Arena Football (1988 video game)

Arena Football is a 1988 Commodore 64 video game written by Chris R. Bickford III. It is the first Arena or Indoor Football game. It is a text-based simulation that allows the user to pick a play for their team (on defense or offense) and the computer simulates the results of the play based on real-life data and tendencies of the actual team.

Gameplay
The game includes all six teams in the AFL at the time; Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Los Angeles, New England, and New York.

Legacy
In 1993, Arena Football was re-programmed and added 8 more teams to the original six including; Maryland, Denver, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Albany, Orlando, Dallas, and Columbus. It is to this day, the only Arena Football game to include the Maryland Commandos.

Features


 * Play Selection: Players choose from a variety of offensive and defensive plays, aiming to outmaneuver their opponent. Each choice impacts the game's progression, requiring strategic thinking and a deep understanding of football tactics.
 * Simulation Engine: The game's engine uses real-life statistics and team tendencies to simulate realistic outcomes. This includes player performances, team strengths and weaknesses, and situational factors.
 * Statistical Analysis: Arena Football provides comprehensive statistics and analysis, allowing players to review the performance of their team and make informed decisions in future games.

Development and Release Chris R. Bickford III, the creator of Arena Football, designed the game to capture the unique aspects of Arena Football, which was relatively new at the time. The indoor version of football features a smaller playing field, faster-paced action, and distinct rules that differ from traditional American football. Bickford's game aimed to authentically replicate these elements through a text-based format.

Historical Significance Arena Football is significant for being the pioneer in its genre. As the first video game to focus on Arena Football, it paved the way for future sports simulations and highlighted the potential for text-based sports games to provide a deep and engaging experience.

Conclusion Arena Football for the Commodore 64 is a groundbreaking title in the realm of sports video games. Its detailed simulation of the indoor football experience, strategic depth, and use of real-life data make it a unique and historically significant game from the late 1980s.