Relive the glory of Tecmo Bowl, the iconic 80s football game that set the stage for sports gaming. Nostalgia and touchdowns await!
When it comes to the 80s, the decade was known for neon lights, loud music, and big hair. But, for many, it’s also the golden age of arcade gaming. It was a period of time when games were not just games, rather they were events. Back in those days, you would walk into an arcade and hear the cacophony of bleeps and bloops, and immediately feel as if you have walked into an entirely new world. And, among all of the rows of flashing lights, Tecmo Bowl stood out from the crowd. It was a legendary game that is still synonymous with pigskin perfection.
After all, the Tecmo Bowl wasn’t just a game for American football fans. It was a game for anyone who loved competition. It was perfect for those who thrived in strategic games in the dawn of 8-bit graphics.
The 80s saw a surge in the popularity of football, and arcades were already the go-to after-school spot for teenagers across the country. Even gaming consoles were becoming staples in homes across the country. And, Tecmo Bowl was released at the perfect moment to capture all of this sports-loving spirit at the same time.
The Basics of Tecmo Bowl
If you have never heard of Tecmo Bowl, then here is the basic information.
- Title: Tecmo Bowl
- Developer: Tecmo
- Publisher: Tecmo
- Release Dates:
- Arcade: 1987
- NES: 1989
- Genre: Sports (Football)
- Platforms: Arcade, NES, and Game Boy
Without question, Tecmo Bowl was the ultimate digital football game. Unlike today’s Madden NFL series, it didn’t play by the same simulation rules. Nevertheless, it was fast, fun, and designed to keep you coming back for more.
Tecmo Bowl Gameplay
There is no doubt that Tecmo Bowl lacked realism. At the time, there was no other competition when it came to sports games. But, what it did deliver was an experience that was exhilarating. And, for a moment, you would completely forget that you were staring at a screen the size of a shoebox.
The gameplay itself was rather simple. You would start by picking a team. And, each team had its own strengths and weaknesses. Back in those days, if you weren’t choosing the LA Raiders, in order to make use of Bo Jackson, then you weren’t playing the game right.
Next, you will choose the play. When you were on offense, you had four plays to choose from. Two of these were running, and two were passes. For defense, you had to guess what the other team was going to do, and if you guessed it right you would completely obliterate their play. But, if you guessed it wrong, then all hell would break loose.
The magic happened when you executed the play. It didn’t matter if you were dodging tackles, making impossible catches, or simply pulling off a defensive sack, every moment of the game was pure adrenaline.
Tecmo Bowl was special because of the way that it made gameplay so easy. You could simply pick up the controller and begin to play, but mastering it still took time. I remember the days clearly when you would sit down next to a friend, badmouth them, all in an attempt to get them to make a mistake.
The Cultural Impact of Tecmo Bowl
It was 1989, and you just finished watching Monday Night Football. You still riding the high of that last-minute touchdown, so instead of going to bed, you pick up your kid’s NES and pop in Tecmo Bowl. Sure, there were tons of games that your kid already had at the time, but Tecmo Bowl was all yours. And, it allowed you to relive the glory of that last touchdown, with you in control.
The release of Tecmo Bowl was perfectly timed. Football fever was sweeping the nation, and the game brought that excitement into our living rooms. Although the game started in the arcade, it was quickly ported to the popular game consoles of the decade. This ensured that the fast-paced game could be played just about anywhere.
It was also the first time that we really used a video game to promote a specific sports athlete. Bo Jackson was the most popular player of the era, and his portrayal in Tecmo Bowl was legendary. He was quite literally a human cheat code, and you could give him the ball and watch as he zigzagged across the field at breakneck speeds. Then there was the catchphrase, “Bo knows Tecmo” which spawned countless commercial parities across just about every single industry.
How Tecmo Bowl Was Made
Behind every great game, there is a great story. And, Tecmo Bowl is no exception to the rule. The game itself was created by the same company that delivered Ninja Gaiden, another very popular NES game. The game itself started in the arcade, and its key innovation was a two-player gaming cabinet. When Tecmo Bowl was released, most arcade candidates only allowed one player at a time. It was the first time that you were truly able to challenge a friend at a game.
The problem came in 1989 when the developers tried to port the game to the NES. The arcade version had 12 players on the field. But, due to limitations in the NES hardware, they were only capable of handling nine. But, Tecmo didn’t let this limitation ruin the game. Instead, they streamlined it to make it feel faster and more dynamic, with only eight players on the field.
And, unlike the arcade version which limited you to Bo Jackson, the NES version added a full roster of NFL players. Well, they had a license from the NFLPA, which allowed them to include a roster of many of the most popular players of the era. As a result, you are able to see real names like Walter Payton and Joe Montana in the video game.
Reception and Legacy
When the game first hit the shelves, it was an instant success. After years of successful gameplay in the arcade, Tecmo Bowl brought a pure fun factor to any home gaming console. And the player simply could not get enough of it.
Nevertheless, the game has continued to remain a fan favorite, especially among retro gaming enthusiasts. Tecmo Bowl has a cult following, and over the years there have been countless tournaments, ports, and even a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This helped the developers to release future sequels such as Tecmo Super Bowl, and so much more.
FAQ: Everything You’ve Wanted to Know
Is Bo Jackson really that unstoppable in Tecmo Bowl?
Without question, Bo Jackson is a one-man wrecking crew. If you don’t choose the LA Raiders and are playing against someone who has, you won’t stand a chance.
Can you still play Tecmo Bowl today?
Absolutely. There are countless different emulators and retro gaming services available on the market today. Even some modern consoles allow you to play Tecmo Bowl at home.
How many teams are in the game?
In the NES version, there were a total of 12 teams which were loosely based on real-life NFL teams.
What’s the difference between Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl?
Tecmo Bowl was limited to 12 teams, and only Bo Jackson’s name appeared in the roster. However, Tecmo Super Bowl added a full roster, even more plays, and a season mode. This created a more in-depth experience.
Why Tecmo Bowl Is Still a Touchdown
Tecmo Bowl is so much more than just another football game. It is a piece of gaming and NFL history. It is a reminder of a time when games didn’t need to have 4K graphics and endless updates to keep us happy. All the game needed was a little bit of heart and an overpowered Bo Jackson. So, whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Tecmo Bowl is a must-play for 80s fun.
