Play Action Football

Play Action Football is a gridiron sports simulation for the NES. It features eight teams based on NFL cities, populated with real professional athletes from the 1989 season through an NFLPA license, though it lacks official NFL branding. Player fatigue is a factor, allowing for substitutions at key offensive and defensive positions.

The game employs a distinctive visual perspective, using a tilted, top-down view that scrolls diagonally across the field. Play selection is a core component, with a system offering numerous offensive options through standard and reversed play designs, while the defense can choose from various coverages and blitzes. Special teams actions like kicking use a common power meter interface.

Matches consist of four accelerated quarters. The on-field officials are present to announce first downs, signal scores, and handle measurements, but the game does not include penalty calls. A quarterly summary screen tracks team statistics, and victory is determined by the final score. A playoff mode allows for progression through multiple rounds toward a championship game.