__________ __ .___ \______ \_____ ____ | | _____.__._____ _______ __| _/ | | _/\__ \ _/ ___\| |/ < | |\__ \\_ __ \/ __ | | | \ / __ \\ \___| < \___ | / __ \| | \/ /_/ | |______ /(____ /\___ >__|_ \/ ____|(____ /__| \____ | \/ \/ \/ \/\/ \/ \/ ___________ __ ___. .__ .__ \_ _____/___ _____/ |\_ |__ _____ | | | | | __)/ _ \ / _ \ __\ __ \\__ \ | | | | | \( <_> | <_> ) | | \_\ \/ __ \| |_| |__ \___ / \____/ \____/|__| |___ (____ /____/____/ \/ \/ \/ _______________ _______ ________ \_____ \ _ \ \ _ \ \_____ \ / ____/ /_\ \/ /_\ \ / ____/ / \ \_/ \ \_/ \/ \ \_______ \_____ /\_____ /\_______ \ \/ \/ \/ \/ (BY: http://www.network-science.de/ascii/) ------------------------------------- BACKYARD FOOTBALL 2002 FAQ BY: DARKLINK715 ------------------------------------- TABLE OF CONTENTS: I. INTRODUCTION II. GAME MODES A. SINGLE GAME B. SEASON PLAY III. PLAYERS IV. RECCOMENDED TEAMS V. IN-GAME A. POWER-UPS B. RECCOMENDED PLAYS C. GOOD STRATEGIES VI. LEGAL INFROMATION <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> I. INTRODUCTION <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Welcome to the Backyard Football 2002 FAQ. Through the course of this FAQ, I will guide you through the points of the game and make suggestions at certain points as to what decisions you should and should not make. You have to realize that it is impossible to make a walkthrough for this game, because there are so many different things that you can do with it. Each game you play is unique, and another game exactly like that one will never occur again in real life or in any game. I give you many suggestions in this guide and help you to make some good decisions. I present the facts, guide you to some good decisions, and leave the rest up to you. I consider this game different because it combines kids with the kid versions of NFL stars into a game worthy of having the NFL's name on it. It has a limited play book but great game play, and making up different strategies that work for you and playing in one minute quarters, while beating the other team by more than 100 points, is a great feeling. I recommend this game to everyone, it may be labeled as a kids game, but I believe that everyone could have fun with its simple system. It is truly a great game. That being said, let's get to the FAQ! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> II. GAME MODES <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> There are 2 ways to play in BYF 2002. The first is for those that want to try the game and get used to some of the players, the second is for those that have already played the game and know what characters they like, know the different plays, and have a good strategy on all sides of the ball and are able to play the game at an acceptable level. The two modes are: A. SINGLE GAME This mode is for the people that are trying to learn how the game works and try out players and plays for use during the season mode. You can also try to learn the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams during this mode. You get to choose your players (or use your season team) and let the opponent pick his players, and then you can go at it in the arena of your choice. This is a good mode for beginners and those not familiar with the series, and it becomes obsolete after a while of playing through the season mode. It is still a good tool and all that play through this game should use it to hone their skills in the game. You can also choose the quick start option, in which a team is chosen for you and you just are put in the middle of a game with a random team. This is a good mode because you get to experiment with players that you wouldn't normally choose, and you may discover a liking for many of the players that find their way onto your team. They may even have a future spot on your season roster. B. SEASON PLAY This is the main mode of the game, and in my opinion the very best. It puts you through a full season (actually, and unlimited number of seasons). You get put in the division of the team that you picked, are given a schedule based on this, and have 16 games to do what you want with. What an opportunity! It is a good mode to get to know your players and find out which players would be best at which positions. There are 2 possible modes to this playing mode, first 7 picks and full draft mode. In the first 7 pick mode, you get to pick which 7 players that you want to be on your team. You can pick anyone, and it is strongly advised that you pick the best players on the field. In the full draft mode, you get to pick a player, then all of the other teams get to pick a player each, and then you get to pick your second player, all of the others pick a second, and so on. It may seem like this is a rip off, and it is in my opinion. However, the players that were neither in the NFL nor in the original Backyard Football will have higher stats, as well as your create-a-player. It is strongly recommended to take the first choice, for obvious reasons. