Aussie Rules Footy (Australia)

Aussie Rules Footy for the NES offers a unique experience of Australian Rules Football, one of Australia's most distinctive sports. This was the first game on the NES to recreate this sport, allowing players to control a team of 18 players in exciting matches.

The gameplay of Aussie Rules Footy is relatively simple yet captures the essence of the sport. The primary objective is to score points by kicking the ball through the two large goal posts (a "goal") for 6 points, or through one of the two smaller outer posts (a "behind") for 1 point. Players control the ball carrier or the player closest to the ball.

Basic actions include:

• Kicking: This is the main method for moving the ball long distances and scoring. The accuracy of the kick depends on the timing of the button press.
• Handpassing: A short punch of the ball to a nearby teammate, often used to escape tackles or create quick plays.
• Tackling: When an opponent has the ball, players can attempt to tackle them to regain possession.
• Marking: If a player catches a kicked ball that has traveled a certain distance without hitting the ground, they are awarded an unhindered free kick. This is a crucial tactical element in Australian Rules Football.

The game's perspective is primarily top-down or slightly isometric, allowing players to view a significant portion of the field. The 8-bit graphics are simple but sufficient to identify players and on-field action. Sound effects also contribute to the match atmosphere with whistles and ball sounds.

The game offers a single-player mode against AI opponents, where players face computer-controlled teams. Although there are no officially licensed teams or players, the in-game teams are symbolic of various regions or states in Australia. Aussie Rules Footy is a commendable effort to bring a unique sport to the NES platform, providing enjoyment for fans of Australian Rules Football and those looking to explore a novel sports game genre.