NFL '98 is a sports video game released for the Sega Genesis in 1997. Based on the National Football League, the game was a follow-up to Sega's only football video game for the Sega Saturn, NFL '97. It is the last game in Sega's original Joe Montana/NFL series, which would be succeeded by NFL 2K.

NFL '98
Cover art picturing Tim Brown
Developer(s)Spectacular Games
Publisher(s)Sega of America
Designer(s)Michael Brook
Dan Brook
Artist(s)Douglas Wike
SeriesSega Sports' NFL
Platform(s)Sega Genesis
Release
  • NA: October 21, 1997
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)1-4 players

Like Sega's previous two NFL releases (NFL '95 and NFL '97), NFL '98 was released exclusively for the North American market. It was not only the last American football video game for the Sega Genesis, but it was one of the last sports games released for a 16-bit console. The game runs under a modified engine of Prime Time NFL starring Deion Sanders with updated 96-97 rosters.

In July 1997, Joe Montana filed a $5 million lawsuit against Sega, claiming that Sega breached his license agreement in regard to the game.[1]

Reception

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Released after Sega had discontinued the Genesis, NFL '98 was one of the last games for the system and was largely ignored by critics. A brief review in GamePro was dismal, stating that "Although loaded with sharp features, like customization menus and stat tracking, the gameplay, graphics, and sound are disappointing. Players are clumsily animated, and it's easy to lose track of the ball when it's in the air—this game's almost too painful to play." They gave it a 3.0 out of 5 in control and a 2.0 in every other category (graphics, sound, and fun factor).[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Football Great Joe Montana Sues Sega". GamePro. No. 109. IDG. October 1997. p. 34.
  2. ^ Dr. Zombie (February 1998). "NFL '98". GamePro. No. 113. IDG. p. 107.
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