American Football

Second and Ten

Roogames' conversion of Wayne Poniewaz's American Football Simulation 'First and Ten'

Real-Time Scoring Seasonal Play Season creation Drafting Sample Reports HTML output - Direct from the game

Game Play (click on any picture to enlarge)

The core of any sports simulation is in the actual simulation of the game, in terms of statistical accuracy, ease of use, available strategies, a worthy opponent and 'feel'.

Statistical Accuracy

All ratings in SAT are objectively based on available stats. The game uses individual player ratings for offense and special teams, and team ratings for defense, fumbles and penalties. These take into account a wide range of stats which not only produce accurate statistics, but also capture the personalities of the players in terms of how they were used and performed in real life.

Defensive and Offenslve line players are also rated in various areas and these ratings affect the overall team ratings when injuries come into play.

The predicted effects of both injuries and weather conditions are factored in to both player and team statistics so that the underlying statistical integrity remains intact even with these additional variables used during a season. When all your players are fit and playing in perfect weather conditions, the team will perform quite differently from when you are playing in adverse weather with several key players missing.

Team Roster showing Offensive/Special Teams Ratings	Team Roster showing Defensive/Offensive Line Ratings

Ease of Use

SAT offers one-click play-calling during a game. All available in-game strategies are visible on the main stadium screen. One-click also puts a player into the game. Display, sound and game-play options are all available on a separate screen, accessible from the stadium screen. Tooltips are displayed when the mouse passes over a clickable part of the screen explaining the option available.

Stadium Screen showing Offensive play-calling options	Stadium Screen showing Defensive play-calling options	In-game options screen

Available Strategies

Offense

SAT allows four run types: Inside, Outside, Draw and Short Yardage. Quarterbacks can also call a quarterback sneak and take a kneel. Some receivers have an end-around option. Running backs can optionally be rated for inside/outside runs and these run options made available throughout the game. By default the inside/outside option is only available when a team uses the hurry-up or slow down option, and a generic Run (or Draw) is available at all other times.

Six pass lengths can be called, ranging from short through to long. A screen pass option is also available. Play-action passes are also an option. In hurry-up or slow-down mode the offense also have the option to specify an inside or sidelines pass.

Formations matter in SAT with bonuses/penalties for different formations depending on the play called. A 'Limited Formation' option is available for a season which restricts formations, reflecting the style of play in the 50'sand 60's.

The offense can run in three modes: Hurry-Up, Super Hurry-Up and Slo-Down. These have an effect on the timing of plays as well as making certain strategies available.

Defense

There are eleven basic defenses which can be called. Add to these the option to bring an extra defensive back into the game, run key a player (specifically inside or outside when these options are available to the offense), call a pass key on a running back, or double cover one or more receivers (depending on the formation) and you will see that there is great depth available in defensive play-calling.

Other

An intentional delay of game option is available, as is an intentional safety. You can also instruct your punter to play 'safe' to avoid a dangerous receiver (but at a price in terms of field position), or call a fake punt.

A Worthy Opponent

A lot of time has been spent on developing the AI for a strong computer opponent. It will make use of all the available options, and has been programmed to make the most of both its strengths and your weaknesses. Your pattern of play-calling will be used during a game as the AI adjusts its strategy where appropriate. It is strong in clock-management and will make effective use of its timeouts and other clock-management options at the end of a game. All feedback we have had indicates that it is a very tough opponent to beat.

Feel

The intangible element of game-play. SAT provides you with the ability to use a variety of custom graphics including, helmets, logos, player photos, stadium photos, custom fields, and commentary backgrounds. The commentary is rich and varied with appropriate sound effects. Real coaches' names add a flavor to the commentary. Built in unusual plays await, and pop-up displays (including photos) highlight individual player performances. Seasonal performances are commented upon where appropriate, so when playing a regular or post-season you feel very much part of that season.

Finally, some screenshots of the game detail screens available.