Conference rusure::nintendo

    
    Hi Jim,
    
    The write up I saw said it could be played one vs. computer too. It 
    looked good from the write up but I haven't seen it anywhere yet.. 
    
    Speed M.
    

	I bought NES Play Action Football yesterday at a Lechmere store
	in southern MA for $39.88.

	I only got to play a couple of games yesterday but for the most part
	I liked the game.

	If I remember correctly there are 5 game options:

	1p vs Comp - You can select 4 different levels of play vs Computer
	1p vs 1p
	2p vs Comp - requires adaptor which I don't have
	2p vs 2p   - "                                 "
	1p playoff to try and win the 'Power Bowl'

	There are also 8 teams you can choose from:

	LA - rams	DEN
	SF		WAS
	MIA		NY - Giants
	CHI		HOU

	The players on each team are modeled after actual NFL players.

	On offense there are 24 different play combinations and on defense
	there are 16 different plays.

	Some early thoughts:

	Passing the ball was a little hard at first, but I'm getting better.

	Substitutions:

	Each player has an energy meter. After each play the player loses a
	little energy. I think this is fine for running backs and wide receivers
	but not for quarterbacks. RB's and WR's are substituted all the time in
	a real game. However, if the QB runs the ball a couple of times in a
	drive or gets sacked once or twice his energy is all but gone..so you
	have to put in a backup QB for a few plays..I don't like this part at
	all. The starting QB on most teams doesn't leave a real game unless he
	gets injured and is capable of taking a few hits during a long drive.
	Also, if a players energy gets to 0, some guys with a stretcher come
	out on the field and cart him off..

	Other than that, the game is really pretty good... more later after
	I have a chance to really get into it.

	Joe 

    
    
      how are the grafics in this game ??
    
       does it keep any stats like BBstars
    
       when picking a team...does it come with ALL players
       or do u need to add some froma pool or something ??
    
       is it worth buying !!
    
    thanks in advance
    
    
    

    How does this Game compare to TECMO BOWL???
    
    /Mike

	Now that I have played a few more games I can answer a few more
	questions...

	My original note stated that 2p vs. the computer required the
	adapter, it doesn't. You only need the adapter for 4 human players.

	The graphics are ok. Sometimes I see a little screen break up but
	it could just be from dirty contacts. The game switches between a
	real high up view, for passing plays, punts, and kickoffs, and a
	closer view for runs, and returns.

	This game is not like baseball stars at all. No stats are kept and
	all the teams have a set roster. However, players do get tired and
	you have keep that fact in mind throughout the game. Else you can
	easily fumble the ball. I've found that if a running back or quarterback
	is low on energy he is pretty likely to fumble the ball when tackled.
	Also, you'll notice a significant decrease in how far a qb will throw
	a pass when he is tired. In my opinion, the qb's get tired much too
	quickly, at least they can't get injured though.

	Passing is still not very easy. I still have trouble completing a
	large percentage of passes, but so do nfl qb's. 

	Between each play, you get 30 seconds to make substitutions and call
	a play. There are also 3 timeouts per half.

	Each team has it's own set of plays. Miami has a lot of passing plays,
	Chicago a lot of running plays. So far, I think Chicago is the best
	team. They literally RUN all over the other teams. I may be biased
	towards them because Chicago's strength is running and running plays
	are a lot easier than passing plays which I have trouble with...

	Kickoffs, Field Goals, and Punts are done in a two step process..

	You first have to stop an arrow that moves left and right to determine
	the ball's direction,
	then you have to stop a power bar to determine how hard the ball is
	kicked..

	I've found the plays to be very well designed and the computer executes
	them pretty well.

	There is a password feature for the 1p playoffs, so you can pick up
	where you left off.

	As for comparisons to Tecmo Bowl and the others, I can't say. I've
	only played Tecmo a few times and they were a long time ago. I'll leave
	them up to someone who can give a good comparison.

	All in all, I would recommend this game. It plays just like a real
	game and has a lot of plays to choose from. I just wish the qb's
	didn't get so tired.

	This game could be really fun when played with four players...I can't
	wait to try it.

	Without having played the four player option, I would rate this
	game a solid 9, a definite buy if you like football.


