Growing up, Tecmo Super Bowl was a big deal on the NES.  My dad and uncle and I loved that game, mostly because it felt good to see our Philadelphia Eagles actually win a game.  Well, thanks to EA and the Madden series, Tecmo Bowl:  Kickoff won't let me relive those magical Philadelphia wonder years, but it's substitute works just as well.  All the cities are in place (minus one NY team, plus one LA team) but team names have been changed, mostly to ridiculous entries.  Phoenix Horntoad sounds much more intimidating than some silly cardinal.  Don't care for horntoads?  Change it!  That's right, team names, players, colors, and logos are all customizable.  This game is potentially a way for you to have an all out pigskin brawl between your high school buddies and say, the characters of Battlestar Galactica.  I love this stuff.  Theme teams for the win.  Hell, it's the sole reason I loved Mike Piazza's Strike Zone on the N64.

The gameplay remains relatively unchanged.  You choose from 4 running plays or 4 passing plays (again,  with the playbook being customizable) and then hope it works out from a top down 2D perspective.  New additions include stylus control (if you so choose) and animations for certain plays.  Breaking out of a group of linebackers and hauling ass down the field feels much better when it's animated.  Of course, the halftime show is back, with sassy cheerleaders and colorful balloons.  I'm hoping Mighty Bomb Jack shows up at the Tecmo Bowl like I remember him doing in the NES days.

The menu let's you jump right into play, or set up a full season schedule.  You can track and upgrade player stats throughout the year, as well as break down other teams and league rankings.  There's just a hint of strategy involved, knowing which team you'll face next week, what their weaknesses are, and then shaking up your playbook to sock it to 'em.  There's also new music, set in the same style as the classic, with the original soundtrack being an unlockable bonus.

With quick play options, the chance to tackle (no pun intended) a full season, or challenging friends via wifi, Tecmo Bowl:  Kickoff is a must have DS game for anyone who grew up with the original.  It's great "pickup and play" style definitely helps on the train rides to work and back, just be warned that you'll get looks from other passengers when you curse out your wide open receiver for missing a catch on 3rd and long.

For another take, check out our full review of Tecmo Bowl: Kick Off.

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