The excellent series of sport sims designed for — and starring — kids has expanded with a new sport. Now kids as young as seven can shoot hoops with the Backyard Bunch, a group of animated children all anxious to play a good game of basketball. Featuring the kid-friendly controls and features that distinguish the Backyard Sports software line, Backyard Basketball will entertain and even educate children.
Younger children and those who prefer casual game-play can choose practice mode to simply practice their shots or single game mode to play a full game against the computer or a human opponent. Part of the fun involves drafting the team players, though kids can always opt to have the computer select players for them. Sitting amongst the enthusiastic children on the bleachers are kid versions of real-life pro players, Kevin Garnett and Lisa Leslie. The rest of the kids are an eclectic mix of characters, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Viewing an individual player's trading card reveals that child's skill ratings, as well as a few sentences about his or her personality. Both of these factors affect the team and, ultimately, the game. A few kids on the bench are translucent — these players are customizable! Kids can choose a name for their very own rookie, and adjust the skill ratings.
The Season Play mode requires more commitment and strategic-thinking skills. The goal of this mode of play is to create a team and direct it through an 18-game season, working towards making the playoffs. Kids choose a team name and its colors. Most importantly, they will need to arrive at a good mix of players, and trading some members of the team along the way may be necessary in order to maximize success. This mode is challenging enough to engage children ages 10 and up, and even their parents!
Commentary from Sunny Day, who does the play-by-play, and Barry Dejay, who handles color commentary, adds to the fun of the game. In a cute touch, the "player of the game" is even interviewed after the game. When Season Play mode is selected, kids can check up on Division and Conference standings, player statistics, and the top 10 players and teams.
With Backyard Basketball, kids are given countless options for maximum fun. There are nine courts to choose from, three levels of difficulty, and various settings (like violations, fatigue, and manual shot control) that can be turned on or off. Even on-court chatter between players and replays have on/off "switches."
The developers seemed to have gone out of their way to create a game that is both fun and responsible. Cooperation and team spirit are emphasized, and focus is on team strategy. In addition, stereotypes and bias are avoided — players for the team have a pleasing mix of ethnic backgrounds, come in all shapes and sizes, and are balanced in gender. Some of the most skilled players don't always "look" the part. A boy in a wheelchair is a great asset to the team, and players quickly realize that each child has strengths that contribute to a well-rounded team.
