Retro Bowl

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Shindig
    Feb 13, 2022
    90
    Retro Bowl is, easily, one of the most downright enjoyable American football games of the last few years, and its appearance on Switch is a welcome antidote to a dearth of decent handheld gridiron. The Tecmo Bowl inspiration is abundant, and this is a loving homage to a classic full of retro charm, but it also packs a surprising amount of modern design influence under the hood. With quick, rewarding play sessions and a fine balance between ease of play, depth, authenticity, and excitement, Retro Bowl belongs on every football fan’s Switch.
  2. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 11, 2022
    90
    Retro Bowl is pure gaming joy, wrapped with a nostalgic little bow. It’s also the best American Football game in years.
  3. Nintendo Life
    Feb 7, 2022
    90
    That's the key with this game — it's addictive but most importantly simple, immersive fun. A reminder that getting hooked on a game can be due to its design rather than complexity or realism. There are a few flaws — the game has an obsession with fumbles that give you possession on your opponent's 18-yard line, and opposition coaches never seem to use time outs to help their chances. But as a game to play regularly in short bursts, or occasionally in longer sessions, Retro Bowl is a hoot. It's backyard football disguised as the NFL in 8-bit form... and that's brilliant.
  5. Pocket Gamer UK
    Feb 18, 2022
    80
    An overall enjoyable, authentic experience for both the longtime football gamer and new one whether it's on iOS, Android, or now on the Switch. The satisfying gameplay with Switch controls combined with the off-field strategy essentially makes Retro Bowl a 2-in-1 package even with the lack of defensive play. It's a great nod to the games of yesteryear while still quenching the thirst of the modern sports gamer.
  6. Pure Nintendo
    Feb 17, 2022
    80
    Retro Bowl certainly gets close to scratching that itch for a retro-style football game. The game is addictive, and you can play many games in one sitting. Including scenarios between games requiring you to choose options that affect the players’ morale is fun. There is a bit of smoke and mirrors when you start to look under the hood, though. You can only play offense, and the defense is played out via text messages on the screen. Player career stats are only tracked as long as you coach that team. And the scenarios tend to repeat themselves after a while. However, the game is affordable. And with the amount of time I spent playing Retro Bowl, I certainly got my money’s worth and then some.
  7. Gfinity
    Feb 13, 2022
    80
    Retro Bowl does a fantastic job with what it's trying to do.
  8. Gaming Age
    Feb 15, 2022
    75
    Retro Bowl is generally worth it, if you’re a Switch-owning football fan who wants to play their favourite game on Nintendo’s system. It may not be perfect, but it’s miles better than anything else you can play.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best Switch Game of 2022
58
#58 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. LevelsAndGear
    Mar 20, 2022
    8
    Retro Bowl on the Switch is a fantastic time killer for a football fan. The gameplay experience can get a little repetitive, it's the sort ofRetro Bowl on the Switch is a fantastic time killer for a football fan. The gameplay experience can get a little repetitive, it's the sort of game where you eventually find your own way to make challenge and fun - whatever that means to you. It's great for killing 10-20 minutes, but it's also very easy to lose an hour or more getting in one more game or pushing through the playoffs or testing out your new lineup after the draft.

    I played it quite a bit on my phone, and was excited to get it on the Switch, especially at a bargain basement price of $3. The game translates great. For the completely uninitiated, Retro Bowl is a modern take on Tecmo Bowl for the NES - With way more depth, as you build and maintain your team and roster. Not only do you need to crush your opponent on the field, you need to balance egos in the locker room, salary, coaches, and facilities.

    You only play the offensive part of the game, the game speeds through defensive possessions, and it's surprising how fun it still is to throw your first few touchdown passes or throw your 500th touchdown pass.

    If you hate fun, you can play the game on Extreme Difficulty for a serious challenge, but i find success at this level very repetitive and boring as your options for success are limited.

    While great, the game is not perfect - Here are a couple improvements I'd make:

    1. Kickoff returns are fun - maybe allow a star player to block and return the ball to allow for the potential for a dramatic TD runback occasionally.
    2. Running game is very difficult to execute at higher difficulty levels (Dynamic 13+) - It's very rare to be able to bust out decent runs, which would add a little more variety and make things a bit more fun.
    3. Allow saving of certain Instant Replay highlights.
    4. This is minor, and probably something few people would want, but I would like to see the players on the rosters of the other teams as opposed to just the general star ranking.
    5. A little more transparency into what makes Defenses successful, ie - Let me know how often random checks are being made against the defensive players, or how many chances they have to actually make a stop.

    Pros: Fun, bite sized retro Football experience.
    Cons: Running game a bit too limited.    … Full Review »
  2. MinePlay512
    Feb 11, 2022
    10
    With a lack of gridiron football games on the Switch, Retro Bowl is the perfect option. It's fun, it's very good but it has management andWith a lack of gridiron football games on the Switch, Retro Bowl is the perfect option. It's fun, it's very good but it has management and front office features. It's old school gameplay is really good. It's pure joy to play this game.… Full Review »
  3. Noah4Life
    Jul 13, 2023
    9
    Retro Bowl is one of the greatest mobile games of all-time and the switch version is an excellent way to play it. The controls work perfectlyRetro Bowl is one of the greatest mobile games of all-time and the switch version is an excellent way to play it. The controls work perfectly and while the game gets repetitive at a certain point the gameplay will keep you playing it for a long while, what a game!… Full Review »
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