Backyard Soccer 2004 PC Game

Infogrames and Humongous Entertainment continue their kid-oriented sports series with the release of Backyard Soccer 2004, the follow-up to 2000's Backyard Soccer: MLS Edition. Players can assemble their teams from a roster of 30 Backyard Kids found in previous titles or one of the following ten professionals: Clint Mathis, Bobby Convey, Landon Donovan, Brian McBride, Chris Armas, Jay Heaps, Cobi Jones, Jason Kreis, Tony Meola, and Carlos Valderrama. Three female pro soccer players also join the lineup: Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, and Tiffeny Milbrett.

Before running out on the field, players can select one of ten authentic Major League Soccer teams or create their own squad by selecting a uniform type as well as the team's name. Each athlete is individually rated in kicking, ball control, defense, and running, so players must choose carefully when assembling their dream team. A total of 24 fields are available to play on, ranging from an urban parking lot to a field made entirely of dirt. The action is played from a horizontal view in three types of competition: Single Game, Season Play, and Penalty Practice.

Single Game lets up to two players compete with their choice of teams, options, and fields. Season Play is a series of games in three separate divisions for the right to earn coveted trophies in the Backyard Soccer League. Both team and individual statistics are tracked for the season, including goals, penalty kicks, and team rankings. Penalty Practice has players brushing up on their goal-kicking skills from a view looking directly at the net. Backyard Soccer also features four types of power-ups on the field, which temporarily transform the ball into a cannonball, a tornado, a bowling ball, or a ball that burrows underground. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide