Backyard Sports Baseball 2007
© 2006 Humongous Inc.
Looking for a basic, kid-friendly baseball simulation? Here's a good choice; although you should note that there's not that much that is different with the 2007 version compared with releases from earlier years--besides an updated roster of players and a sportscaster that isn't as good or funny as in previous years. (You can learn more from www.backyardsports.com.) We tested both the GameCube and Game Boy Advance versions of the game -- ratings apply to the GameCube verison. Content includes a roster of Major League Baseball players as kids, from 30 teams. The uniforms and logos are also MLB-inspired. There are ten possible teams, interactive fields and two challenge levels. Other options let you toggle pitching and batting controls, or create your own player by choosing such details as eye color, gender or batting ability. There's a bit of complexity to this game, which is both a strength and a weakness. We had to navigate through over 20 menus -- most of which require reading -- in order to start a game. So while children younger than seven will be able to play the game, they'll need help with the setup process. Testers Nick (age 11) and Daniel (age 7) played the GBA version of the game and concluded that if you're a prior fan of the other Backyard Sports games, you'll love this game -- although there are no significant differences. The boys liked being able to play as their favorite MLB players as kids. When playing as a rookie, it's easier to pitch, hit and field the ball. Both recommended that parents should buy it. We're mixed on the console version. Note that is also a Windows version, for $20.
$29.99, Game Boy Advance*, PlayStation 2, GameCube*, Windows
Teaches: sports, baseball, reading, language experience
CTR Rating: 84%