Backyard Baseball

If you have a child who is between the ages of five and ten who enjoys baseball, this latest program from Humongous Entertainment will be a sure fire holiday hit! This program is another in the line up of great programs from Humongous Entertainment!

Backyard Baseball allows your kids to play ball regardless of the weather, the season or the number of kids on the block. This is a terrific program down to the last detail. Your kids will hang out in a virtual treehouse full of baseball paraphernalia. A card collection contains pictures and statistics of all the players in the 'neighborhood.' A trophy shelf hold trophies which can be customized to say things like "Ultimate Champion of the Universe." The real fun comes when it is time to play ball. Your kids can either be a league coach, or join in on regular backyard play. A pair of handy binoculars lets your kids look out the window at the various fields in the area to find a good pick up game. If your child chooses league play, regularly scheduled games will keep the team busy. There are several fields to choose from, each with their own personality and flare. Team names and colors can be chosen, my favorite being the Humongous Melonheads.

Once your child has found a good pick up game, it is time to 'choose up sides.' The kids all sit on a bench and your child must choose kids he or she wants on the team. A bio is included for each child making the choices more than mere luck. It is interesting to watch kids pick the best athlete, or the loner who looks like he just needs a friend. A child's real personality shines during this process. Your child will gather the team in the dugout and discuss team strategy. Batting order and field positions must be decided upon. To further customize the game play, your child can choose to play regular ball or teeball, choose from one of three levels or play a six or nine inning game.

Once all of the details are worked out it is time to play ball! The sounds here are wonderful! As the game proceeds, announcers keep you posted on the progress of the team, the crowd yells and jeers etc. They have thought of every detail including a spitting contest between innings. When each batter comes to the plate, your child will adjust the batters stance and decide what type of swing he or she should take. As the ball approaches the plate, the mouse cursor turns into a bat which must be clicked at just the right moment. Watch out for the freeze ball and the crazy ball...something that could only exist in a cartoon world. Once the inning is over it is out to the field for more outfield fun.

We thoroughly enjoyed this game and I can highly recommend it as one your kids will love to play. If your house includes a baseball fan this is a program you will want near the top of your shopping list.

Grading for Backyard Baseball:

Educational Value- 3
Entertainment Value- 5
Use of medium- 4 1/2
Dollar Value- 4
Age- 6-10

Buy Backyard Baseball 2001 from Amazon