Backyard Basketball
Ages: Everyone

Don't expect all the bells and whistles you get in the PS2 version of this game, in the tiny DS. But there are some special pluses. You make selections with the touch pad and in place of real pro play you have a gaggle of wild offensive and defensive power ups. Just imagine Hot Hands, Cherry Picker, Robot Ball, and for the defense, Frostbite, Nap Time and Butterfingers.

The green circle highlights the player you are currently controlling. The red circle indicates the open player you can pass to. Gray circles are the opposing players in possession of the ball. It takes some getting used to – meanwhile the computer will win. The top screen does a nice job of showing the score board but the bottom screen is just too small if you have been accustomed to the larger screen of the PS2. Here you have to use your stylus to scroll the court to follow the action. Slows down the game. If you don't take it too seriously it can be a fun pocket game.

Reviewed by: Editor - 10/07