Two notes from the last entry:

1. Vodka Drunkenski actually was a character in the Super Punch Out arcade game.
2. Piston Honda was actually Piston Hurricane in the arcade version, from Detroit. Curiously, in the SNES version of Super Punch Out, he now hailed from Cuba.

#2 Tecmo Super Bowl (NES 1991)

What it’s about: Football, duh. This was the sequel to the legendary Tecmo Bowl, also for the NES.

Why it’s here: Football is a complex game. Concepts like stunt coverage, prevent defense, safety blitzing, it’s a bit much if you’re not a student of the game. That’s why a game like Madden can be so daunting to casual fans. But the genius of Super Tecmo Bowl is that it strips football down to it’s simplest elements while still making it feel like football. You have 8 plays to choose from on offense, four run and four pass. On defense, you have the same 8 plays to choose from. If you guess the right play, your defense (usually) stops the play for a big loss. It’s that easy.

It’s also possibly the most improved sequel ever. Here’s a list of things they added: an NFL license, including team logo and player names, a full schedule including playoffs, player injuries, player status (ranging from “excellent” to “bad”), stat tracking (everything you can think of, from punt average to yards per interception return), more players on the field, double the number of plays to choose from, the ability to pick your own playbook, and a wacky Super Bowl halftime show featuring Mighty Jack.

Drawbacks? Sometimes while playing a game, the computer will just decide that you ain’t gonna win. You’ll drop passes, fumble like the ball was dipped in grease, and have the other team break for an 80 yard score. You just ain’t gonna win.

Some players were a little too good. Lawrence Taylor played like he smoked a mountain of crack before every game.

Personal Memories: Winning the Super Bowl with the Buffalo Bills with my buddy Sean. Lots of Super Bowl wins, including the Houston Oilers with an unbeatable Warren Moon-Drew Hill combo. My college roommate Bill breaking every receiving record imaginable with HC alum Gil Fennerty of the Saints.

Next: #1