Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Sega CD, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Ringler Studios
- Publishers: Sony Imagesoft
ESPN Sunday Night NFL (1993) Review
ESPN Sunday Night NFL is a football game released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sony Imagesoft. The game features all 28 official NFL teams and their respective logos, but doesn’t feature a license from the NFLPA, so there are no actual players names in the game.
There are four different game modes to choose from: Playoffs, Single Game, Season and another season mode that lets the player act out the 1994 NFL season schedule. The game also features variable weather conditions that the players on the field would react to and a battery back-up to save games. It also featured Chris Berman, who not only graced the front cover but also gives commentary as well.
Gameplay
ESPN Sunday Night NFL is a simulation football game that plays very similarly to other football games of the era, such as John Madden Football. The player controls the offense or defense of their team and must try to score points by advancing the ball down the field. The game features a variety of offensive and defensive plays that can be called, and the player can also control individual players on the field.
One of the unique features of ESPN Sunday Night NFL is its variable weather conditions. The weather can change during a game, and this can affect the gameplay. For example, rain can make the field slippery, which can make it more difficult to run the ball. Wind can also affect the passing game, making it more difficult to throw the ball accurately.
The game also features a battery back-up to save games. This allows the player to save their progress and come back to the game later. This was a relatively new feature for sports games at the time, and it was a welcome addition.
Commentary
One of the things that sets ESPN Sunday Night NFL apart from other football games is its commentary. The game features commentary from Chris Berman, who was one of the most popular sports broadcasters at the time. Berman’s commentary is enthusiastic and informative, and it helps to bring the game to life.
Graphics
The graphics in ESPN Sunday Night NFL are good for the time. The players and the field are all well-detailed, and the game runs smoothly. The game also features a variety of different camera angles, which gives the player a good view of the action.
Sound
The sound in ESPN Sunday Night NFL is also good. The crowd noise is realistic, and the sound effects are all well-done. The game also features music from the ESPN Sunday Night Football theme song, which helps to create a sense of atmosphere.
Overall
ESPN Sunday Night NFL is a great football game for its time. It has all the features you’d want in a football game, including variable weather conditions, a battery back-up to save games, and commentary from Chris Berman. If you’re a fan of football games, then you should definitely check out ESPN Sunday Night NFL.
Pros
- All 28 official NFL teams and their respective logos
- Variable weather conditions
- Battery back-up to save games
- Commentary from Chris Berman
- Good graphics and sound
Cons
- No actual players names
- Some of the gameplay can be a bit slow
- The AI can be a bit too easy at times
Conclusion
ESPN Sunday Night NFL is a great football game that is still fun to play today. It has all the features you’d want in a football game, and it’s a great way to relive the excitement of the NFL. If you’re a fan of football games, then you should definitely check out ESPN Sunday Night NFL.
Review Score
7.5/10