Just like we adults love our blood 'n' guts in games (as the saying goes), young kids are just as passionate in their genres of choice. Like say, the Backyard Sports franchise, which for years has been delivering the peanut butter and jelly combo of professional athletes, in kid form, starring in games specifically tailored to the youth crowd.

The tradition continues with today's release of Backyard Basketball 2007, which this year sports a cover featuring five-time NBA All-Star Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics. Now how do you feel about that, Paul?

"Being on the cover of Backyard Basketball 2007 is an important highlight in my career. I spend a lot of time working with kids, so I know how popular and fun the game is and how it can help kids better understand the rules and strategies of basketball," relates Pierce. "I really like that Backyard Basketball 2007 is based on solid game play like the most sophisticated adult games, but is designed for kids, so it's funny and simple enough to jump in and play right away."

And hey, with realistic arenas, the most athletic-looking kids yet, full-on team, player, court, uniform and logo customization, and a wealth of unlockables to top it all off, what's not to love? Backyard Basketball 2007 sinks into retailers today, with an "E" rating and $29.99 price tag to its name. Parents, you know what to do.