Although the only version on display was the Wii version, the PS2 and PC builds will be almost identical in terms of core gameplay and content. The only real difference is obviously in the control schemes, with the PS2 having a standard controller interface and the PC offering full mouse support, etc.
Backyard Football '09 has a number of different modes available, including Play Now, Pickup Game, Tournament, Season Game, All-Pro Game and -- of course -- Practice. Of particular note was the Tournament mode, which allows players to set up bracketed competitions for extended play sessions. Saling told me this would be particularly enjoyable at larger get-togethers, like birthday parties and other similar events. Tournaments are obviously one of the main multiplayer offerings in Backyard Football '09, but considering my limited time with the title, I jumped right into a normal game.
Like previous Backyard games, there are a number of different fantastical fields to play on, including castles, fancy resorts and construction sites. Also present is a full set of player stats, along with other extras like in-game power-ups and special "Backyard exclusive" teams. For my game, Saling selected the 49ers and pitted them against the Melon Heads (a team created by Humongous). Then the Wii Remote and Nunchuck fell into my hands and the carnage began.
Clearly I was not in the zone because I was trounced by the competition. Regardless, controls for the Wii version are very straight-forward. During offensive plays, you can bring up small queues for which D-pad input to hold down, and then you just flick the Wii Remote to throw. Movement feels totally fine, though I did have a few issues properly selecting a receiver during a passing play. This could have been an isolated incident however and, as I mentioned just above, I was not in the zone.
Saling informed me that there are approximately 60 different plays and formations to choose from which you can select easily enough. The flashy power-ups, while more visually striking, are now properly balanced as to not drastically upset a game in progress (Saling mentioned that previous power-ups were far too strong).
Saling also mentioned that at the end of a Season, players will be given a code that they can take online and enter in the Backyard Sports website (for the Wii version, at least). This will then register your ranking/statistics for other players to see, with the potential for being inducted into the Hall of Fame and having your name actually included in the next iteration of Backyard Football.
Although I only had a few moments to try out Backyard Football '09, it seemed to deliver an experience that younger gamers will find familiar and fun. You'll be able to pick up a copy of the Wii version for $39.99 or a PS2/PC copy for $19.99.