With the release of the new Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo Gamecube, and Microsoft’s X-Box game consoles that feature over 128 bits graphics, students sometimes feel a need to take a break from today’s high tech consoles and return to eight bit and dot matrix technology. Tecmo Bowl is a game that students seem to find themselves turning to the most.

“This game is awesome, I love the simplicity of the graphics,” Brian Casey, ’03, an avid player said. “I love being the Raiders because they have two great running backs and great receivers.”

Tecmo Bowl is available on for both Gameboy and older Nintendo consoles.

“This game is so awesome,” Seth Fisher, ’04, another avid Tecmo Bowl player said. “Walter Payton on the Bears can run through any defense and Jim McMahon can throw the ball a mile.”

Not only do students enjoy Tecmo Bowl, but some teachers also enjoy the game’s simplicity.

“I love this game,” JV football coach Robert Foshee said. “My roommate and I used to have all night tournaments of Tecmo Bowl excitement. I loved being the Giants because they have a potent running attack.”

Tecmo Bowl is a game that I, personally, find competitive, fun and enjoyable. I find that no matter what mood I am in or how many times I have played it I always find the switch and play again. I give this great football game a 9.5 out of 10. I did not give it a perfect because you cannot fumble or attempt an onside kick. This greatly hinders the games’ ability to have intense running sequences.

Although many enjoy the game, some dislike the 8-bit technology.

“This game has horrible graphics,” Jennifer Jesser, ’02, said. “It isn’t all that fun and you can’t fumble.”

Maybe so, but others are willing to look past the graphics.

“This game is one of the best in my book,” Tyler Wiebe, ’04, said. “The 49ers are the best and I love hitting Jerry Rice on the 10-yard out.”

For those interested in Tecmo Bowl, the game can be purchased at many Funco Land or B.R.E. Software locations around the San Joaquin Valley.