NFL Quarterback Club 97

Joining the blitz of new football titles is NFL Quarterback Club '97. The third title in the successful football series from the sports veterans at Acclaim, Quarterback Club boasts an impressive lineup of improvements on its predecessors.

The developers have souped up the artificial intelligence, giving computer techniques. In addition, Acclaim reports that the players will act more like their pro counterparts, with more accurate pass coverage and better blocking. The game will include over 1,000 offensive and defensive plays, including some of the "signature" plays of well-known quarterbacks. You'll be able to trade and substitute players and get detailed game statistics. Of course, they'll also be including secret teams and cheat codes. With motion-captured player graphics and full-motion video, Quarterback Club may look as good as it plays. Of course, motion-capture and full-motion video are the standard these days, and with the swarm of upcoming football releases, every title stands a chance of fading into the background. But Quarterback Club '97 promises to be one of the few that will stand out from the crowd.

NFL Quarterback Club '97 delivers this gridiron series to the PlayStation with a solid effort in terms of featurcs and gameplay. Shortcomings in the graphics and sound, however, keep QBC behind the current powerhouse of football Madden '97.

New and Improved

QBC improves upon its predecessors on other game systems with new features such as the ability to create your own roster from more than 1500 actual NFL players, 50 historic simulations, quarterback signature plays, the ability to Super Substitute by inserting any player into any position, and more than 40 camera views.

The graphics and game diagrams are also repressive, and trash-talk taunts by the defense are fun to hear. Stat fans will high-five the huge menu pf customizable options and features.

A Few Steps from Greatness

Although QBC enjoys a slicker graphical presentation on the PlayStation than on any other game system, the players don't scroll smoothly and the animation is choppy. Ballplayers congeal into a mush of pixels when they collide, which makes it difficult to follow the ball carrier. No matter how many great features are on tap. a game's enjoyment is limited if its graphics are distracting.

The presence of QBC's main competition. Madden '97, cannot be denied, and indeed Madden stands as the clear favorite in direct comparison. If you're into smart shopping, rent both and compare before you buy. If not, stick with Madden as the starter.

Over the past couple of years Acclaim has been putting a lot of hard work into their sports games and the payoff is here in the shape of NFL Quarterback Club '97. Fulfilling the promise of the '96 release, QB Club '97 makes all the right moves from the all-new Artificial Intelligence down to the clearly visible numbers on the players' shirts.

Awe-inspiring 3-D rendered stadiums are the arena tor QB Club '97's 500 new plays and the souped-up A.I. means that your computer opponent learns your coaching style and play calling tendencies--no free yardage, here! And the popular simulation mode gains 30 riveting new scenarios where you play out memorable finishes in NFL history.

The graphics are some of the best I have ever seen in a football game. Everything from laterals to QB slides features new motion-captured animations which rock.

But graphics and A.I. don't mean squat if you ain't got the details right...and Acclaim has done their homework. You can stock your team through trades and substitute any player at any position if they're not getting the job done and track complete season, game and player stats. The redesigned play 'plaques' are slick and easy to read. And if showboating's your style then you're in highsteppin' heaven. Acclaim promises that there'll also be a bunch of hidden teams and even wilder touchdown celebrations...for those who know the codes!

NFL Quarterback Club '97 is hitting the stores August 29th, at the beginning of the real season. Just like a real

Quarterback, it's going to drive deep into enemy territory packing a full array of offensive weapons ranging from crisp graphics to solid gold gameplay. This is video game football at its best!