Backyard Baseball 2007

Backyard Sports markets itself as the only brand of games starring pro athletes as kids. While an interesting idea for younger players, that promo might not come across well to adult gamers.

The good news is that the game content is not only suitable for all ages, but can also be enjoyed by all ages. That's what got me hooked on the series in the first place.

Backyard Baseball 07 blends simplicity with velocity. Whether you're playing a full-length game or one that's been cut, the experience is not one of time and patience – it's one of quick thinking and on-the-fly strategizing. Players are only limited by the speed at which they choose to move. Most animations are short, and any that go beyond a couple of seconds (ex: scoring a homerun triggers a replay) can be skipped by pressing the X button.

Batting, pitching, and fielding controls are deep but not complex. As expected, the four face buttons give you four different options. As the pitcher, you can throw a curve ball, screw ball, give 'em some heat, or change it up. The left analog stick lets you pinpoint exactly where the ball will land, adding depth and precision to an arcade environment.

Those are your basic moves, and will surely need to be mastered in order to get anywhere in this game. However, they are not the best are the most exciting part of being a pitcher. Backyard Baseball gives you a power-up meter that fills based on your performance. Once full, the meter allows you to unleash special powers that will deceive and confuse even the best AI and real-world opponents.

Need a fastball? I mean a ball-so-quick-you-can-barely-see-it-fast-ball? That's where the Meteor Ball comes into play. You'll swear you can hit it every time it flies your way. But by the time you've sworn and swung your bat, the ball will have already passed.

Freezer is hilarious and surprising. You'll be stunned the first time it comes your way. It starts out like any normal pitch. Then, about half-way to your bat, it freezes in mid-air. You can't reach it, so there's nothing that can be done. If you swing now, the ball will un-freeze, continue on its path and you'll get a strike. But if you wait for it to un-freeze before swinging, do you really think you'll be fast enough to hit the ball?

Zig-Zagger is just what it sounds like – a ball that zigs and zags across the field, finally making its way to the batter. Elevator sends the ball on a bit of a roller-coaster ride, while Vaporizer makes the ball invisible.

Other pitching power-ups include Split Ball (ball splits into two, only one of which is the real ball), and Kitchen Sink (another roller-coaster of sorts, but much more amusing).

Batters have the power-up advantage as well. The standard controls let you access power and line swings, as well as two bunts (left or right). Similarly, the right analog stick lets you swing high, low, close or far. Once the power-up meter has been filled, players will get to swing so hard the ball will scream. "Don't worry," reads the description. "The ball doesn't get hurt." Called a "Screaming Liner," this move leaves a path of rings behind the ball as it sores toward its destination.

Spring Fever is similar to the roller-coaster balls your pitcher can use. Likewise, Free Radical will remind you of the Zig-Zagger pitch. Popcorn Bunt spawns multiple balls to confuse your opponents. Static Zing is a handy move that'll harmlessly shock the first player who touches the ball, while Slime Ball covers the ball in goop and prevents it from being caught or thrown.

The Teleporter ball is a bit of a pain for all players, not just the catchers trying to nab it. Once hit, the ball hops around the field long enough for you to get to second base. After that it lands – not far away like it should, but typically somewhere close enough for your opponents to get it and knock you out.

I prefer this arcade-style, power-up type of gameplay over the more restrictive simulation titles. However, there is one thing missing from Backyard Baseball 07 that the other guys have: controls that are always responsive.

This game has a great setup, and for the most part it works very well. But there were times when I'd lose out because the game didn't recognize my action. Example: one player on second, another on third. I pressed the X button to get them to run home (each face button triggers a specific base for players to run to). Normally this works fine. But every once in a while it felt like my controller had been unplugged (it hadn't, nor had it been loosened).

Control imperfections aside, Backyard Baseball 07 is an enjoyable action-oriented baseball game that anyone can pick up and play. Players and statistics have been updated, and you can play through a full season. The Fielder's Challenge and Home Run Derby mini-games are back for more multiplayer fun. If you've played the last version, you know that most of this content is the same. But for those who don't have it, and for those who must have every statistical upgrade possible, Backyard Baseball 07 is a good buy.

Gameplay: 7.2
Backyard Baseball 07 is a cool and creative take on the simulation sports game formula. The controls aren’t perfectly responsive, but the setup is great, pitching is easy and strategic, and hitting homeruns is practically a breeze. It’s truly a pick-up-and-play experience.

Graphics: 6.0
While not all that realistic or technologically advanced, Backyard Baseball 07 has a kiddie art style that’s strangely appealing. The playing fields – which are more than just backyards – are particularly noteworthy.

Sound: 5.0
While the music and player introduction themes are amusing the first time you hear them, the kiddie commentary is just plain annoying.

Difficulty: Easy
Straightforward, arcade-style controls and forgiving (and sometimes clumsy) AI give Backyard Baseball 07 just what it needs to be an entry-level sports game.

Concept: 6.0
The only MLB game starring pros as kids. It’s an old (but still effective) concept.

Multiplayer: 7.0
Like Midway’s rule-less baseball game, Backyard Baseball 07 is for two players only. It’s enjoyable when it’s not glitchy, but you’re still going to wish it offered four-player (simultaneous) multi-tap support.

Overall: 7.0
Those who own the last edition should probably skip the latest update, as it doesn’t offer a lot of new content. But if you’ve never played in the backyard before, why not do so while the sun is still shining?