Tuesday Morning Quarterback

Name: Tuesday Morning Quarterback
Programmer(s): Charles Anderson
Publisher: ASIM
Year: 1981

Description:

Tuesday Morning Quarterback was a football strategy game released for the Apple II computer in 1980 by Automated Simulations, later known as Epyx. The game put players in the role of a football coach making strategic decisions during gameplay. Unlike arcade-style sports games, this title focused on the tactical side of football.

Players selected plays from a playbook that included various offensive and defensive formations. The game displayed the field from a top-down view using simple graphics. Teams were represented by basic shapes moving across a green field. Players chose between running plays, passing plays, and special teams options like punts and field goals. The computer controlled the opposing team, making decisions based on game situations.

The game featured two main modes: single games and full season play. In season mode, players managed their team through multiple games, tracking wins and losses. The difficulty increased as players progressed through the season. Each play required careful consideration of field position, time remaining, and score. Wrong decisions could lead to turnovers or failed drives.

Graphics were basic even by 1980 standards. The field appeared as a green rectangle with white lines marking yards. Players looked like small rectangles or dots moving across the screen. Sound effects were limited to simple beeps for completed passes and touchdowns. The game used text to display important information like score, time, and down number.

Tuesday Morning Quarterback stood out for its focus on strategy over action. While other sports games emphasized quick reflexes, this game rewarded careful planning. Players needed to understand football tactics to succeed. The game included a detailed manual explaining different plays and when to use them.

The control system was straightforward. Players used the keyboard to select plays from numbered menus. After choosing a play, the computer showed the result through simple animations. Games took about 30 minutes to complete, making them perfect for quick sessions.

This game helped establish the sports strategy genre on home computers. It proved that sports games didn't need fast action to be engaging. Many later football games borrowed ideas from Tuesday Morning Quarterback, including detailed playbooks and season modes. The game sold well enough to encourage Automated Simulations to create more sports titles.

For Apple II owners interested in football, Tuesday Morning Quarterback offered something different from arcade games. It captured the mental challenge of coaching without requiring quick reflexes. The game remained popular among strategy fans throughout the early 1980s, showing that thoughtful gameplay could compete with flashier titles.