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> III. PLAYERS <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Here is a list of all of the players in the game and their attributes. This should help you decide which players are best for your team: NOTE: THESE ARE THE STATISTICS IN THE PICK 7 MODE OF SEASON MODE. IF YOU SELECT THE FULL DRAFT MODE, THE PLAYERS NEW TO FOOTBALL WILL HAVE HIGHER STATISTICS. //////////////////////////// BACKYARD KIDS //////////////////////////// BILLY JEAN BLACKWOOD ===================== PASSING: 7 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 4 Billy Jean is a southern girl without an attitude. Her statistics put her right in the average of the pack, and that's not where you want your players coming from. If you do, by some chance, get her onto your team, put her at quarterback. She will do a mediocre job there, but it is the best spot for someone with her "unique" talents. RICKY JOHNSON ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 5 KICKING: 9 Ernie's a pretty fast character, and he can kick the ball a mile. This will make him an asset to many teams, but there are kids that are faster than he is and better at receiving at the same time. Look for others when you are in a first 7 picks game, but pick him up in a full draft. ERNIE STEELE ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 9 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 5 KICKING: 5 Ernie's a heck of a receiver. His only problem is that he can't pick up many yards after the catch. If you're looking for accuracy in catches over yardage, pick him. Otherwise, leave him for the other team. JORGE GARCIA ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 3 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 3 KICKING: 6 Jorge is one of the kids that is below average. He will not be a good addition to your team, no matter what position you have him play. Leave him on the bench, always. SALLY DOBBS ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 6 Sally would be a great addition to your team at quarterback. Not only can she throw hard, but she can scramble out of the pocket with her good speed. There are better, but there are many more that are worse than her. LISA CROCKET ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 8 KICKING: 7 Don't let her appearance fool you, she's a great defensive player. I recommend putting her at defensive lineman if you get her onto your team. She will make a lot of tackles and sacks for you there. PETE WHEELER ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 10*** BLOCKING/TACKLING: 5 KICKING: 5 Pete's one of the quickest kids in the game. If he gets on your team, which is a good thing, put him at running back and watch him run right by all of the defensive players. Running back is the spot for him, don't put him anywhere else. KEISHA PHILLIPS ===================== PASSING: 7 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 9 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 9 KICKING: 7 Keisha is one of the best Backyard Kids. Not only is she fast and big, she is great at tackling and can throw the ball well. If she finds her way onto your team, put her at running back and linebacker on defense. TONY DELVECCHIO ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 9 KICKING: 6 Tony is a pretty good player, he can take any kid down in the backfield. His only problem is his speed. If he gets onto your team, put him at defensive lineman and quarterback. JOCINDA SMITH ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 5 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 8 KICKING: 6 Jocinda has all of the makings of a great quarterback, except that she isn't as fast as some others. When she gets put on your team, put her at defensive lineman and quarterback. REESE WORTHINGTON ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 9 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 8 Reese is a great receiver, but look for someone that is faster for better results than you will get with Reese. If you obtain him, at least make him your kicker, he is one of the best in that field. MARKY DUBOIS ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 7 RUNNING: 4 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 8 KICKING: 6 Marky has good defensive skills, but he's not really fast enough to be part of the championship team that you are putting together. Leave him behind. If you get him, put him at defensive lineman and see how he does. DIMITRI PETROVICH ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 8 KICKING: 8 Dimitri would be a good addition to your team. He would be a great defensive lineman and kicker. If you are smart, you will put him there when he comes to your team. ACHMED KHAN ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 6 Achmed is another one of those average players that doesn't deserve to be a part of your team. Overlook him. If he is picked for you, put him at defensive lineman or cornerback, or leave him on the bench. SIDNEY AND ASHLEY WEBER ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 5 I'm not dazzled by these twins's average stats. They wouldn't excel at any position, and that is not what you want in players. If you get them, put them somewhere in the defensive backfield and hope that they do well. STEPHANIE MORGAN ===================== PASSING: 7 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 7 KICKING: 2 Stephanie is a pretty good player, with great catching ability. She can catch just about everything. Put her at receiver and cornerback when she comes to your team. VICKI KAWAGUICHI ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 9 RUNNING: 9 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 5 Vicki is one of the best receivers in this place. She can catch the ball and outrun anyone that is coming to try and take her down. Put her at receiver when she is on your team. KIMMY ECKMAN ===================== PASSING: 7 CATCHING: 3 RUNNING: 4 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 9 KICKING: 6 Kimmy is a heck of a hitter, but does not excel at anything else. Overall, she is a pretty poor player that should be avoided if possible. If you get her, put her at defensive lineman and see how she does there, because she doesn't have the speed to play anyplace else. PABLO SANCHEZ ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 9 RUNNING: 10*** BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 6 Pablo is possibly the best player in this game, and you really should pick him first in full draft modes because he can play almost any position. Put him at wide