Retro Bowl

 Switch
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

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  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 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 orRetro 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.    … Expand
  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 and front office features. It's old school gameplay is really good. It's pure joy to play this game.
  3. wrigleyirish
    Dec 30, 2022
    0
    I unlocked the full version on Android but after trying it on the Steam Deck w/bluestacks I decided that $5 is a great price for the console version with both touch and button controls. RIP Tecmo Bowl
  4. A_coat
    Apr 29, 2022
    8
    Got really into this game on my android a couple years ago, and I like it even better on the Switch. There's touchscreen controls just like on mobile, if you want them, but I actually find the controller input to translate very well. Fun game, think Tecmo Bowl with light front office mechanics and customization options. I changed the cities and some of the uniform colors of the teams inGot really into this game on my android a couple years ago, and I like it even better on the Switch. There's touchscreen controls just like on mobile, if you want them, but I actually find the controller input to translate very well. Fun game, think Tecmo Bowl with light front office mechanics and customization options. I changed the cities and some of the uniform colors of the teams in the game, but by default they match the original structure of the actual NFL, if that's what you're into. Sadly, simply its release makes it automatically the best American football game on the Nintendo Switch. Recommended.… Expand
  5. 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 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!
  6. Wrecktangled
    Mar 17, 2022
    8
    Retro bowl takes Madden's franchise and simplifies it on all aspects. You have just enough control over the game, with just enough control over your team. Gives you just enough control while still being streamlined.
  7. blitzyPerry
    Jun 6, 2022
    9
    Great game, any one who gave this a negative review is just a mad kid, this is one of the best mobile games hands down. It gives an awesome retro football experience for free with out pushing adds in you face. I think a switch version is pointless unless for ease of use, but still a great game
  8. Linkman836
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    One of the best sports games ever made! It is miles better than Madden! Nuff said
  9. ckoz
    Apr 28, 2022
    10
    Love love love this game. The passing can take a few games to get accustomed to, but once you do this game becomes loads of fun. It's the perfect game to sit back and play for twenty mins on the couch and scratch that football itch. Here's a hint: Don't start out as your favorite team. It'll lengthen the gameplay when you invest time in your first team before moving on to your beloved. ILove love love this game. The passing can take a few games to get accustomed to, but once you do this game becomes loads of fun. It's the perfect game to sit back and play for twenty mins on the couch and scratch that football itch. Here's a hint: Don't start out as your favorite team. It'll lengthen the gameplay when you invest time in your first team before moving on to your beloved. I cannot recommend this game enough, and to the publisher, PLEASE MAKE A COLLEGE FOOTBALL VERSION. I will buy ten copies of it if you do.… Expand
  10. kyleganed
    Oct 24, 2022
    10
    this is an amazing game, the pixel art is fantastic and its just a great video game

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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