Simplistic graphics, easy controls and guidance icons/text help younger audiences find their way around the gridiron. The graphics have clipping issues (e.g. hands frequently go through chest when proud players crow about their touchdowns. The background changes from light to dark when calling plays. These changes don't really enhance the play screens as much as unnecessarily fatigues the eyes during gameplay. Fading the background while keeping the same light would have been better.
Unlike other non-Wii Backyard console games, figuring out the power up plays are easy because of text and more obvious animation. Special power move animations boost the kid friendly excitement and humor. The stonewall tackles/hits also heighten the action while having no timeouts forces players to be good clock managers and keeps the games moving at a rapid pace. Statistics move players toward higher goals on individual and team levels.
This is a nice stepping stone for other NFL games, but a decent sports title on its own as well.
Backyard Football is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. This game can also be found on: Nintendo DS, PC, and PS2.
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