receiver, quarterback, or running back on offense and at the safety position on defense. He excels at all positions, he is really amazing. RONNY DOBBS ===================== PASSING: 6 CATCHING: 3 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 2 KICKING: 4 Ronny is one of the worst players in this game. Do not choose him under any circumstances, you should always have a better choice. If he gets onto your team, let him ride the bench. He has no business on the football field. LUANNE LUI ===================== PASSING: 3 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 10*** BLOCKING/TACKLING: 3 KICKING: 6 Although she is young, little Luanne is very fast. She is a heck of a running back, but not much else. She can't catch very well, Pablo is a good running back alternative. If you get her, the only position she can fill is the running back slot. MARIA LUNA ===================== PASSING: 1 CATCHING: 9 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 7 Maria will catch anything that you throw in her general direction, but she doesn't have the speed to outrun defenders for the breakaway score. Look for better receivers, that is her only position. ANGELA DELVECCHIO ===================== PASSING: 4 CATCHING: 4 RUNNING: 4 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 7 Angela is not exceptional in any way in this game. Try to avoid her if it is possible, and make her a kicker if you get her on your team. MIKEY THOMAS ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 7 RUNNING: 4 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 9 KICKING: 4 Mikey would be a great quarterback and linebacker if he wasn't so slow. He will do pretty well at defensive lineman and would be a decent quarterback for your team if you obtain him. GRETCHEN HASSLEHOFF ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 4 Gretchen is fast, but not much else. Try to avoid getting her if it is possible, but put her at running back and cornerback if there is no one better to fill those positions. DANTE ROBINSON ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 9 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 5 Dante is quick, and his good arm makes him a great quarterback. Have him play there, and also try him at several positions on defense, experimenting to find which is best. //////////////////////////// Pro Kids //////////////////////////// DREW BLEDSOE ===================== PASSING: 10*** CATCHING: 7 RUNNING: 5 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 3 Make Drew your quarterback and never doubt him. He always comes through, he is the best QB in the game by far. RICH GANNON ===================== PASSING: 9 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 7 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 5 KICKING: 4 Rich is a good scrambling quarterback, put him there and let him run with it sometimes too. RICKY WILLIAMS ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 8 KICKING: 5 Ricky is a good all-around player. He would make a great running back for your team, and would do just as well at wide receiver and cornerback. DONOVAN MCNABB ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 6 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 3 Donovan is a great quarterback, but will also play great at cornerback or safety. Move him around to see how he fits your team. BRETT FAVRE ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 6 KICKING: 5 Another great offensive and defensive player, he can play about any position. Try him at quarterback, but there are many other slots he could fill for your team. JEVON KEARSE ===================== PASSING: 3 CATCHING: 5 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 9 KICKING: 3 Put Jevon on defense, that is where he belongs. His best position is at defensive lineman, you best be putting him there if he comes to your field. CADE MCNOWN ===================== PASSING: 7 CATCHING: 7 RUNNING: 6 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 4 KICKING: 3 The worst of the NFL players, just don't pick up little Cade, he doesn't deserve a slot. JUNIOR SEAU ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 10*** KICKING: 5 One of the best defensive players in the league would also play great receiving for you. Put him at your linebacker spot and test out his amazing football skills. STEVE MCNAIR ===================== PASSING: 8 CATCHING: 8 RUNNING: 8 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 5 KICKING: 5 He's a great overall player, can play any offensive position except center. Leave him on offense, his defense skills are less than amazing. TERREL DAVIS ===================== PASSING: 5 CATCHING: 7 RUNNING: 9 BLOCKING/TACKLING: 7 KICKING: 3 Put little Terrel at running back and watch him enter the end zone in the blink of an eye. Also make him your cornerback, his catching skills will get him a lot of interceptions there. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> IV. RECCOMENDED TEAMS <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> I have made a list of very good teams that should be able to get you to a championship game here. Some players are repeated, but they are the best players to take your team the limit. You should easily be able to take your team to the championship in easy and normal modes with any of these teams, but you may need to practice a lot and get familiar with your players before you can tackle hard mode. You will get there eventually, just try hard. TEAM #1: Quarterback: Drew Bledsoe Running back: Pete Wheeler Center: Junior Seau WR1: Pablo Sanchez WR2: Vicki Kawaguchi LB: Junior Seau Safety: Pablo Sanchez Lineman: Keisha Phillips CB: Pete Wheeler CB: Vicki Kawaguchi Kicker: Dimitri Petrovich TEAM #2 Quarterback: Donovan McNabb Running back: Keisha Phillips Center: Dimitri Petrovich WR1: Pablo Sanchez WR2: Ricky Williams LB: Dimitri Petrovich Safety: Pablo Sanchez Lineman: Keisha Phillips CB: Ricky Williams CB: Donovan McNabb Kicker: Dimitri Petrovich There may be more teams to come in the future but I have filled these with some of the best players from each position. The first list is the better one, try that first if you are a beginner and want a better team to play better for you. