Tecmo Super Bowl

• Release Date: 1993
• Genre: Sports
• Style: Football (American)
• Similar Games: Tecmo Bowl (Game Boy), Tecmo Super Bowl (Nintendo Entertainment System), Tecmo Bowl (Arcade), Tecmo Super Bowl (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

Game Description

Tecmo Super Bowl marks its debut on the Genesis after enjoying success on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game features both the NFL and NFLPA licenses, 28 teams, three different schedules (1990-93) with eighteen weeks each, and battery backup to save statistics and standings. For those new to the series, the game uses a horizontal view of the field with a strong emphasis on arcade action. Yet the game doesn't skimp out on team management functions typically found in simulation oriented games. You can customize your playbook, adjust the quarter length in one-minute increments, substitute players who are in poor condition or injured, or choose coach mode which involves just calling the plays.

Roots & Influences

The original Tecmo Bowl was an instant hit on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game combined simple, easy to grasp arcade action, insanely catchy music and real NFL players. Tecmo's sequel in 1991, Tecmo Super Bowl, added the NFL license and detailed statistical tracking for an entire season. It was considered by many as the best football game released for the 8-bit system. The series would continue into the 16-bit market, with three games released on both the SNES and Genesis (Tecmo Super Bowl, Tecmo Super Bowl II and Tecmo Super Bowl III). While it would face heavy competition from the Maddens and Montanas, the game still maintained a strong loyal following--a testament to its universal appeal.

Review: Overall

The most popular football game on the NES can now be enjoyed by Sega fans. All I can say is "Hallelujah!" Tecmo Super Bowl combines simple arcade action with a surprising amount of depth in team management. It's not really a simulation, but it's a great alternative to the Madden and Montana series and rules the roost for fast and fun multiplayer games.

First and foremost, gameplay is simple enough for your cat to pick up. Offense involves calling one of eight plays (four runs and four passes), hiking the ball and either passing the ball to a receiver or taking control of the runner after the automatic handoff. Tap the A button to cycle through your receivers and another to throw. That's it. Running involves simply moving the pad and quickly tapping the a button to break tackles. There are no other "moves" and jumping is done automatically by your player.

Defense involves choosing one of eight plays used by the other team's offense in an effort to shut down a certain play. Then you choose one defender (you can't switch once the ball's hiked) and try to make a tackle. Your success with a play will rely on your players' ratings in such areas as rushing power, receptions and passing accuracy. Rain and snow also has an affect on play and can cause your players to slip at times.

It is the depth of team management that really puts this title in the upper echelon of football games. Plays can be swapped from a revolving playbook and saved to battery, players can be substituted at any time (except for defensive players who can only be substituted in the event of an injury), and a coach mode will let you just call the plays and watch the computer carry them out. You can also simulate every game to your heart's content.

Substitutions come into play since a player's health condition can deteriorate during the course of a season, which affects his abilities and makes him vulnerable to injuries. Statistics and league leaders are also tracked for every player and team during the season, and you can even play three different schedules or (gasp) a three year mode. Now see if your team can three-peat as Super Bowl Champions!

Any negatives? Well, the computer is just way too easy to defeat in one-player mode. Scores in the upwards of 70+ points can be achieved with the better teams, so if you want to have fun with this game you need to grab some friends. To be fair, the computer does get more challenging during the three year mode, but you'll see a lot of blowouts before you get to that point. All in all, Tecmo delivers in what it sets out to do: provide a quick, simple and addictive game of arcade football that provides much more depth than other games of its type.

Review: Enjoyment

I'd like to see fake field goals and punts and a spin or manual jump on offense/defense. Simulation fans should stay away from this title do to the heavy emphasis on arcade action.

Review: Graphics

If you've seen the NES version, you'll probably wonder where all the horsepower went. The graphics and cinema screens have improved, but certainly not to the extent you'd expect from a 16-bit powerhouse. Since most of the features are identical, the game is probably aimed at those new to the series or those who have gotten rid of their 8-bit systems. The Super Nintendo version has more color and team names in the endzones.

Review: Sound

As in the original, the game has very upbeat music and sound effects that pump you up to play.

Review: Replay Value

The game has a lot of replay value, especially with two players. The statistics, three year mode, and custom playbooks keep this game fresh. If only the computer opponent were stronger...

Review: Documentation

The instructions explain everything and even summarize each team's strengths and key players.

Production Credits