NFL Football (USA, Europe)

NFL Football is an American football video game originally developed by Mattel for the Intellivision system in 1979. This version on the Atari Lynx reproduces that classic experience, bringing the sport to a handheld format. Despite the Lynx branding, the game itself is the same Intellivision title, likely presented via emulation or a direct port. It stands as one of the earliest football video games to include a playbook, a notable innovation for its time.

Players control a football team through a standard four-quarter game. The core loop involves selecting plays from a playbook, then executing them against either a computer opponent or another player. Each play determines the movement and actions of the offensive and defensive units. The game does not use official NFL team names or player names, but it was licensed by the NFL and features the league's logo in its packaging. The gameplay is turn-based, with players switching sides after each down or score change.

Today, this title is worth a look for retro sports fans interested in the early history of football video games. Its playbook mechanic was groundbreaking for 1979 and influenced later titles. The Lynx version provides a convenient way to experience this piece of gaming history on a portable system, though it remains a very simple affair by modern standards. If you enjoy classic sports games or want to see where the genre started, NFL Football is a honest, straightforward example of its era.