Tecmo Bowl is a 1987 American football video game developed and published by Tecmo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was one of the earliest football video games to feature digitized player sprites, and it is credited with popularizing the side-scrolling football genre.
The game features all 28 NFL teams of the 1987 season, as well as a fictional team, called the “Tecmo Bowlers”. Players can choose to play a single game, a season, or a playoff tournament.
The controls were simple but allowed for intuitive gameplay. On offense, the A button hikes the ball and the B button passes. The d-pad moves the quarterback and receivers into position. On defense, the A button tackles and the B button dives. Defenders are moved with the d-pad.
With easy controls but strategic playcalling, Tecmo Bowl delivered an addictive football challenge. Timing and reflexes were key to juking defenders, throwing deep bombs, and lighting up the scoreboard. But a solid defense was also critical, using speed and power to shut down offenses.
Though released in 1987, Tecmo Bowl’s polished gameplay makes it a timeless retro classic. Its fast pace and over-the-top action still thrill football and gaming fans today. With innovative features and competitive fun, Tecmo Bowl cemented its legacy as one of the greatest 8-bit football video games.
Here are some additional tips for dominating the Tecmo Bowl:
- Use the speed burst to blaze past defenders.
- Look for open receivers downfield to pass to.
- Don’t be afraid to pound the ball up the middle.
- Make tackles in the backfield to stop runs.
- Timed dive tackles to upend the ball carrier
- Kick field goals whenever in scoring range.
Mastering Tecmo Bowl’s timing and strategy allows you to run up the score and claim victory. With practice, you’ll be throwing perfect spirals and sacking QBs in no time!
