Changes

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When the computer asks, Player One types in a team name (up to eight letters) using the keyboard and presses the '''ENTER''' key. Player Two also types a team name and presses '''ENTER'''. Notice from the boxes that blue is the color for team one and red is the color for team two.

The computer randomly selects one of the teams to call the toss. That team player is asked to select heads by pressing the 8 key or tails by pressing the 9 key. The screen shows heads or tails and tells which team wins the toss. The team player that wins the toss presses the 8 key to indicate the decision to receive the ball on the kickoff or presses the 9 key to indicate the choice to kick the ball.

The scoreboard displays the team names to the left of the score areas. Player One defends the left end zone (blue players, blue end zone), and Player Two defends the right end zone (red players, red end zone) the entire game. (The players do not change ends of the field at the conclusion of the quarters.) The screen shows the players on the field, represented by miniature blue and red football helmets, in kickoff formation. The message area tells which team will kick off and asks that player to select a regular kick by pressing key 1 or onside kick by pressing key 2. Throughout the game, the message area will display results and give directions for continuing play.

The message area now reads "PRESS G (GO) TO KICKOFF!" Press '''G''' (GO), and the kicker advances to the ball and kicks it. The game is underway! The ball travels downfield to one of the receivers. When the ball reaches the receiver, the clock starts, and the teams advance toward each other. The play continues until a tackle, fumble, or touchdown occurs. If a penalty occurs, it is announced in the message area at the conclusion of the play.

When the kickoff return concludes (assuming no touchdown occurs), the screen displays the ball at the appropriate yard line. Each team returns to a huddle formation. Notice the message area instructs you to "SELECT PLAYS," and the scoreboard informs you about the ball location, down, and yards-to-go.

You now may call time-out by entering '''T''', or you may select your plays. In our game, time-outs are not counted by the computer. Thus, you can call "time-out" for normal interruptions such as telephone calls, dinner, etc., without being penalized. You and your opponent may choose to limit the number of time-outs you'll allow in each half to three as in regulation play. If so, you must keep track of the time-outs each team takes. If you call time-out, the message area will display "TIME-OUT - PRESS G (GO) TO CONTINUE," and the computer will wait for the indicated response.

Are you ready to select your plays? Have you decided on your game plan? Now is the time to begin developing strategy and selecting plays. Let's see exactly how you choose your plays for each down.

At the beginning of each play, the message area will display "SELECT PLAYS" for two seconds and then change to show a play in each of the offensive and defensive play lists. The offensive list will be above the offensive team and the defensive list will be above the defensive team. As in real-life football, certain defenses work better against certain offenses and vice versa. You will be more successful in calling plays if you have some idea of the tendencies of your opponent. To help you keep track of the strategy of the other player, the first plays shown in the message area for each down will be the plays selected by the players on the previous down. (See PLAY DESCRIPTION and STRATEGY for more tips on plays and strategy.)

Plays can be selected and changed by both teams at will within the first 13 seconds. However, after 13 seconds, the offense has the advantage. After 13 seconds, play selection is terminated when the offense chooses a play. If the defense has not yet selected a play, the computer will automatically assume a defense which will increase the probability of a good offensive gain. (During the final two minutes of each half,· this time is reduced to nine seconds.) Our game allows 30 seconds between plays. If the ball is not snapped within the 30-second time limit, the offense is assessed a delay-of-game penalty, and the clock is stopped. When both plays are called, the two teams are arranged in the formations determined by the called plays.

The message area displays "PRESS G (GO) TO SNAP BALL." When you press '''G''' (GO), the action begins. The defense advances generally toward the ball, and the offense moves according to the called play. The results of any play are determined internally through the use of probability tables and depend primarily upon the combination of plays called and secondarily upon a built-in chance factor. There are separate tables for each combination of offensive and defensive scrimmage plays with each table having many possible results. Each result has a specific probability of occurring, and one is selected at random for each play. As the computer determines the results of a play, it moves the players on the field to reflect the outcome. The message area gives the results of each play, using messages such as

You then select plays for the next down, and press '''G''' (GO) to snap the ball.

The message area tells you when it's the end of the quarter, and the clock returns to the full number of minutes you chose for each quarter. The teams do not change ends of the field, so play will begin exactly where it left off. You must press '''G''' (GO) to continue play.

Sorry! We don't have a band or cheerleaders! Maybe you can arrange your own half-time entertainment while you alter your game plan as needed.

Are you rested and ready to begin the second half? Then press any key to start. The team that lost the coin toss at the beginning of the game now has the choice to receive by pressing key '''8''', or to kick by pressing key '''9'''. Press the desired key to prepare to kick off the second half.

When the game ends, the screen will display:

Press any key to stop. The screen returns to the master title screen. There is no automatic overtime if the game ends in a tie. You may start the game again and play until one team scores if you desire.

* Fumbles, interceptions, and penalties occur at random throughout the game. The probability that a fumble, interception, or penalty will occur is based upon season statistics of professional teams.

* Penalties are assessed for five, ten, and fifteen yards. They are called after the play concludes with the message area displaying"_ YD PENALTY ON ____ " and then "ACCEPT, '''1''', OR DECLINE, '''2'''." If both teams are called for penalties, the penalties offset each other, and the down is replayed. Any time the penalty is accepted, the down will be replayed.

This should give you an idea of some of the fun you and your family and friends can have playing football with this module. Each game you play will continue to be exciting and challenging because, just as in a live game, you cannot predict exactly what will happen on any given play. Yet, by studying the various plays (see "PLAY DESCRIPTION'J and playing often, you can continue to improve your game strategy and perhaps lead your team to a winning season.

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