Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Atari
- Publishers: Atari
RealSports Football (1982): The Atari 2600’s Surprisingly Fun Football Game
Released in 1982, RealSports Football was one of the earliest football games released for the Atari 2600. Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, RealSports Football is still a fun and challenging game to play today.
Gameplay
RealSports Football is a simplified version of American football. The game is played on a field that is 100 yards long and 50 yards wide. Each team has 11 players on the field at a time.
The goal of the game is to score more points than the other team by carrying or passing the football into the end zone. Touchdowns are worth 6 points, and safeties are worth 2 points. There is no kicking in the game, so extra points are not possible.
RealSports Football is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls the quarterback on offense and one of the defensive players on defense.
On offense, the player can run the ball, pass the ball, or kick the ball. Running the ball is the most basic play in the game. The player simply moves the quarterback forward and tries to avoid being tackled by the defense.
Passing the ball is a more risky play, but it can also be more rewarding. To pass the ball, the player holds down the fire button and then moves the joystick in the direction they want to throw the ball. The ball will travel in a straight line until it is either caught by a receiver or intercepted by the defense.
Kicking the ball is the least common play in the game. It is typically used to punt the ball away when the offense is in a bad field position. To kick the ball, the player holds down the fire button and then moves the joystick back. The ball will travel in a high arc and land at the spot where the player released the fire button.
On defense, the player controls one of the defensive players. The player can move the defensive player around the field and tackle the ball carrier. The player can also intercept passes by moving the defensive player in front of the receiver.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in RealSports Football are very simple by today’s standards. The players are represented by small, blocky figures. The field is a green rectangle with white lines. The only other objects on the field are the goalposts.
The sound in RealSports Football is also very simple. The only sounds in the game are the sound of the ball being kicked, the sound of the players running, and the sound of the crowd cheering.
Difficulty
RealSports Football is a surprisingly difficult game to master. The AI is very good at defending the pass, and it can be difficult to score points consistently. The game also has a very fast clock, which makes it difficult to come back from behind.
Overall
RealSports Football is a fun and challenging football game for the Atari 2600. Despite its simple graphics and gameplay, the game is still enjoyable to play today. If you’re a fan of football games, or if you’re just looking for a fun and challenging game to play, then I highly recommend checking out RealSports Football.
Tips for Playing RealSports Football
Here are a few tips for playing RealSports Football:
- On offense, try to run the ball as much as possible. Passing the ball is risky, and it’s easy to get intercepted.
- If you do decide to pass the ball, make sure you have a receiver open. The AI is very good at defending the pass, so don’t try to force it.
- On defense, try to control the middle of the field. This will make it difficult for the offense to run or pass the ball.
- Be patient. RealSports Football is a slow-paced game. Don’t try to score too quickly, or you’ll make mistakes.
History
RealSports Football was developed by Atari and released in 1982. The game was one of the first football games released for the Atari 2600, and it was a critical and commercial success. RealSports Football was followed by a sequel, RealSports Football 2, in 1983.
Legacy
RealSports Football is considered to be one of the best football games released for the Atari 2600. The game is still enjoyed by retro gamers today, and it is often cited as one of the most influential football games of all time.
Review Score
7/10
