The Backyard sports franchise still does what it has always done best: provide simple game play for children who want to play sports games, but aren’t ready for the big leagues. There is even a bit of graph reading as kids choose ups sides, though it hardly counts as a math lesson. There isn’t much here for grow-ups, but my kid testers enjoyed the slow pace, easy mechanics and simplicity that has long been the series’ trademark. Basically one player pitches, the other hits – you can use buttons or swing the wiimote. New this year are kid versions of MLB stars from every team. You can set multiple difficulty levels, play all-star games, and play a season or just a pickup game. You’re not going to be blown away by the graphics or the commentary, but your 5-7 year olds sports fans will be thankful you took them out to this ballgame!
