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.
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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?
