DESCRIPTION

Backyard Baseball makes its first appearance on the handheld system after a successful run following the title's release for the PC and Macintosh in 1997. Designed to replicate the casual backyard or sandlot "pick up" game played by kids of all ages, Backyard Baseball features quality baseball gameplay with controllable elements of pitching, batting, fielding and running. Recommended for ages seven and up, players can choose from full season, Home Run Derby (six types of play), single game, quick play, or multiplayer action (two players via link cable).

Utilizing both Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association licenses, the game features all 30 MLB teams and logos, as well as a dugout full of major league players depicted as kids. More than 60 players are available to "draft" onto pickup teams, including both male and female stars, of which half are major league stars. Included are such luminaries as Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Piazza, Nomar Garciaparra, Randy Johnson, Sammy Sosa, and Todd Helton among others.

Each player is rated (1 to 10) in batting, pitching, fielding, and running skills, and an option is available to sort names alphabetically or by skill. Up to three custom players can be added to the roster with customization of boy or girl, left- or right-handed, face, and birthday. Multiplayer options include head-to-head games, home run derby action, or trading custom player cards. Saved games are supported only in regular season play, with statistics (single game) and team info (season play) available along with options to change batting orders, fielding positions and view opponent rosters during gameplay. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide