Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff

Now I don't know about you, but I spent many a sunny day of my youth inside playing Tecmo Bowl. It was a fantastic action sports game, with no pretense of anything approching simulation. You ran a guy down the field and over your opponents, so much fun.

Tecmo will release a new version, labelled Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff later this year for the DS as well as a version in 2009 for the Wii. The DS version, while unlicensed by the NFL, will have 32 teams and campaign season in a fictional football league similar to that organization. Personally I find this a better fit. Additionally, it seems that editing tools allow you to hand-create teams if you'd really like the New York Giants or somesuch nonsense.

Gameplay seems very promising on the DS, where it may allow you to run the crazy downfield routes of your dream with stylus-driven "best control" style. You could also shake off would-be tacklers by going wild with the stylus on the screan. Meld all that with old-school Tecmo Bowl simplicty, and you've got yourself a winning combination!

Not only will the game support local wireless connections but multiplay will also be available online using Nintendo WiFi. Beat up strangers while you're at the Starbucks having a chai mocha double whipped half-soy caffe mocha!

Expect Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff this fall.