Tecmo Bowl Throwback

 Xbox 360
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Game Informer
    73
    Even without the NFL license, Throwback’s pure gameplay reminds me why I sunk hundreds of hours into Tecmo Super Bowl as a kid. But without the deep customization and multiplayer options we’ve come to expect from football games, Throwback fails to build on the nostalgia factor.
  2. Gamer 2.0
    72
    It’s just a bit repetitive and doesn’t quite have that extra little bit of lasting power. But it isn’t completely unattractive. Fans of the original should be pleased with this update, considering it doesn’t take too many liberties.
  3. GameFocus
    71
    If you’re looking for precision tackles, realistic visuals, or strategy that ranks beyond the rock-paper-scissors format, then you will want to save your 800 MP. But, if you’re a casual or entry-level pigskin fan, or are just looking to get your game on in Nostalgia Stadium, then you may find that Tecmo Bowl Throwback is the perfect draft pick.
  5. GameSpot
    70
    Tecmo Bowl Throwback is a surprisingly enjoyable blast from the past.
  6. Kombo
    70
    What is perhaps most remarkable about Throwback is the intentional lack of effort to updated and broaden the appeal of a franchise that is highly dated in the gameplay department.
  7. IGN
    65
    The fact that you can switch visual styles on the fly is great, but it seems to handcuff what the rest of the package could’ve presented. The modes are lacking, despite the fact that the gameplay (regardless of HD or non-HD visuals) is wonderfully nostalgic.
  8. ZTGD
    65
    From the view to all the fancy stuff you can do, Madden is the football game. But, if you are tired of all that realism and just want a blast from the past, or just want to get your kid into football, Tecmo Bowl Throwback is the game for you.
  9. GameZone
    60
    Tecmo Bowl Throwback is precisely what the name implies. The developers never stray from the core mechanics of the original and choose to remain steadfast with the simple and dated, yet unabashedly fun gameplay. Sadly, the enjoyment lasts about as long as a fleeting memory.
  10. GameTrailers
    57
    At $10, it can only be recommended for those who have sold off their collection yet can't let go of the past.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. JohnF.
    May 3, 2010
    7
    Good for a walk down memory lane, especially against another person. The game has the same fun and addictive quality that old school Tecmo Good for a walk down memory lane, especially against another person. The game has the same fun and addictive quality that old school Tecmo Bowl has. Newcomers to Tecmo Bowl might be put off by some of the game's football inaccuracies though. The biggest problem I have with this game is the horrible rubberband AI of the single-player season mode. Maybe my memory is hazy, but I don't remember Tecmo Super Bowl or any old-school sports game being quite this bad. You'll have to be very patient with it because there are going to be times when it seems like the AI will not let you win no matter what.… Full Review »
  2. PaulC
    May 2, 2010
    8
    A very solid update to the greatest game of all time: Tecmo Super Bowl. The new look is great - graphics and framerate are rock solid. In A very solid update to the greatest game of all time: Tecmo Super Bowl. The new look is great - graphics and framerate are rock solid. In terms of single player gameplay, Tecmo Bowl Throwback is a 10. However, there are a few reasons why this update doesn't get a final score of 10 from me. The online multiplayer is broken. First, there is no way to change your playbooks online and you cannot check status of players online either. This is unacceptable. Also, there is no way to change team colors. Lastly, there is no season mode online. There is also an issue w/lag in some (not all) multiplayer matches. Hopefully, they can patch this game and bring my score up to a 10.… Full Review »
  3. BrandonP
    May 2, 2010
    0
    A lot of people that review this game obviously did not play the original Tecmo and Super Tecmo Bowl......This new bubblegum version of the A lot of people that review this game obviously did not play the original Tecmo and Super Tecmo Bowl......This new bubblegum version of the game is crap and is a disgrace to the original. First off you do not even have the same original teams you had in the original version....instead they made stupid fake teams with fake players....I am guessing this is because of the legal battle against the NFL for using NFL football players in the original game and not paying them as promised.....regardless Tecmo Bowl Throwback is complete garbage....Worst 10 dollars I ever spent. The only positive thing is that I didn't get herpes from this cheap transaction.....I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!… Full Review »
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