Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Simulator, Sport
- Platforms: Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
- Developers: Electronic Arts
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
John Madden Football (1988): The Game That Changed American Football Video Games
Released in 1988, John Madden Football was the first game in EA’s long-running Madden NFL series. It was also the first American football game to be endorsed by John Madden, the legendary sportscaster and coach. John Madden Football was a groundbreaking game that set the standard for American football video games for years to come.
Gameplay
John Madden Football was a simulation game that focused on realism and strategy. The game featured a top-down perspective that gave players a clear view of the field and all of the players. Players could control any player on the field, and they could call a variety of plays from the playbook.
The game’s AI was also very good for its time. The computer-controlled players would make intelligent decisions and react to the player’s actions. This made the game challenging and rewarding to play.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, John Madden Football had impressive graphics and sound. The players were well-animated, and the stadiums were detailed and realistic. The game’s sound effects were also very good, and the crowd noise was particularly impressive.
Reception
John Madden Football was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its realism, strategy, and AI. It was also a huge seller, and it helped to establish EA as a major player in the video game industry.
John Madden Football has been credited with revolutionizing American football video games. It set the standard for future games in the genre, and it helped to make football one of the most popular video game genres in the world.
Legacy
John Madden Football has had a lasting legacy in the video game industry. The game is still considered to be one of the best American football games ever made, and it has been cited as an influence by many later games in the genre.
The Madden NFL series is still going strong today, and it is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world. The series has sold over 130 million copies, and it has generated over $4 billion in revenue.
John Madden Football was more than just a video game. It was a cultural phenomenon that helped to popularize American football around the world. The game is still fondly remembered by fans today, and it is considered to be one of the most important video games of all time.
Additional Information
- John Madden Football was the first game to feature real NFL teams and players.
- The game was originally released on the Apple II, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.
- The Mega Drive version of the game was released in 1989, and it is considered to be the best version of the game.
- John Madden Football was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.
Conclusion
John Madden Football (1988) is a classic American football video game that still holds up today. Its focus on realism, strategy, and AI makes it a great choice for fans of the sport. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Madden NFL series or you’re just looking for a great football game to play, John Madden Football (1988) is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
