ESRB Rating:
Release Date: 2-1-1989
Moby Score (1-10): 7.2
Genre(s): Action, Sports, Top-down, Side view, Football (American), Licensed
Media Type(s): Physical
The king of the retro pigskin reigns over Virtual Console!Tecmo Bowl pits the player vs. the computer in 11-game, single-elimination play-off action. Players can also go head-to-head with a human opponent in action or coach mode. The player can select from 12 teams. On offense there are usually two run and two pass plays to choose from. The player takes control of the quarterback before the snap and then either hands off to the running back or works through his receiver progression from the top to the bottom of the screen. Defense consists of trying to guess which offensive play the opponent will select and then taking control of one of the defensive players before the snap. A very simple power-meter system is used for kicking field goals, extra points, and punts.
The most popular American football game to hit the NES console, Tecmo Bowl pits the player vs. the computer in 11 game single-elimination playoff action, or you can go head-to-head with a human opponent in action or coach mode. There are 12 teams of real NFL players (circa 1988) to choose from, but don't look for official NFL team logos or mascots like Bears or Dolphins--Tecmo Bowl has the NFLPA but not the NFL license.
The play perspective is top-down and the screen scrolls horizontally. Player graphics are large and colorful, which is made possible by limiting the number of players to nine per team. Animated cut-scenes are shown following touchdowns and at half-time, and crowds are shown filling the endzone seats.
There are four plays to choose from on offense--usually two runs and two passes. The player takes control of the quarterback before the snap and then either hands off to the running back or works through his receiver progression from the top to the bottom of the screen. Defense consists of trying to guess which offensive play the opponent will select and then taking control of one of the defensive players before the snap. A very simple power meter system is used for kicking field goals, extra points, and punts.
There are no game or season stats and there is no way to save your season, but there is a password feature allowing you to resume tournament play where you left off.











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× Video games are pre-owned unless otherwise specified
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We have a 30-day return policy for all Brand New Items, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
We have a 30-day replacement policy for all Pre-Owned Items, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to have any malfunctioning part replaced with another of the same item.
To be eligible for a return of a Brand New Item, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us by calling the store at (518) 823-4471. If your return is accepted, we can either send you a return shipping label to your email address used for the purchase, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package, we will deduct the cost of the return shipping label from your final return value. Alternatively, you can use your own shipping method to return the items. Any items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question by calling the store at (518) 823-4471.
Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.
Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.
Refunds
We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.