Touch Down Fever

Touch Down Fever is a 1987 American football video game developed and published by SNK for arcades. It was later ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System and was released in Japan by K. Amusement Leasing on November 11, 1988, titled as Touch Down Fever: American Football and in North America by SNK in February 1991 without the "American Football" moniker.

Gameplay

At first glance, it resembles Irem's 1983 arcade game 10 Yard Fight, but with rotating joysticks that were previously used in SNK's Ikari Warriors. Most of the official rules are in effect as well as most major running and passing plays. Field goals and punts are also included, but, players cannot make horse collar tackles.

NES Version

This version featured teams that originated from cities that had NFL teams at the time but not the colors or the nicknames as the game was not officially licensed by the NFL. Graphics were toned down as they were for many arcade games ported to the system. The human players could only select five basic plays: Long Pass, Short Pass, QB Sneak, Backs or Punt/Field Goal. Field Goals would always go through the uprights unless blocked by the opposing team. Despite the NFL not adopting this rule until the 1994 season, a player could attempt a 2-point conversion if so desired.

Reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed Touch Down Fever as the 17th most successful table arcade unit of October 1987.