Hi-Res Football

Name: Hi-Res Football
Programmer(s): Ken Williams and Jay Sullivan
Publisher: Sierra
Year: 1983

Description:

Hi-Res Football, released in 1978 by On-Line Systems (later known as Sierra On-Line), was one of the earliest sports simulation games for the Apple II computer. The game showcased the Apple II's high-resolution graphics capabilities, which were groundbreaking for its time.

Players view the football field from a top-down perspective, controlling a team of five players against either a computer opponent or another human player. The game features basic football plays including running, passing, and kicking options. Players select their plays using simple keyboard commands, with the number keys controlling player movement and spacebar handling actions like passing and kicking.

The game's graphics, while simple by today's standards, were impressive for 1978. Players are represented by X and O symbols moving across a green field with white yard lines. The high-resolution display mode of the Apple II allowed for more detailed visuals compared to other computer games of the era.

Gameplay involves choosing from a selection of eight offensive plays and four defensive formations. On offense, players can execute running plays or passing plays, with success depending on timing and the defensive formation chosen by the opponent. The defense tries to intercept passes or tackle the ball carrier before they advance.

Each game consists of four quarters, with the computer keeping track of the score, downs, and field position. Players must manage the game clock and make strategic decisions about when to run, pass, or punt. The game includes basic football rules such as first downs, touchdowns, and field goals.

Hi-Res Football was notable for bringing sports simulation to home computers at a time when most games were simple adaptations of arcade titles or text adventures. It helped establish the computer sports game genre and influenced later football games. While basic compared to modern sports games, it provided an engaging experience that demonstrated the potential of computer gaming for sports fans.

The game's success led to other sports titles on the Apple II platform and helped establish On-Line Systems as an important early computer game publisher. It remained popular through the early 1980s as one of the few sports options available for Apple II owners.