It’s not often we get the chance to review sports games here at BSO. You’d think we would but a lot of the games we get are just not sports and that’s okay. It makes it all the more exciting when we do get one and it’s time to get excited because BSO was privileged enough to be able to play with Legend Bowl by Super Pixel games and published by Top Hat Studios for about a month before it dropped yesterday. I would have had this up yesterday but my accompanying video file got corrupted while working on it and I lost all my progress. Frustrated but not deterred, I decided to remake the video but that pushed the review to today. I sincerely apologize and hope the extra-long video makes up for it.
Legend Bowl is simple on the surface but complex under the water. Super Pixel Games is really just Javier Martinez AKA King Javo. Martinez used to work at EA during the glory years of Madden and stayed through until about 2005, so he’s seen and done a lot of work in this space. He gave a great interview with Nintendo Life, and I suggest you check that out if you want to know even more about him and his motivations. Long story short, he wanted to fulfill the void left by EA when they began to care more about Ultimate Team and microtransactions than the actual gameplay and football.
The art for Legend Bowl is heavily focused on a 16-bit pixel look. You’re not going to be seeing the sweat drip off the players as crunch time hits in the fourth quarter. This is not that kind of game. What you will find is a load of playbook options. When I say a load, I mean every playbook out there. You also have complete control over your whole team, on the field and off. The game’s feature mode is Coach Mode and it is exactly what it sounds like. You are in full control of every play, but it’s not quite that simple.
Because the game is going for a certain look, that means all the commentary is transmitted via text, just as it was in the early Madden games. Coach Mode requires you to pay attention to the commentary and your players, as that’s where injuries and suggestions occur. The coach is responsible for morale, chemistry in the locker room, and generally keeping players happy through whatever means are required. There’s the waiver wire, player contracts, and the game even throws in surprise elements in the newsreel. Hell, there are even player personalities. It’s not just about winning.
As for other customizable elements, the game allows you to completely change the facilities and the look of the team, including the roster and logo. Legend Bowl does not have an NFL license, but the game is one giant skin waiting for an NFL fan to upload all of that information and then the game suddenly becomes an NFL title. Fans will be truly impressed with the number of things they can tweak and make their own.
The controls for the game are as modern as can be while still retaining that early Madden feel. I highly suggest playing the tutorial at the beginning of the game so you can come to grips with how to throw, run, and kick the ball during a game. Even if you have played one of these games before and feel good, play the tutorial because it not only allows you to see the minor tweaks they’ve made to the general button placement but you also get to experience the commentary for the game and it’s a true joy.
The players move and respond just as you remember, but there are some differences to consider. One thing I noticed that I don’t remember from my younger days was the spring meter while breaking off a huge run. As you tap the action button to run faster, you see the meter drain and when it hits the end, your player moves like molasses on a cold afternoon. It’s especially brutal when you’ve broken off 85 yards of a 92 potential touchdown but are dragged down before the goal line because you gassed early. Derrick Henry would never.
The game is best compared to Sensible Soccer, which was an incredibly simple but deep pixel-based sports game with tons of customizable options around an easily adaptable shell. I’m inclined to agree with those comparisons. If you loved Sensible Soccer, you might just adore Legend Bowl. If you’ve never played either but enjoy football, Legend Bowl is the right game for you.
You already know what you’re going to get from Madden ‘24, right? EA College Football ‘25 won’t be coming out until next year, so what have you honestly got to lose by chancing it with this game? Legend Bowl is probably one of my favorite games to have been tasked for review. I’ll be playing this title for a long time to come and if you pick up, you will be as well. As a bonus, Martinez announced that College Bowl will be coming out soon, too. It’s a college-based game with Legend Bowl features.
The greatness is only beginning. It’s up to you if you want to be great or not.
BSO Rating: 10-out-of-10 Game of the Month
Disclaimer: BSO was provided with a copy for review.
If you want to see a gameplay-infused review, please click below. We’re going to try to make these more common in the future. Please let us know what you like and dislike.
Kane Webb is an entertainment journalist for @BSO and @TheMarvelReport. He also writes about the USC Trojans for @AthlonSports and has been featured on @FanSided, @Scout, @Rivals, the Bakersfield Californian, Wisconsin State Journal, and much more. You can follow him on Twitter: @FightOnTwist
