NFL Quarterback Club '98
Reviewed by Ev Boyle
Before I begin this review, there is one thing every potential QBC 98'
buyer should know. If you want to increase the speed and the overall fun
and appeal of this game, you should enter the code "MCHLJNSN" before you
begin.
Graphics: 9.5/10
What can I say? The graphics in this game are the best ever seen on any
sports game anywhere. The player renders are fabulous, and the detail of
the game is amazing due to the addition of hi-res graphics. The instant
replays are especially breathtaking and extremely fun to watch. My only
complaint is the spectators; like other sports games, they're still flat
and lack any real detail. Besides this, I can truly say this game's
graphics are as close to perfection as you can get.
Sound: 5/10
The most disappointing part of the game for me is the sound. The sound
effects are average and Marv Albert (the commentator), to say it bluntly,
is terrible. He repeats himself constantly and when he does say something
important, it's in a bland and boring tone. The music is also average and
the crowd is way too quiet. When you play a football game, you want to
hear the roar of the crowd when you make a big play or score a touchdown,
but those effects are simply not present here. Pray for a cheat that makes
the crowd louder.
Control/Gameplay: 8.5/10
With the "MCHLJNSN" cheat enabled, this game moves at an exciting and
relatively fast pace. Even without the cheat, the game speed is more then
bearable and, believe it or not, realistic There are a wide variety of
moves to pick, and Acclaim even included a "dive over the line" jump that
actually works! The running is, for the most part, realistic with the
exception of a few money plays and a difficulty finding and going through
holes. The passing game is also great but players do have a tendency to
drop the ball when they're hit after a catch. There is a good balance
between the passing and running games and they are both fun and useful if
you want to win.
Options/Extras: 10/10
Probably the most impressive part of the game is its plethora of options
and extra features: Fantasy Draft, Create Players, Create a Team, Trade,
Cheat Menu, and much, much more. I found the Create a Team feature the
most fun. You can create as many players as you like and then place them
on your own custom team with its own name, colors, play calling, home
stadium, and abbreviation. There are a variety of different weather
conditions plus support for 1-4 players. All these options keep the game
fresh and there's something new to experiment with every time you play.
Fun Factor: 9.5/10
Another area in which this game excels. There's not much to say that
hasn't already been said, except that when it really comes down to it, this
game is fun. The best part comes when you have 2 or more players and face
off against each other or the computer. The one player mode is also a
great deal of fun by itself. To me, fun is the thing I look most for in a
game and QBC 98' has plenty of it. When you put the options, graphics, and
gameplay together, you come out with one hell of a game.
Overall: 8.5
I would have loved to have given this game a higher score but the sound
forced me into this one. This is definitely the best football game on the
N64 and is some good competition for Gameday 98'. I have both and I must
say, it's a close one. Basically, if you like football and own a N64, buy
this game.