Atari Announces Backyard Football '10

NEW YORK, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Atari, one of the world's most recognized video game publishers, announced today plans to release the newest installment of the number one youth football video game franchise this October with Backyard Football '10. For the first time ever, this must have title will be on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and has earned Microsoft's "Family Friendly" status, which requires the game to pass a strict set of criteria based on rating, ease of play and audience appeal. Backyard Football '10, which also returns to Wii(TM) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, features new co-op play for exciting 2 vs 2 action and is packed with a roster full of NFL superstars featured as animated middle-schoolers in the game.

Backyard Football '10, featuring NFL players as kids, combines realistic NFL plays and strategies with wild arcade style power moves and comical scenarios so gamers of all ages can learn the fundamentals of football while having fun. Multiple levels make it easy enough for beginners, yet challenging enough for even die-hard football fans.

"Featuring NFL players as kids gives youth gamers a unique and friendly environment to interact with their favorite NFL stars, while providing easy game-play for consumers of all ages," said Keith Gordon, Vice President of Licensing, NFL PLAYERS. "We're very happy about what Backyard Football '10 has to offer."

In addition to new co-op, 2 vs. 2 multi-player action, Backyard Football '10 features enhanced controls, new unlockables, insane power ups, custom teams and characters, multiple play modes (single player, season play, tournament and all-pro) as well as a hall of fame from Backyard Football '09.

Rated "E" (for everyone) by ESRB, Backyard Football '10 will be available on Xbox 360 ($39.99), Wii(TM) ($29.99) and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system ($19.99).

Backyard Football is part of the Backyard Sports series, the only game brand licensed by nearly ALL professional US sports leagues: National Football League (NFL), NFL PLAYERS, Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association, National Basketball Association, and National Hockey League. Since 1996, the franchise has sold nearly 12 million units and has received over a hundred awards. What's more, according to an independent study, 15 percent of boys in the United States ages five to 10 own at least one Backyard Sports game.

Source: Atari Press Release