	Joe

    
    In the one player against the computer, is the computer a worthy
    opponent or can you crunch the computer pretty easily.
    
    Jim

    Who controls what when you play 2 against the computer (or 2 against 2
    others)?

	RE: .-2

	On level 4, the computer is a very worthy opponent. It can easily
	beat you if you aren't careful...

	RE: .-1

	When two players play the computer, one is obviously the quarterback,
	the other is one of the running backs or receivers. you choose which
	one before the play is executed...Once the ball is handed off or
	thrown, each player can change to the player closest to the player
	with the ball...this works well on sweeps and option plays because
	the human controlling the qb hands the ball off then switches to
	a lead blocker for the runner. It's very good.


	This game is excellent... I talked to a friend who has tecmo bowl
	and he liked NES play action much better...

	Joe

    I rented this game the other day and enjoyed it very much, even though
    I didn't have an instruction book. All I saw were something like 12
    offensive plays and the same for defense. How do you get to the other
    plays? Also how do you kick a field goal? 
    
    
    Thaks for the help.

    How does it compare to Tecmo Bowl.  Is the action slow like NFL
    football, or faster like Tecmo Bowl?
    
    Glen.

    Joe,  you say that on level 4, the computer is a very worthy opponent.
    Is this the highest level or are there even tougher levels?
    
    Thanks, Pam

    
    
     how do you get the offensive team to go for a field goal
      I cant seem to get them to do that...only punts !!!
    
        any clues ....or help ????
    
    
                  Snake
    
    
    

    re: .12
    
    Yes, you can do a field goal.  The play is on the second
    or third play screen.  Just select it and it works like
    a PAT.  Not easy, mind you, but possible.
    
    BTW - I also have had trouble completing passes.  I just
    got it yesterday and realize I need practice, but I look
    forward to lost of practice.  I'm a Bears fan and appreciate
    the strength of their running game!  
    
    Joel
    

    re -1  I'm also having problems passing the ball, everytime I drop
    back to pass I get sacked. I've been playing Washington and they
    to also have a good running game, but Ron Morris (Tailback) will
    rush for 40 yards then when they catch up to him he fumbles. urrrggghh
    But I just have to keep throwing the ball.
    
                                                         Dan

    re: .14
    
    I tried last night and got a little better passing.  You've
    definitely got to let go fairly quickly, and controlling
    the receiver isn't easy, either.
    
    I definitely like this game - though I tried the playoff
    mode last night, just for fun, and the 'Niners smashed
    me pretty royally.  One thing that sometimes works
    very well is to throw a screen pass (they're automatically
    completed) and, when the receiver catches the ball, let
    him stay for just a split second.  Then - go against the
    flow.  If your guy is fast enough, it's usually good for
    10-20 yards.
    
    Has anyone been able to kick a field goal from more than
    15 or so yards?  
    
    Joel
    

    Field Goal, I'm just starting to get the PAT down. :*) I have been 
    using the screen pass, you do have to wait a couple of seconds
    though to let the back get out to the sidelines, if you throw it
    to quick he'll get tackled right away. I use that, the sweep and
    option, them three plays normally get me down field, I sometimes
    press the b button and go the opposite direction. I like the game
    due to the variety of plays and formations on offense and defense.
    But the graphics leave alot to be desired. But it is made by
    Nintendo and most of there sports games the graphics aren't to
    swift.
    
                                             Dan

I kicked a 45-yard field goal last night.  The way I did it was as follows;

 I was on the left hash marks and I directed the arrow as far right as it
could go (it actually doesn't go that far to the right). I then selected 
the field goal play on the second screen and when it asked for "opposite
or as drawn" I selected opposite and the kick faded a little to the middle
of the field.  Had enough distance for another 10 yards too!!

 Good Luck!

							-dlp-

    re: .17
    
    Glad to see it's possible.  This game takes practice to 
    get your timing down.  I look forward to the day when I
    can really start mixing it up.  Frankly, I enjoy being
    able to yank Montana whenever I choose!
    
    Joel
    

    
    How do you get to the 2nd screen for field goals
    I tried hiting select but it would not work
    
    only kicking I see is punt !!
    
