NFL Football review - Nintendo Gameboy

Sixteen! Forty eight! Hut! The gridiron comes to the Gameboy together with all its interruptions and complicated rules. Play the computer - or a friend with the Game Link - and choose any of the NFL teams that grab your fancy.

After kick off, the running back has to get as far upfield as possible until the opposition knocks him down. Then offensive plays are chosen in an attempt to gain 10 yards in four plays, which isn't as easy as it sounds. Alternatively while on defense, the task in hand is to prevent the other team from making their first down - and so regain possession. Punts and field goals are also available.

Big helmets, shoulder pads, and enormous salaries - it may sound like Dallas, but it's American Football!

What the Mean Machines staff thought

A game this complex needs clear, straightforward graphics, not dozens of minute stick men lethargically wandering around the pitch. The potential's there, but the game fails to complete the play!

Oh dear. When you look at the screen shots, this looks great. But once you see the crippled outcasts from a Lowry painting blurring their way around the screen like slugs you soon get put off. And when the action gets hectic, you end up with a writhing mass of pixels which you can't make head nor tail of. Give it a miss.