Tecmo Super Bowl

"Best sports game I have ever played hands down."

Back in 1990, Tecmo was working on a Football game that would forever change the gaming spectrum. Of course they did not know it at the time, but it is what every gaming company hopes for. When it was released in 1991, the best sports game of all time, in my opinion, hit the shelves. I'm writing this review because I must tell everyone how great this game really is. Being a fan of Bo Jackson and the Raiders, you know I would like this game. You have legends like Warren Moon, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Bernie Kosar, Barry Sanders, QB Bills/Jim Kelly, QB Eagles/Randell Cunningham, Marcus Allen and so on, I could go on but you get the picture. This game is about the big play and executing it successfully. I mean at anytime you could drop a 100 yard bomb for a jump catch TD. It really helps especially in those late game situations. Even if you do not have the Quarterback or Receiver combo, with a good enough Running back, you can run for that 90 yard Touch Down. This game is realistic because speed kills in the NFL. Yes, if you have a speedy Wide Receiver/Running back, or a speedy Defensive Back then you can dominate. Ever hear of Wayne Haddix? Probably not, but the year this game came out he had a spectacular year, and it shows in this game.

This game first introduced all 28 NFL teams and player names into a NFL game. They did it extraordinarily well too. They also brought in play books and the ability to change play books, genius for its time. Injuries were also included into this game, which can alter your season completely. There is also a season mode, where you play all 16 weeks with a bye week, then go into the playoffs as a divisional leader or sneak in with a wild card. You can also switch in and out players on the player data screen, giving you all sorts of options. You can sub in a Wide out for a Running back, change the Kick Returner or the Punt Returner as well as sub in the backup QB if needed. Players can also go from average to bad in one game, or bad all the way to excellent the next, pending how well they played or how well there feeling. I haven't seen that feature in any game except ESPN's recent NFL games. Pro Bowl is another nice option. You can play as either the NFC or AFC's best players. You can also Sub different players from different teams to make your own Pro Bowl. Let me list out a few details of the game.

Graphics: 8/10 - The graphics in this game our not the best on NES, but they are not bad for their time either. However, Graphics are a minor part of this classic.

Game play: 10/10 - This games best feature. I never get tired of playing season after season. I enjoy playing human opponents even more, as it takes a bit more skill and luck.

Controls: 10/10 - With only 2 buttons to work with they did a great job. The way the game plays out with the controls makes the game much more fun then if the controls just plain stunk. A great game needs great controls, and this game has it.

Sound/Music: 10/10 - Tecmo music is great, especially in the playoffs. The sound affects are also rather nice, hearing the QB say "hut hut hut" forever is funny. Music can change the atmosphere of the game, and make it very enjoyable.

Replay: 10/10 - I never get tired of playing this game. I still play it almost daily. I'm always up for a challenge against any opponent, or to play against the computer through a long, rigorous season.

Well I conclude my Tecmo Super Bowl Review and hope you enjoyed reading it. This game has brought me a lot of fun through out the years. I strongly urge you to go pick this game up if possible. It is still a great game today, and for many years to come.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/15/05