Sierra's "Front Page Sports: Football Pro" is a football simulation for Windows 95 that proudly features all of the NFL teams and rosters, including Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions, who appears on the cover of the box and the game's title screen. The game offers players the option of taking on either the computer or another human opponent.
The game's graphics are fairly good. Before the snap, the players are shown in their formations with about 40 yards of the whole field visible on the screen. Because so much of the field is shown, the players appear very small, but they are very detailed and look realistic. Game and play clocks are also on the game screen.
The graphics also simulate a football arena well. Included are NFL team logos appearing at the center of the field, in the endzones, goal posts and on energetic fans. The stereo sound effects include realistic crowd noise and quarterbacks cadences.
After the ball is snapped, a simulated television camera whose image is displayed on the monitor follows the ball. On a running play, the camera centers on the running back who has just received the ball. On a passing play, the camera centers on the intended receiver.
After a play has been completed, a summary box appears on the screen listing who was involved with the play for both the offense and the defense, the number of yards gained, and the current down and number of yards to gain for a first down. Animated referees also appear after a first down, or to indicate that a penalty has been called.
Players can choose from more than 60 plays in a wide variety of formations, for both offense and defense. Players can elect to run inside or outside, or to pitch the ball to a running back.
Short, medium and long passing plays are also available, but the play selection screen is not organized well. Unlike other football games, "Football Pro" does not allow players to narrow down the number of plays by selecting a formation. Instead, the player must blindly scroll through all of the plays until he finds the desired formation. The play selection screen also displays a full-featured scoreboard.
The user has the option of controlling the action or just calling the plays and allowing the computer to execute them.
Unfortunately, controlling offensive players is extremely difficult and frustrating. The game does not give the quarterback enough time in the pocket, so unless the player passes the ball immediately, he is sacked for a hefty loss of yardage.
The player must also be extremely accurate at selecting the proper time to hand off the ball on a running play to avoid a loss.
Controlling defensive players is not quite as difficult, but it is definitely not easy. The game allows the player controlling the defense to select any position to control, both before and during the play.
"Football Pro" simulates the National Football League well in terms of statistics and plays available for selection. The graphics and sound are also admirable. Yet, the disappointing and extremely difficult action control prevents "Front Page Sports: Football Pro" from being anything better than an average football simulation.
- Mark St. John