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> V. IN-GAME <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> //////////////////////////// Power-Ups //////////////////////////// SUPER PUNT This is a good special teams play that will cause your punter to kick it much farther than he usually would. It is great if you are backed up and don't want to give them great field position. LEAP FROG This is a great running play. You will hand the ball off and your running back will jump for at least a 15-yard gain. It is very good when you need to get at least 15 yards, because it always gets you that. SONIC BOOM This is a run play that will knock the opposing defense down for a short amount of time. If they are in a short-run defense, you can usually run right by them for an easy touchdown, making this one great. INVINCIBLE RUN This is the best special play in the game because it makes your running back invincible. It will wear off after a little while, but you will make it into the end zone 95% of the time with this play, it is that great. GOPHER PASS This play will make your running back dive under the ground when he goes out for a pass. It is great because he often knocks down the defender next to him, making it a good touchdown pass. MAGNET This one will bring interceptions to your defense more easily, use it in situations when you know that they are going to throw a pass, like 4th and 25. GOPHER DEFENSE Much like the offensive equivalent, your lineman burrows under the offensive line to go for a big hit on the quarterback or the running back. Use this in passing situations for an easy sack. SPRING LOADED Another great play to use in passing situations, this makes your linebacker jump over the offensive line and sack the quarterback. It is an all-around great play to use. COUGH DROP The best defensive special play, this makes the ball come loose when you hit the ball carrier. Use it in short-run situations and in very important situations in the game, it will give you a lot of momentum. HOCUS POCUS A great passing play, your receiver will disappear and re-appear wide open downfield. Throw it to that receiver for a big gain, and you will probably get a touchdown if he catches it. //////////////////////////// RECCOMENDED PLAYS //////////////////////////// These are some great plays that you should use regularly. Don't get too predictable, and make up some plays of your own for a great playbook. OFFENSIVE: Dabomb Outside Handoff The Claw Sweepers Swinger DEEFENSIVE: Quarter Drop Bendy Twins Mantis Super Man Baggy Dog SPECIAL TEAMS Kick Return 2 Kickoff 2 Punt Return 2 Punt form X //////////////////////////// GOOD STRATEGIES //////////////////////////// -Try to mix up your play calling, do not get too predictable with pass or run calls. This will force the defense to be ready for anything and they might not be ready for what you are going to throw at them. -Put kids in the positions that they excel in. don't put a kid that is a very strong blocker and not very fast in at running back, because he or she won't excel for you at that position. Putting kids where they were meant to be is a big part of this game. Just follow my advice and put kids in their strong areas, and your team will do fine. -Use special plays at key points during the battle. If your opponent has 4th and 25 and needs to go for it because he is behind, use a spring loaded or gopher defense play to make sure that you at least put pressure on the quarterback, but you may even get a sack. If you are in the same situation, use an invincible run or hocus pocus play when you need it to get you out of danger quickly. Special Plays are designed to help you when you need them, use them when you need them or whenever you want if the team you are playing can't possibly beat you. -Call consistently for a couple of plays (3 running plays in a row) then hit the defense with the opposite call (like a pass) to catch them off guard. They will be prepared for a run (most likely), so you can just throw it over their heads for a pretty easy touchdown. This doesn't always work, sometimes they will be prepared for the opposite play, but that is a risk worth taking. -Start big plays early, call a big play on the first play of the game and throw a long pass to see matchups and how the other team can cope with that kind of surprise. Jump out to an early lead using this technique, and keep pounding your opponent into the ground with a lot of big plays, and you will quickly put them out of a game so that they have no possible chance of winning. -Practice! The normal and hard modes of this game should not be played by beginners, they are much harder than the same modes in other, similar games. Play a few seasons on easy mode before making another team and making the jump to medium or hard mode, and you will have all of the skills that you need to excel in that type of play. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> VI. LEGAL INFORMATION <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> This guide may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. Thank you. (c) 2004 DarkLink715 ____ __ __ _ __ _____ ___ ______ / __ \ ____ _ _____ / /__ / / (_)____ / /__/__ /< // ____/ / / / // __ `// ___// //_// / / // __ \ / //_/ / / / //___ \ / /_/ // /_/ // / / ,< / /___ / // / / // ,< / / / /____/ / /_____/ \__,_//_/ /_/|_|/_____//_//_/ /_//_/|_| /_/ /_//_____/