Tecmo Super Bowl

Tecmo is joining the 32-Bit football game craze with the release of Tecmo Super Bowl for the PlayStation and the Saturn. This updated version of Tecmo's football series for the 16-Bit systems will provide the latest teams and stats while retaining many features of the original versions.

The game will include all 30 NFL teams with accurate stats and rosters. In addition, you'll be able to trade players at any time to create your own dream team. You can also take the role of any player, and when a player is selected, his picture will come up on the screen to let you know just who you're controlling.

One of the more interesting aspects of this game is its variable weather. Although you will be able set the playing conditions on the Options Screen, you can also choose to have random weather, with rain and snow that comes and goes during the course of the game, affecting gameplay.

This version will offer three different camera angles: horizontal movement, three-fourth angled screen and vertical movement reminiscent of Sony's GameDay. The animations will be very true-to-life, with diving catches, realistic running motion and even the classic high-stepping on the way to the end zone. The passing interface will be performed in the classic style, although the play-calling interface is rather unorthodox.

The teams' logos and colors will be seen on the field, and while the players' numbers will not be on their jerseys, they will be displayed within the circle indicating who has possession of the ball. As you can see in these screen shots, the field is incredibly detailed, with careful shading and texture to re-create the look of a real football field.

Tecmo has been a well-known name in the gaming world, and this title is evidence of that experience. Budding fans of video football will want to watch out for this game.

MANUFACTURER - Tecmo

THEME - Sport

NUMBER OF PLAYERS - 1 or 2

From eight-Bit to 16-Bit, and now to 32-Bit, Tecmo continues its NFL football tradition with a version for the Sega Saturn.

An early preview of the game revealed little about its playcalling features, but showed a polygon-graphics engine that provides enough detail to read jersey numbers off of players' backs. The game will have three different playing perspectives, including an overhead isometric view of the field.

According to Tecmo, the game will boast some extra control features for jumps, spin moves and pickoffs. Also, the game will let players build their own dream teams and offer unlimited player trades.

The series' main strength-easy multiplayer play-will continue, thanks to a special tournament mode. This game is also tentatively planned for the PlayStation as well.