NFL Quarterback Club 97 - PC Review - Gamecenter

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NFL Quarterback Club 97

continued
get a GrIP!
That control gets even better with the right equipment. This is the first product I've seen that screams for the Gravis GrIP. Up to six people can play using the GrIP system (up to four can play using two regular sticks, plus the mouse and keyboard). All six can play on the same or opposing teams, each controlling a different player. Not only does the GrIP give you more people, it gives you more buttons. QBC 97 is best played with a four-button gamepad. Calling plays is much easier with four buttons, and the players also perform more moves on the field. If you're using a Y-splitter and two normal gamepads, then only two of your four buttons will work.
NFL Although QBC 97 is missing several coaching features, it's not totally devoid of coaching strategy. Player trades are an important part of the game, and there is no salary cap, so barter for Brooks, swap for Sanders, and exchange for Elway. In the preseason, Jeff George can even play against himself on another team, which means he can curse out two head coaches simultaneously. QBC 97 also has a nice feature called Smart D. If you choose Smart D from the Defensive play-calling screen, the computer picks a defensive formation for you based on your opponent's offense.
On offense, you can script your plays in advance and run a no-huddle. Although the interface for choosing audibles is clunky, using them is easy and often necessary. Another coaching-oriented feature I really like is the ability to play predefined historical simulations and change the outcome. For example, QBC 97 will put you in Super Bowl III with 10 minutes left to play. You control the Baltimore Colts, down 13-7. Your goal is to defeat the upstart Jets and make Broadway Joe soil his pantyhose (this isn't displayed graphically).
Aside from coaching issues, QBC 97 is missing two other important features. The first is a manual. QBC 97's manual is a pitiful CD-case-sized, less-than-20-pages-of-useful-information affair. Even basic details, like how to choose a receiver, are missing. QBC 97 also has no connectivity--it has neither network nor modem support. So even though six people can all play at once, they better all fit in the same room.

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NFL Quarterback Club 97

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