Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Amiga, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Super Famicom, Super Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Data East, Kuusoukagaku
ABC Monday Night Football (1989)
ABC Monday Night Football is a football video game developed by Data East and published by ABC Sports for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in 1989 and is based on the ABC Monday Night Football television program.
The game features all of the teams and players from the 1988 NFL season, as well as commentary from Frank Gifford and Al Michaels. Players can choose to play a single game, a full season, or a playoff tournament.
The gameplay is similar to other football games of the era, with players controlling their team on offense and defense. On offense, players can choose from a variety of plays, including running, passing, and kicking. On defense, players can choose from a variety of formations and blitzes.
One of the unique features of ABC Monday Night Football is its use of voice synthesis technology. This technology allows the game to provide commentary on the action, including play-by-play and color commentary. The voice synthesis is not always perfect, but it adds a level of realism to the game that was not found in other football games of the era.
ABC Monday Night Football was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game was also a hit with fans of the NFL, who appreciated the opportunity to play as their favorite teams and players.
Gameplay
ABC Monday Night Football is a simulation football game that allows players to control either the offense or defense of their team. The game features a variety of offensive and defensive plays, as well as special teams plays.
On offense, players can choose from a variety of running, passing, and kicking plays. Running plays include basic runs, sweeps, and draws. Passing plays include short passes, deep passes, and screens. Kicking plays include field goals, extra points, and punts.
On defense, players can choose from a variety of formations and blitzes. Formations include the 4-3, 3-4, and nickel defense. Blitzes are special plays where defensive players rush the quarterback in an attempt to sack him.
ABC Monday Night Football also features a number of special teams plays, including kickoffs, punts, and field goals. Players can control the kicker on field goals and extra points, and they can also control the returner on kickoffs and punts.
Graphics and sound
ABC Monday Night Football features impressive graphics for an NES game. The players and stadiums are well-detailed, and the animations are smooth. The game also features a number of cutscenes that add to the overall presentation.
The sound in ABC Monday Night Football is also excellent. The crowd noise is realistic, and the commentary from Frank Gifford and Al Michaels is top-notch. The game also features a number of sound effects that add to the realism, such as the sound of the ball being kicked and the sound of the players tackling each other.
Overall
ABC Monday Night Football is a classic football game that still holds up today. The graphics and sound are excellent, the gameplay is fun and challenging, and the commentary from Frank Gifford and Al Michaels is top-notch. If you’re a fan of football games, then you owe it to yourself to check out ABC Monday Night Football.
Review score: 8/10
Pros:
- Excellent graphics and sound
- Fun and challenging gameplay
- Commentary from Frank Gifford and Al Michaels
Cons:
- Voice synthesis is not always perfect
- Limited number of teams and players
Review Score
8/10