Five Reasons Tecmo Super Bowl is Still the Greatest Football Video Game

Last week was the first part of our tribute to perhaps Nintendo’s greatest game, Tecmo Super Bowl. This week, we go for round two, explaining why, despite being released almost 20 years ago, TSB may still be the best football video game of all-time . No doubt that Madden and NCAA football on any system are great games, but trying to top the granddaddy of them all is no small feat. Here are five reasons why Tecmo Super Bowl may still reign supreme in the football video game world.

A reason to live

Button mashing is an art form
Today’s games have juke sticks, truck sticks, and hot reads to make offenses click. There is no substitute, however, for toting the rock, getting tied up with the defender, and beating on the ‘A’ button like your life depended on it. This was a true test of wills, although having a running back with a 99 power ranking certainly didn’t hurt your chances.

Knowing opponents’ tendencies actually helped
In too many Madden games these days, an unskilled punk can just chuck deep passes all game long. Eventually wide receivers will come down with touchdowns, regardless of how many defensive backs you put on the field. On TSB, the offense and defense select from the same eight plays, meaning that if the D picks the same play as the O, it’s most likely going nowhere.  If you know your buddy’s tendencies, you will have him jumping for the reset button in frustration.

Awesome music, no lame commentating
There’s no greater feeling than breaking off a long TD run to the sound of that awesome Nintendo music, followed by the ‘TOUCHDOWN’ from the PA. Today’s games filled with ‘Maddenisms’ and Kirk Herbstreit don’t hold a candle to the in-game jams of Tecmo.

Awesome music during the Thurminator's TD spike

Seasons don’t take a century to complete
While recruiting in dynasty mode can be fun, it is very detrimental to actually going out, having a social life, and getting laid. Tecmo Super Bowl allowed you to dominate the competition in five minute quarters with a lightning-fast clock. Full season mode with actual NFL depth charts, injuries, and playoffs made seasons a blast, without forcing you to go into World of Warcraft mode just to win a title.

No penalties
Ever take one to the house on NCAA football, only to have it called back for holding? A ticky-tack roughing the passer call? No worries on TSB, as games hadn’t become quite that advanced yet. You could even dish out a late hit in the end zone without consequence.