Emmitt Smith Football

"JVC tries, but not enough depth means Emmitt Smith is demoted to third-string"

When you think of SNES football, the obvious comes to mind. John Madden. The Tecmo series. Well, in 1995, JVC decided to take a crack at football on the SNES by using Emmitt Smith's name to grace this title, and although Emmitt Smith is one of the greatest football players of all time, accepting JVC's offer rates somewhere around his decision to sign with the Arizona Cardinals. Let's see where this game goes wrong.

Gameplay - 2/10

To the untrained eye, JVC looks most similar to early versions of Madden. Although there are no passing windows, there are categories for Big/Fast/Hands, and then Special Teams. Running is intuitive, you use the D-pad to move your players around. Passing is very different from Madden, however. There are three receivers (some formations, like Shotgun and Single-I, have four receivers, making the fourth receiver totally useless). When you drop back to pass, the receivers have the corresponding buttons over them. However, when you press the passing button, a power meter similar to when you kick pops up, determining how far you throw the ball. You cannot lead the receiver, for as soon as you throw the ball, the receiver stops, making the play look like a punt as the receiver stops and the defenders swarm around him. There are rarely instances in which your receiver is wide open. Despite this, passing is easy as the defenders are too stupid to break up the play. Defense is similar to Madden, with the 3-4, 4-3, nickel, dime, and goal line formations. Kicking is also similar to Madden.

This game tries to be a simulation, but there are some errors in AI and implementation of game rules. The computer likes to call timeouts at the end of the half, even though you are driving. Since this game is made after the 1994 season, the 2 point conversion is included. Whenever the clock goes below 2 minutes, the clock appears on the screen during gameplay. When the clock is on the screen, it doesn't stop for anything. One way to abuse this is to keep going offsides. Since the computer can't score on a penalty, he can't run any plays while you do this. Also, the CPU sends men in motion, but I haven't figured out how to do this besides as a part of an edited play. Also, there are no kneel or spike plays. This game has no NFL license, although the numbers seem to correspond with the real life players. Although this game was released in 1995, there are no Jacksonville or Carolina squads.

Graphics - 5/10

The graphics in this game are dreadfully average. They look like Madden players. There are no logo designs on the helmet or numbers on the back. The players look as if they're constantly standing up, even though they've lined up for the next play. Runners are hunched over as if they're cradling on to the ball for dear life. The field is decent, and the numbers look clear. There is no evidence of any spectators, however.

Sound - 3/10

There is no music during gameplay, although there is music in the menu. There is no crowd noise after a big play or score. The main thing that'll want you to mute this game is the man who randomly interjects after a play. He sounds like Captain Obvious whenever he says "Good defense!" Also, whenever a touchdown is scored, he says "Touchdown!" weird, almost like he says "Tuh-down!" I know this is the SNES, but you can do better, JVC.

Replay Value - 1/10

The play editor is the lone source of depth in this game, for there is NO season mode in this game. Yes, back in the SNES's heyday, JVC expected you to pay $50 for a game with NO season mode and rudimentary stat-keeping. When you pause the game, you can only go into instant replay or call a time out. There are no substitutions, you cannot change the audibles, and you cannot check the stats. The play editor is rudimentary also, as you cannot create new formations or routes. An innovative idea at the time, but the SNES couldn't execute it to the maximum.

Should you buy this game? NO!

You shouldn't buy this game even if it's offered for $1. I don't think it's even worth fifty cents. If you come across the game at a GameCrazy or GameStop, you should only buy it if you're interested in the play editor, but the PS2 versions of Madden do worlds better at it.

Total (not an average) - 3/10

It takes a lot for me not to like a game, but this is definately a subpar offering. If you are new to SNES football, seek out the original Tecmo Super Bowl. It is much more enjoyable than this game.

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 02/21/06