But for the sake of playability, it would have been better to make it too easy than too hard. It is only natural that they have limitations.
#BACKYARD FOOTBALL 2006 PC VIDEO GAME REVIEW PROFESSIONAL#
I understand that we are dealing with children here, and not professional football players. Passes are routinely dropped or intercepted, your offensive and defensive lines are inconsistent, and the running plays are weak. Despite the simplicity of the playbook and control scheme, it is nearly impossible to complete a play. With the simple interface, a plucky cartoon style, and pint-sized players adorned with the logos of your favorite NFL teams-what could go wrong? Well, first and foremost, the game is no fun to play. In this way, younger players that are new to the game can take their first steps on their way to joining the ranks of the elite, or at least your typical, obsessive, jaded football gamer. Most are as simple as seeing the route and knowing that \"P\" stands for pass, \"R\" stands for run, and so on. There are 16 offensive plays, 16 defensive, and a handful of special teams plays labeled \"kicking.\" No play is too overwhelming. The gameplay is made simple with an easy interface, plenty of hints and tutorials, and a minimum of plays to choose from. For example, you can replace the traditional 10-yard first down conversions with two-play conversions or no first downs if you like.
The options menu allows you to adjust the rules of the game from the standard to more of a little league style of play. You can realign your roster, but as each player\'s abilities are so strongly suited to a particular position, it is ill advised. Little input is required to run a season. A handful of NFL stars make an appearance, as children, in the form of unlockable bonus players. There is no second string, no injuries, so everyone gets to play in every game. Players are automatically assigned a position based on their strengths.
You choose your roster from the best and brightest youngsters in the neighborhood, in much the same way kids have been picking teams on the playground for generations-you point at the kid you want and he or she is on your team. Season Mode proceeds as you would expect. I laughed out loud at the bumbling announcer who tries to spread his knowledge of the game by informing us that \"in England, a field goal is called.um, cricket!\" Of course any old school gamer knows that his statement is sheer genius compared the sage advice John Madden has given us over the generations.īackyard Football 2006 allows you to play an entire season, a single pick-up game, or a two-player multiplayer game. The humor in Backyard Football 2006 works for both a young audience and older gamers weary of all of the old video game clich?s. In a case where you are third and long and fail to convert by using a running play, the announcers will let you know that a passing play would be a better choice next time you are in that situation. The announcers serve basically two purposes: they provide helpful hints and witty banter. Both they and the announcers cheer you on throughout the game.
The sound is much different than that of your usual football game. The playing fields are set in various places, with backdrops as familiar as the neighborhood trailer park to those as picturesque as an ocean vista. Your team is outfitted with the regulation gear of your favorite NFL team (I guess this game flies under the radar of the EA Sports juggernaut, and their exclusive license). The 3D player models are clean and cartoony, with big heads, rounded features, and expressionate faces. For those of you familiar with Nickelodeon\'s animated line-up, the look of the game is very Jimmy Neutron. The allure of Backyard Football 2006 begins with the presentation. While it may be intended for a younger audience, escaping the burden of complexity inherent to either of the crown jewels of the EA Sports line, Madden and NCAA Football, and playing a simple game of football between kids in the neighborhood is a concept that could turn the heart of even the most hard core sports elitist. The charm of Backyard Football 2006 is undeniable. The little tykes are cute, I\'ll give them that.