NFL Football

THE GRUELLING GRIDIRON GAME PLAN

EVER HAD YOUR CLOCK CLEANED WITH CLEATS?

From armchair quarterback to All-American with the golden arm. Not bad, lad. But this is the pros. And you're looking down the throat of the NFL's most defensive die-hards ever to cream a QB. The game's in your hands. So call the shots, then use that rifle called your arm, and those wheels called your legs, and get ready to kick some astroturf ...

GET READY FOR SOME SERIOUS SPIKING.

Remove the plastic cover on the screen before you take the field. Next, push the ON/START Switch and the high score will be displayed. (You'll also hear some pump-you-up music over the stadium speakers). The computer automatically kicks off to you.

A game consists of four 15 minute quarters. To call a time out, push the PAUSE Switch. To resume play, push the PAUSE Switch again.

TAKE A HIKE.

You're the offense for the entire game. The computer plays defense. You have four plays to gain 10 yards or more for a first down. Succeed and you'll get another four plays. Fail and it's a penalty, the ball is moved back and you begin the next series of downs from there.

There are three ways to advance the ball and score - - a pass, a QB keeper, or you can attempt a field goal. But before you take the snap, you have to pick from offensive formations found in every NFL playbook: SLOT-T, SHOTGUN, I, Y, and the FIELD GOAL (can only be selected once inside the 20 yard line). Use the PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT Button to choose the desired formation, then press the PASS Button to lock in your choice and set the play in motion. (The computer automatically sets the defense based on your offense.)

3-48! 3-48! Hut! Hut!

When the play starts, you must choose to either run with the ball or pass. If you see some daylight, run full speed ahead by pushing the PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT Button as fast as you can. If passing is more your style, first hit the PASS Button to set up your pass, then use the PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT Button to move the cursor where you think the receiver will catch the ball. Next press the PASS Button to fire the pass. If it's complete, you can then use the PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT Button to run the receiver down field. If the pass is incomplete, huddle up and try another play.

When you get the pigskin into the end zone, you'll score six points and the screen will automatically change and kick for your extra point. After a P.A.T. the computer will automatically kick off to you again.

If your drive stalls within the opponent's 20 yard line, you can attempt a field goal. Select FIELD GOAL with the PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT Button, then press the PASS Button to lock in your selection. The computer will automatically attempt the field goal. After the attempt, the computer will kick off to you and begin the next series of downs.

HOW TO BE AS OFFENSIVE AS POSSIBLE.

Each offensive formation works especially well in certain situations. Which means your play-calling ability will determine whether you light up the score board or limp home a goat.

The SLOT-T is a good all-round yard gainer. The SHOTGUN is particularly effective for long passes. In short yardage situations try the I formation and run it up the middle. The Y formation works well on a QB keeper. (HINT: The computer's 5-3-3 defense is extremely effective against the run and I and Y formations).

NOTE: After changing batteries, press the ALL CLEAR Key with a ball point pen to clear the screen. Game turns itself off if not in use for 160 seconds.

(screenshot captions)

Score board (score, time, yards to go, down number, quarter number)

Present yard mark

Offensive formations

Defensive players

Wide receiver

Defensive formations

Cursor

Your quarterback

PLAYER CONTROL/FORMATION SELECT BUTTON

Press Up, Left or Right to move your player and cursor. Press Up or Down to select offensive formation.

Power Off Switch

Sound Switch

Pause Switch

Power On/Start Switch

All Clear Key

PASS BUTTON

Press to throw a pass. Press to lock in your offensive formation selection.

Source: Back of Package (US)