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Full Review for Backyard Baseball by cheating101

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Introduction

Backyard Baseball for the PC is the original game of the very large Backyard series. It is simple, challenging, and a heck of a lot of fun for all ages. It was one of my favorite games as a young lad and now, after finding it on my bookcase while cleaning, I replayed this game and couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it still.

Graphics

By today's standard it'd be a 4. But this game is over a decade old, and at the time it was pretty great. It wasn't trying to be full of real life kids, they are all unique and cartoony, perfect for this game. The pitching/Batting also is clean, though, at times it can be frustrating. Despite being very good for it's time, it was a bit glitchy. Shadows often turned people green, and the fence didn't always stop you or the ball on deep fly balls.

Sound

Every character has a unique voice (except the twins who are identical) and I give them major kudos for that. The announcers have witty, though childish banter, however Sunny Day's voice grinds on the ears after several games and you'll need to mute her and all the commentary every couple games and take a break.

Gameplay

It's a wonderfully classic game (now) and has simple, but addictive gameplay. The errors that all the kids make, and the lack of superstars (There is Pablo Sanchez, but that's really the only super star) make every game a challenge because you never know when someone will make that big error that costs your team a run.

The only reason I dock a point on this section is because it lacks the Practice mode that it's sequel (2001) has, and I was very disappointed when I found this my second time through.

Lastability

As much as I love this game and it is a true classic. You can only play 1 season and it will just end with credits. You may no longer play any games with this team again unless you start over as a new coach. In later editions of this game they let you play another season.

Overall

Overall, this is a great game for young kids (5-12+), but it is not one to hold their attention very long. It's fun for a few hours, or infrequently, but is most definitely not the kind of game you will play over and over again. I still give it a 7 because it is the template for the entire Backyard Series and it is classically simple. There aren't 20 all-star MLB guys to pick from, there are just a group of neighborhood kids who are all unique and fun to listen to and "get to know" if you will. If you see this in a markdown bin (though I doubt it at this point) It's worth about $2 for a cheesy play, or $5 if you have kids.

Realistically it's only real place in the world will be for grandparents and aunts/uncles to give to children that come over and entertain them, but it's perfect for that.