Previous Next

Cast your mind back to that wonderful day in January when the UK and America came to a complete halt. Why? Because it was Superbowl Sunday and the total population of both nations was gripped by the prospect of a spectacular game of American Football between the all-conquering Chicago Bears and underdogs New England Patriots.

On the day the Bears enjoyed a real picnic and the Pats were hammered mercilessly.

Now you can get the chance to turn the tables on the Bears in Ocean's excellent American Football simulation, Superbowl.

The game centres on the two Superbowl 20 teams. It's a mainly menu-driven strategy game with some really nice graphic frills. Frills like the giant "replay" screen, and animated "TV" screen close-ups of the footballers in action.

Once you've loaded the game, you get a screen which is divided into a representation of the playing field on the right and an area which displays statistics which show the Quarterback and the receiver in action.

When you hit the play action you'll see the two players in the "TV" screens animate and run up the field.

This left hand side of the screen is also used for the many menus that are required to play the game. Both teams' offensive and defensive tactics are controlled from these menus - with you acting as the head coach and calling all the shots.

To get the best out of the game, you really need to know the ins and outs of the sport. But Ocean have thoughtfully provided an audio cassette which explains some of the rules - which is just as well as the written instructions leave a lot to be desired.

The game also includes a "quickstart" option which is again extremely useful for the novice. You can simply select the "play game" option from both the offensive and defence menus and the computer will play the game for you. Useful to do this if you're not quite sure about how the same strategies work.

You'll soon pick things up however and be rushing for a touchdown alongside the best of them.

The objective of the game is to advance the ball by a series of plays or "downs" into the opposition's "endzone" or scoring area, and to achieve a "touchdown" for which the team is awarded six points.

The team in possession of the ball has four attempts or "downs" to advance the ball a minimum of ten yards. Yards are gained by running with the ball (rushing) or passing.

Superbowl somehow manages to include all the complexities and excitement of American Football while still making the game more than just another strategy game. This is a proper simulation of the real thing.

The graphics likewise manage to combine the "live" game with all the essential instructions to your computer without slowing down the action. Both Commodore and Spectrum versions have similar excellent graphics - but, of course, the C64 has better sound.

The "diamond screen" messages and game action "replays" add to the great atmosphere of the game.

Superbowl stands next to Hardball as a great sports simulation. But when is someone going to do the same thing for a British sport - like cricket?

If you're an American Football fan - and who isn't these days - don't fail to get your hands on a copy. If you fumble this one then you're going to regret it for the rest of the season!