you'll have a great time. Fight that instinct and you'll frustrate yourself. PROS Aesthetic- The late 90s visuals are genuinely well executed. The menu presentation and CSPN broadcast segments create a mood that's hard to find in this genre. It doesn't feel like nostalgia for its own sake, there are deliberate decisions being made that feel intentional. Team Pool Size- The roster of the teams is kept smaller than you might expect, but it works in the game's favor. Conference rivals feel meaningful, each program has an identity, and the college football landscape feels relatable rather than anonymous. Recruiting- Player names feel distinct rather than procedurally generic. Small detail, but it goes a long way toward making the game come alive. CONS Coaching Carousel- Coordinator and player turnover at season's end can hit harder than expected. Build your roster and staff with the assumption that you'll lose someone important, because eventually you will. Loyalty to a program can quietly work against you over time. Path to Winning- Success can feel like random variance rather than the logical payoff of good preparation. The scouting system deals in opinions rather than grades, which is thematically interesting but can make roster building feel opaque. I found myself scrambling some seasons to have enough replacements for seniors graduating or transfers moving on. Native Imagery- Worth knowing before you buy. Adding Native American players in the game would go a long way towards offsetting the discomfort here. Overall A charming coaching sim that captures something college sports games haven't in a long time. It needs more time in the oven, but the foundation is genuinely worth supporting. 7/10.