Joe Montana's Football review - Sega Master System

The men with the funny-shaped balls are back in another American Football outing on the Sega Master System. The rules of the game are relatively simple. The game is split into four quarters and the aim is to score a touchdown by getting the ball to the end of the opposition's half of the pitch. Not surprisingly, the opposition are out to stop you and try and score a few touchdowns of their own.

If you've got the ball your aim is to progress at least ten yards up the pitch in order to claim your first down. The defensive team's job is to stop you getting those ten yards by bringing the players down. The offensive team get four chances at getting their first down. If they do get it then they have another four chances to progress another ten yards. If they don't then the opposing team get their chance to get a touchdown.

Occasionally, during a play the offensive team may fumble the ball. If the defensive players can intercept the ball without it hitting the ground then they can claim the first down. Six points are awarded for a touchdown, and an extra kick could award you an extra point. Three points are given from a successful field goal.

This Sega cart replicates all of the action of American Football, with liberal dollops of advice from Mr Montana himself (apparently he's the World's greatest living quarterback, so there you go).

What the Mean Machines staff thought

Joe Montana Football on the Megadrive suffered because it was nowhere near as good as Electronic Arts' John Madden Football. Funnily enough, the same is true of the Master System conversion when compared with the ageing American Pro Football. The gameplay, graphics and sound just don't compare to Sega's previously released American Football game and this by itself is enough to stop me recommending this effort. It's a shame really, because Joe Montana Football isn't terrible. The graphics, although small, do the job pretty well and the sound is above average for the Master System. The choice of plays is also pretty varied and the ability to bluff your opponent is quite good. Unfortunately, Joe Montana Football isn't at all exciting to play and the action can hardly be termed as addictive. I'd forget about this new release and go for American Pro Football.

When you look at it on its own, Joe Montana isn't particularly brilliant. The graphics and sound are average and although there are plenty of plays to choose from, the game simply isn't exciting or challenging. Compare it with the two year old American Pro Football and it looks even worse. APF has far more depth, better graphics and really enjoyable and addictive gameplay. So if you're an American Football fan you'd be much better hunting for a copy of American Pro Football, rather than making do with this disappointing sports simulation.

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