John Madden Football '92 (USA, Europe)

Start by selecting "Exhibition" from the main menu to play a single game. Choose your favorite NFL team and an opponent. The game pits you against the CPU or a second player. The core loop involves calling offensive plays from a formation menu then executing them with the controller - pass by pressing the A button to select a receiver and throw with B, run by handing off with B, and use the D-Pad to steer your player. On defense you pick a formation and control the player closest to the ball, trying to tackle the ball carrier or intercept passes.

Pay attention to the playbook - you can audible at the line of scrimmage by pressing the Select button. The game includes features like wind, weather, and injuries that affect strategy. Special teams (punts, field goals) work similarly: choose a play and time your kick with the power meter that appears when you press the action button. The interface is entirely in English so menu navigation is straightforward. Start with a simple running play to get a feel for speed and tackling before attempting complex pass routes.