Even the annoying stuff is charming.
Super Nintendo
Released in 1995 by Tecmo
Grade: A-
This is simple-as-it-can-get, cute, cartoony football, and it’s immediately fun. Games are competitive with an “anything can happen” feel.
With effectively minimalist graphics, concise playbooks, a quick pace from play to play, and no penalties, this is a great example of a game not doing too much.
Where it falls in the series
The 16-bit version of Tecmo Super Bowl was like an ode to the old NES Tecmo Bowl with a drastic facelift. Tecmo Super Bowl II changed the style of the series, toning down the ultra-arcade Tecmo pace to something more like real 11-on-11 pigskin. This “Final Edition” has the slowed down gameplay, and it’s notable for adding full seasons with stat tracking and customization options.
It’s not actually the final edition; there was a troubled Tecmo Super Bowl on PS1 in 1996. In the 2000’s there were a few ports, which don’t really count. Then in 2010, there was the very cool Tecmo Bowl Throwback, a download game for PS3 and XBOX 360, which recreates the classic TSB 1 gameplay with contemporary graphics, but no NFL license.
Praises and gripes
It’s one of the few football games that makes a side view work, so you play the sport the way you see it on TV, which adds such a heaping scoop of hot charm it’s undeniable.
Playcalling strategies are important but simple, so you don’t spend much time on the playcall screen. It’s really the skillful execution after the snap that makes the difference, and it’s deliciously satisfying to score touchdowns or come up with defensive stops.
Anything can happen. Big comebacks, nailbiters, shootouts, you never get the same game twice.
The running mechanic has a distinct zig-zag pattern, which is sort of lovable and enhances the gameplay. Unlike 16-bit Madden, there’s no momentum to your player’s movement; he makes precise cuts at 45- or 90-degree angles. So getting through defenders becomes like a little zig-zagging mini game. This may look cartoony, but effectively adds realism; once you’re in the open field, you have to see where the defenders are and move accordingly to pick up extra yardage. Your success is determined by the player’s skills and your quick decisions, and there’s a chance of breaking tackles, which is realistic. Lesser football games didn’t get this dynamic right at all.
One problem is that receivers end up offscreen if they go far downfield. It can be pretty annoying, but you can get a feel for the game and have good idea if one of those receivers will be open as the play develops.
This is one of the only sports games that’s better on SNES than Genesis, with sharper graphics and a clearer playcall screen.
Dude, this game is just fun.
Top Teams
This was released after the 1995 Super Bowl, won by Steve Young’s 49ers in a blowout of the Chargers.
But it’s the Cowboys dominating the digital gridiron in TSB 3, a shade stronger than the Niners. Other strong teams are the Chiefs, Bills, Oilers, and Falcons.
The Cowboys went on to win the Super Bowl over the Steelers in 1996.