    

    re: .19
    
    You have to simultaneously hit the `A' and `B' buttons.  Hit them
    again to get to the third screen.  If I recall, the field goal
    is the bottom right play on the second screen.  
    
    Joel
    

    
    
    thanks for the help...works great...now if I can only learn to kick
    straight.........
    
     thanks again
    
      Steve
    
    

    I have discovered through many hours of playing that the Bears and
    49ers are the  strongest.  I am not a Bears fan so, I use the 49ers to
    beat them.  I have a few spoilers that with practice can be used
    effectively and consistently.
    Spoilers follow:
    
    
    When kicking to the computer, you can do an on-sides kick that can be
    returned for a touchdown.  If facing your television kick towards the
    far left sideline, and use about 1/3 power.  As soon as you kick switch
    men from the kicker to the outside coverage man (Ronnie Lott) by
    touching both A and B buttons at the same time.  If you have an
    Advantage controller place button A in Rapid Fire Mode and press A,
    this will let Lott outrace the return team to the ball.  It is simple
    after you get behind the first wave of the return team, pick up the
    ball and it is six points.
    
    Another is to always pass on first down against the Bears, use the
    Roll=out Pass, someone is always open.  Also the sweep with Roger Craig
    is effective by running to the right or left of the center instead of
    around end.  When the ball is snapped head straight towards where the
    left or right quard is, depending upon which way the play is suppossed
    to be run, you will notice a hole open up and you will get some long
    gains.
    
    
    A litte practice and this will be no problem, and then you can beat any
    team.
    
    

    re: .22
    
    Thanks for the tips, though as a Bears fan I rather enjoy
    smashing up the 'Niners!  And you can bet that last Sunday
    I took the Bears and wiped out the Giants.
    
    In general I have found that the screen pass and the sweeps
    are usually very effective.  They're almost always good
    for 12-15 yards, even more if your runner is particularly
    powerful.  Since the guys run low on energy fairly quickly,
    I substitute as follows:
    
    1. First two sets of downs, take out first string quarterback,
    keep in top running backs.  Use off-tackles, dives, sweeps,
    screen passes, etc.
    
    2. Next set of downs, put first-stringer in, rest the top
    backs, and concentrate on passes.  The shotgun bomb and
    the fake draw (both plays from shotgun formation) work
    the best for me.  I just look to see who is totally open
    and toss the ball that way.  I can complete about 1/3 of
    the passes, and one out of three is all you need for a
    first down.
    
    But does anyone have any tips on defense?  You only get to
    control one guy and one or more receivers are usually wide
    open.  Very tough to stop the computer from scoring, unless
    you get used to their play selection in certain situations
    and put in a defense that might at least slow them down.
    
    I think this game is great, and enjoy smashing the
    'Niners with regularity!
    
    Joel
    

	Joel,

	Being a Giants' fan, I particularly enjoyed the field day they
	had with the Bears on Sunday.  Hope they can do the same to the
	49ers, or else I will do the same and destroy them myself with
	NES Play Action!

	Regarding the defense request, I used a sure fire way to really
	destroy the computer and win the Power Bowl title...

	<Spoiler>


	The Giants have a strong defense and a powerful line, with Taylor,
	Banks, and Reasons.  This helps a great deal, but I don't think it
	is necessary.  I usually pick a passing defense and send the free
	safety out.  As soon as I know he is passing, I hit both the A and
	B buttons and that switches me to one of the linemen.  Then I hit
	the running button and sack the QB for a huge loss.  This is quite
	effective.  If the QB manages to get the ball off (rarely happens),
	I switch again and usually have someone in the area to block.

	I can't play that much anymore as the game was my brother's, but I
	did have it for a few days and found it to be a great game.  Good
	luck...and go Giants!!!

	-Pete 

    re: .24
    
    Thanks for the tip, I'll try that tonight.  What a pleasure
    it will be to sack Montana a few times!  
    
    I've been using blitz and anti-run defenses - I'll try more
    of the passing ones and check this out.  
    
    As for the Giants - great game, good luck to 'em.  
    
    Joel
    

    The Giants did it!!!  On their way to Tampa after defeating the
    49ers.  Now I don't have to borrow the game from my brother and
    beat on them!  The Giants attacked the QB, just like when I play
    NES Football.

