Name: NFL '98
Platform: Sega Genesis / Mega Drive
Region: USA
Media: Cartridge
Controller: Gamepad
Genre: Sports, Football
Gametype: Licensed
Release Year: 1997
Developer: Tiertex Design Studios
Publisher: EA Sports
Players: 1 to 4 VS; CO-OP
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NFL 98, Sega's final football game for the Genesis platform, uses the same engine as found in Prime Time Football starring Deion Sanders. Updates include player statistics and ratings based on the 1996 season, the ability to play a full 1997 schedule, Practice Mode, adjustable artificial intelligence settings, and the option to view both instructions and rules of play within the game.

The most notable new feature is customizing how either the computer or your team plays in the following areas (from zero to six, with six being the highest): player speed, speed burst effect, dive effect, defensive tackling, offensive fumbles, blocking, pass accuracy, aggressiveness, cause interceptions, pass deflections, pass interference, CPU kick accuracy, kick meter speed and injuries. Besides the different settings found within the Rookie, Veteran, All-Pro and Hall of Fame difficulty levels, you can save up to four custom settings per team. 

All other features are carried over from 1995's game, except for the option to play multiple season schedules. Players can still adjust game time (5,10 or 15 minute quarters), weather, field conditions, and even choose their own playbook from any team in the game. Speaking of which, 30 NFL teams are included from the 1996 season, as well as both AFC and NFC Stars, NFL All-Pros and six regional teams featuring stars organized by where they went to college. 

Complete roster management lets you organize your team as you see fit, including trades, substitutions, signing or releasing fee agents, and creating new players. Battery backup will store your season in progress, allow you to create and save up to 15 user records, track each team in 42 different categories and individual players in 32 areas. As in the previous two Sega football games, NFL 98 uses a vertical view of the field that will zoom in for a closeup once the ball crosses the line of scrimmage.

Controls:

OFFENSE BEFORE THE SNAP

A Button: Switch to next primary receiver, call audible a
B Button (tap): Call audible
B Button (hold) + D-Pad Left or Right: Change formation, call audible b
C Button: Snap the ball, call audible c
D-Pad Down or X Button: Cancel audible
Start Button: Options menu

OFFENSE AFTER THE SNAP

A Button: Change primary receiver, change control to primary receiver
Z Button: Change to diagram's primary receiver
C Button: Loft pass to primary receiver, bullet pass to primary receiver
D-Pad: Move player
Start, A + B + C Button: Call time-out

BALL CARRIER

A Button: Spin
B Button: Speed burst, high step
C Button: Dive
Y Button: Straight arm
D-Pad: Move player

RECEIVER BEFORE PASS

A Button: Change to next receiver, change to qb
B Button: Speed burst
C Button: Call for pass
D-Pad: Move player

RECEIVER AFTER THE PASS

A Button: Catch ball
B Button: Speed burst
C Button: Dive
D-Pad: Move player

DEFENSE BEFORE THE SNAP

A Button: Change to next defender, call audible a
B Button: Call audible, call audible b
C Button: Taunt, call audible c
D-Pad: Move player

DEFENSE AFTER THE SNAP

A Button: Change to player closest to ball
B Button: Speed burst
C Button: Dive, talk trash
D-Pad: Move player

Reviewer: Scott Alan Marriott
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