NES Play Action Football

NES Play Action Football presents a football simulation using real professional players from the 1989 season, though team names are based on cities rather than official NFL franchises. The game features eight teams, and player management includes the ability to substitute backups for key positions when fatigue becomes a factor.

Its visual presentation employs a distinctive diagonal scrolling perspective, viewed from a tilted angle behind the offensive team. The playbook system is extensive, with offensive options including numerous passing and running plays that can be reversed, while the defense can choose from various cover and blitz packages. A standard arrow and power meter interface handles all kicking situations.

Matches consist of four accelerated quarters, each fifteen minutes long. While penalties are absent, on-field officials are present to signal scores, conduct measurements, and audibly announce first downs. A statistical summary is provided after each quarter, and victory is determined by the final score. A playoff mode allows successful teams to advance through rounds toward a championship game called the Power Bowl.