It was a simpler time. In ways, it was a better time.
Yes, 2D player models, redundant commentary, and abridged playbooks ruled the day, but the charm and nostalgia of these three titles remains unrivaled.
3. Techno Bowl
Bo Jackson was an unstoppable force, but there was so much more to this gridiron simulation that made it a must-have. Even if you had to blindly trust that the receiver you were throwing to would be open since it was just outside the camera's viewing angle, it made for even more suspense. The audio quality was poor, graphics rough around the edges, and gameplay realism questionable at best. This timeless classic was a pioneer in sports video gaming and set the bar for other titles surpass.
2. Bill Walsh College Football
The only non-NFL game to make the list did a superb job of capturing the atmosphere of college football with lively player celebrations, crowd histrionics, and plenty of head bopping menu music. Whether you chose Hawaii, South Bend, or State College, this game was endless hours of fun.
1. Madden 64
Admittedly a bit of a shocker that this tops the list, but the first 3D football game to hit the market was ground breaking at the time. While Madden 64 did not have NFL licensing for team names, the NFLPA gave the licensing rights for its player pool. With the great Pat Summeral and John Madden calling the action, the presentation, gameplay, and overall playing experience put this on a level of its own. Maddenisms aren't hard to find in this installment. Dodging an ambulance that made its way on to the field to usher off an injured player was far too commonplace in this polygon masterpiece.
0 Comments