When some people think about iconic football video games they think about EA's John Madden. However, if you're old school like me you'll think about Tecmo Bowl instead. In bringing Tecmo Bowl back to a new platform, Nintendo worked hard to maintain the original integrity of the game. This was done both in hopes of introducing new fans to the game as well as bringing back fans from Tecmo days gone by. Many football video games these days like Madden can be confusing and get more complex with each new release. One of the goals when introducing Tecmo Bowl to the Nintendo DS console was to make it easier for new players and to bring back the feeling of old-fashioned old-school arcade football.

A while back I was shopping for a birthday present for my nephew when a particular video game caught my eye. Tecmo Bowl Kickoff. I immediately started thinking about the hours upon hours spent playing this game as a kid. My brother and I played like our lives depended on it. We had our favorite teams and would set-up tournaments with our friends. Many fought for Bo Jackson and the Raiders but I was a Barry Sanders fan and did not have to fight very hard for the Lions. Forgetting about my nephew for just a few mintues I decided I had to have it.

Originally released as an arcade game, Tecmo Bowl was later developed for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 and was an instant classic with every kid who grew up in the early 90s. Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff was eventually released for the portable Nintendo DS Lite in September 2008 and will work with the new DSi as well.

I was a little disappointed to find the new game has generic teams and players. I found out later they did not have a license to use NFL teams or names as that was sold exclusively to EA Sports. The teams and players are fully customizable for those that have a lot of time on their hands. Hopefully you have less time on your hands today than back when you were a kid, but with the economy the way it is these days--who knows. My brother-in-law for one could probably earn a good living playing video games if his wife let him LOL.

I found the game play very similar to the original. They kept the same overhead view of the field and the controls were very easy to learn. The passing took a little time to get the hang of and I had trouble figuring out how to throw to the right receiver.

My favorite part of any football game is the kickoff return and Tecmo does not disappoint. I did miss having Mel Gray as my Lions kickoff returner. As far as I can remember the plays are the same as before, 8 plays--four running and four passing. They have added an experience boost that led to a special moves option that I do not remember from the original.

One added feature I’m sure you will like but I haven't tried yet is the online play. Test your skills against friends or strangers. You can even trade players. This is a very nice feature added by Tecmo. The computer still lacks common sense in some situations, clock management and two point conversions etc… so it’s refreshing to play against someone who uses common sense. Although if you miss playing against the computer I can always hook you up with my brother-in-law LOL.

Overall it is a fun game. I was looking forward to playing with the old school Lions with Barry Sanders and Mel Gray and stopping Bo Jackson from the Raiders. I found myself playing for a couple weeks as with many games my interest has waivered. I don’t think Madden has anything to worry about.  On a scale of 1 through 10 and 10 being the best I would give Tecmo Bowl Kickoff a 5.5 and would raise that a point or two had Barry Sanders been in the game.