Backyard Baseball '10

What’s the Story?

New versions of Backyard Basketball, Football and Baseball videogames have hit store shelves annually for years on dozens of gaming platforms. And it's no surprise as the central, winning concept -- kids and pros (depicted as kids) playing together -- holds up year after year. And with more complicated "simulation" sports like EA's Madden and NBA Live franchises involving complex controls and plays, Backyard games are accessible fun for novices.

In BACKYARD BASEBALL 2010, players can pick from a roster of pros, a diverse assortment of Backyard Kids characters, or play custom-made characters. Modes of play include pro seasons, tournaments and All Star. Families will like that skill level can be adjusted for each player so everyone gets an appropriately challenging experience.

Is It Any Good?

Sports gamers 11 and older will probably want little to do with a game with such a childlike look and feel. They'll balk knowing there are more realistic baseball videogames available with far more depth and sophistication. But for families with young kids, Backyard Baseball 2010 is lots of fun and offers plenty of replay value in the multiple game modes and unlockabes.

Some touches like custom character and team creation (with created names announced during games), add to the fun. It would be nice, however, to see the graphics updated more and it's too bad no more than two players can compete; there are plenty of minigames that could easily be improved to accommodate more.