TV Sports Football
System: TG-16
Release Date: December 1990
Developer: Cinemaware
Publisher: NEC
Genre: Sports
More gridiron action is ahead of us in TV Sports Football! Here’s another unlicensed football game in front of us. This one has more than exhibition games and features a season mode. So pick whatever team sounds coolest to you and take a run at finishing first. Good luck choosing the games to play, I don’t know what was going on, but the game slowed to a crawl when it was time to pick what game to play.
After the coin toss, the kickoff is automatic and you join the play in progress. Try to get a few yards before getting caught. You then go right to the play select screen. The direction you press chooses the package, then another direction press chooses your play. On defense, you can only take control of linebackers and corners if you only have 2 linebackers. Adjusting your defense is possible, but you have to be careful not to go off sides or you’ll get called for a penalty.
On offense, each play can be a run or a pass play, depending on the button you press when snapping the ball. Pressing Button I and nothing else will have the QB automatically pass the ball for you. Pressing Button II and nothing else will have him hand it off to a running back. You can manually take control of the play by pressing down on the d-pad. When you’re running, the line is completely impenetrable. You can’t run through small gaps, they have to be gaping holes. I think it might be possible that a number advantage from the offensive line may open more holes, but I can’t be certain it isn’t random. Backs don’t have any special moves, it’s just run until you can’t anymore.
To pass, you need to let go of the d-pad, then press left or right to aim your throw. Once you are set, press and hold Button I. The instant you let go of Button I, the ball falls to the ground, so you want to get the marker on your receiver. You will fail at this, a lot. If you run around behind the line of scrimmage for too long, you’ll receive a penalty for holding, which I thought was dumb. After most big plays, there is a cutaway to the broadcaster, which is kind of neat, but loses its luster after awhile. This is unfortunate because games take forever to play.
Graphics: 1.5
The graphics themselves are very plain, but I like the presentation with the broadcaster.
Sound: 1.0
The field noises are alright at best. The sound of the ball in the air is incredibly annoying.
Gameplay: 0.5
Passing is awful and running is terrible. Defense is a chore, but I guess doable.
Difficulty: 0.5
You’ll be fighting the controls and the computer that does not want to give you any breathing room.
Fun Factor: 0.5
There’s only a small amount of enjoyment to be had here.
Overall Rating: 0.8
TV Sports Football earns a D. This game really is unplayable and I suggest you stay far away. For the TG-16’s sake, I hope they get a better football game in the future.