Mike Ditka's Ultimate Football is an all time classic. In short, this game taught me how to play football. The main reason I preferred it to the John Madden series were the configuration options as well as the overall look of the game. As far as looks go, it very pleasing to the eye and gameplay is fast and uncomplicated for the new user. However, once you understand what's going on and want to reconfigure the players, plays and specialty teams, this is where the game shines.
Many other football games expect the player to have a large knowledge base just to start, Ditka's doesn't require that. The game allows you to learn by completing a series of specialty teams and various running and passing plays. The difficulty levels can be set to freeze the play just before the pass or challenge you to complete the pass at regular game speed (a challenge even today). If you merely select the play and stand back and watch, the play will unfold without you doing anything, however once you're ready to take over the controls you can select the receivers, throw and run for touchdowns.
You are able to select a premade team or construct one of you own. In doing
so each player can be configured to suit your style of offence or defense. You are also able to select whether you will play a single game or a complete season. Players can be adjusted for speed, stretch, and skill. Points that can be awarded however are limited and it isn't wise to place all your eggs into one or two superstars, particularly if you have the injury and fatigue settings turned on. Just as you have a series of plays truly mastered, you are likely to lose a star player or two and throw the offence into turmoil.
In my opinion the greatest strength of the game is understanding the play. On each down you are able to select the basic layout of each play from an on screen play book. Once selected however your success will hinge on knowing the play options off that play. The opposing teams will soon figure out your favorite plays and close them down. Very soon plays that are over used become useless. If you have learned all the plays and created some new ones you will undoubtedly perform better. Throw in some fatigued stars and a couple of injuries and strategy quickly becomes important.
The game sounds are decent and I really enjoy the faces of the players in your roster as well. Team jerseys and colors are changeable. In short the game is well worth playing even if you're not the greatest strategist but you want to improve in that area. It is undoubtedly worth a couple of late nights.