    Joel, how well did the defensive tip work for you?

	-Pete

    re: .26
    
    Defensive tip has worked well.  I don't always sack the
    guy, but I do it more often than in the past.  The only
    problem I have is visual - on a pass play the screen changes
    from close-up to far-above, and with some teams (like
    the Redskins) it isn't always easy to tell which guy you're
    now controlling.  This is exacerbated by the general crown
    near the quarterback.  I have found that waiting a second
    or two till things clarify makes it easier for me.
    
    I have been choosing defenses like "hot blitz/3 deep" and
    "double cover/WR" and have been effective.  Any specific
    spoilers on defenses?  None of them work all the time, but
    I am two games away from the "Power Bowl" and have done
    ok so far.  Completing passes is still tough, but practice
    helps!
    
    Good luck to the Giants!  Should be a good game.  Too bad 
    Buffalo isn't one of the NES teams, or we could have a
    pre-Superbowl battle...
    
    Joel
    

    I guess I'll ask this again.  Is this game played at the about the
    same speed as Tecmo Bowl?  I have tried NFL Football and it was
    way to slow for me.  Please let me know.
    
    Glen.

    I finally master this game and have a few comments.  I found the 49ers
    to be the best team although I can win with any team.  They have by far
    the best receivers and kicking game.  Why isn't Jerry Rice in this
    game?  
      I never bother to punt anymore because the computer always gets a
    good return.  If the computers punts, which it rarely does, 70% of the
    time I return it for a touchdown.  I don't understand what triggers the
    computer to punt.  The computer goes for it on fourth down 80% of the
    time no matter what field position it has.
      Playing a pass defense all the time does work best but I like to
    through in some blitzes.  One problem I have is if the computer gets a
    man ahead of my defense so there are none of my players on the screen I
    never can catch up.  This allows the computer to score alot.  Luckly I
    score more.  Still, It's a fun game and the computer does give you a
    run for your money.
       
       

    re: .29
    
    I'm still a game away from the Power Bowl; congrats on getting
    there!
    
    I agree with your comments.  The punting leaves much to be 
    desired in this game, to put it mildly.  I always go
    for it on fourth down.
    
    Some of the defenses I have found to be most helpful (though
    you can get burned on anything) are the "blitz/two deep" and
    the "hot blitz/3 deep."  I have followed the tip for
    sacking (see earlier entries) and have improved my results
    by waiting a couple of seconds before going after the
    quarterback - this way I can better avoid the blockers and
    see where the quarterback is going.
    
    San Fran is definitely the best team, though they are quite
    beatable.  A fun game, but I'll be looking for a new,
    improved version!
    
    Joel
    

    I am also interested in an answer given to .28.  I have Tecmo Bowl also
    and although the graphics are good, I soon found myself bored with it.
    
    At 40 bucks a pop I want to make sure that if I buy another football
    game, it will be worth it.
    
    I like the idea of fumbles and players getting tired.  The more
    realistic the better.
    
    
    - Merch -

    I guess I'll reply to my own note in .31.  
    
    I broke down and took a chance and bought NES play action football.  In
    my opinion this game is superior to Tecmo Bowl because of its realistic
    play.  Passes are hard to complete, you have to deal with proper play
    selection because the defenses are tough, and you have a great
    selection of offensive and defensive plays to choose from and a short
    amount of time to choose them. You can call time outs and substitute
    players.
    
    I have only played the game for roughly 1� hours and really enjoy it. 
    Some of the drawbacks are that the graphics are a bit inferior, and
    when the game jumps to different displays action is sometimes hard to
    follow, and play is a little bit slower but perhaps because of the
    complexity of the the slower play is appropriate.
    
    The fact that you can play 2 players against the computer is great and
    what is even better is you can play 2 on 2.
    
    Are you a football fan?  Get this game... it's probably THE most
    realistic nintendo football game to date.  Although who knows what
    they'll come up with in a few short months!
    
    I rate this game a solid 8.5! 1� points off due to graphics and play
    action screen changes.
    
    - Merch -

    BJ's Wholesale Club in Westborough, MA has NES Play Action Football for
    sale at $9.99.