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REALSPORTS FOOTBALL (FOOTBALL)
BY ATARI, INC.
Home Playbook | Visitors Playbook
1. YOUR BALL and GOAL-to-GO
As always, it's freezing cold and wet in Buffalo. Terrible
conditions for playing football! The field's a snowy mess. The
temperature's so low that the receivers have to wear gloves,
and everybody else in the stadium is wearing ski masks.
But all that matters very little to you. Right now you're
sitting warm and cozy in your own home. And as the quarterback
of the ATARI offensive team, you're facing a fourth down situation
inside your opponent's 20-yard line during the closing seconds of
your own football game. The big decision confronting you: What
play are you going to call up?
The defense has been rough all day. You wish that you would have
spent more time practicing those pass patterns and learning the
exact moments when you have the best chance of completing a pass.
But it's too late now. These are game conditions, rookie, and
that other guy is out for blood -- yours.
A field goal could tie things up. But that's pretty chancy at any
distance. Besides, like Vince Lombardi, you believe there is no
tomorrow, so you're going for the touchdown to win. Time's
running out though. Think fast. What will work?
You call a short pass with two eligible receivers. Defense sets
up for a long pass. Good. Maybe you'll get a break. Nah, scratch
that. Defense is changing its play at the line of scrimmage.
No problem. You quick-snap the ball while your opponents are still
in motion. Sneaky, but legal. Oh, look! You've fooled the
linebacker into committing himself to the sideline receiver. Great!
Now you have to evade those blitzing linemen until the precise
moment when your other receiver can most likely catch a pass. You
know it's only gonna be a few microseconds when he'll be in the
clear, so your timing has to be good. Real good.
Darn! Where is all that pass protection when you need it the most?
These characters who are supposed to be blockers act more like
ghosts. That's OK, though. You can pass from any position behind
the line of scrimmage and the ball will still go toward your
intended receiver. Close enough, anyway.
Ah, there he is. Quick! Fire that ball! Thread the needle! Uh-oh,
it looks like it's a little behind him. Better shift control to
the receiver to adjust his position and give him an even better
chance to gobble up that pigskin.
Good work! He's got it. Now-quick as a wrist flick-make the
upfield cut that evades the defensive safety and fly for pay dirt.
Just get that first step on him, and you're long gone. Yes, yes,
good move, hero. It's touchdown time....
Oh, no. Your opponent has switched control to that pesky,
pursuing safety. Persistent bulldog! You know you can't outrun
him. Better try to dodge him and angle into the end zone for the
winning score. Move that joystick controller, speed demon. Cut a
path only a shadow could follow.
Ouch! Wrong turn, turkey. You're grounded on his 7-yard line.
Never mind. You did get a first down. Now you've got a goal-to-go
situation. Hurry! Call your next play before the clock runs out.
Get out there and win this one for the Gipper!
2. GAME PLAY
The basic rules of football apply with some modifications that
you should find intriguing.
Like regular football, the object of ATARI RealSports Football
in two-player contests is to score more points than your
opponent. You do this by getting touchdowns, field goals, and
safeties. In one-player games, you'll want to become proficient
in the main features of the game, especially in the art of passing
the ball successfully.
Each team has six players, one of which is always controlled by the
joystick. Under certain circumstances, you can transfer joystick
control to another player. A lot of game strategy involves knowing
when and how to execute that transfer.
You can run the ball, but you'll never fumble. You can pass it, but
you risk having it intercepted. You can kick field goals and punts
as good as the pros, but you can't kick the ball out-of-bounds
(like they occasionally do!).
There are no two-minute warnings and no (legal) time outs. There
are no penalties either- unless, of course, you elbow your
competitor and he or she socks you back. (If you want half-time
entertainment and refreshments, you'll simply have to supply your
own!)
Pay attention to the scoreboard, since it will display the
instructions you'll need to play the game- once you've learned the
basic rules. The home team (pink, or orange) gets all its signals
on the left side of the scoreboard; the visiting team (blue, or
light purple) gets all its cues on the right. (Note: Colors may
vary on different TV sets.)
The scoreboard clock runs twice as fast as normal time, so remember
to synchronize your heartbeat whenever you play ATARI RealSports
Football.
3. USING THE 5200 CONTROLLERS
Use two 5200 controllers with this ATARI game cartridge. Plug the
controllers into jacks 1 and 2 on your console. In all games, you
can activate your player selection options, your game selection
options, and the START, RESET, and PAUSE functions only with the
controller plugged into jack 1.
KEYPAD OVERLAYS
For your convenience, two keypad overlays are included with this
game. Slip the overlay tabs into the slots provided on the
controller keypad.
PLAYER SELECTION
When you turn the POWER switch ON, a flashing scoreboard will
appear, instructing you to "SELECT OPTIONS OR START GAME." You
can play a practice game for one player only, or you can play a
competitive game between two players. Press the * key (or, the
square marked 2 PLAYERS/PRACTICE on your overlay) until your
choice is indicated on the scoreboard.
GAME SELECTION
You can choose to play a regulation game of 15 "minutes" per
quarter, or you can play a short game of "6-minute" quarters.
Press the # key (or, the square marked REGULATION/SHORT GAME
on your overlay) to indicate your preference.
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2 PLAYERS REGULATION
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PRACTICE SHORT GAME
FIGURE 3 - KEYPAD OVERLAY
START
As soon as you have displayed your game choices on the
scoreboard, press START. The players will charge onto the
field and go into a huddle formation, ready to receive your
first commands to play ball.
RESET
The RESET function has a safety mechanism built into it which
requires you to press it twice before you can select game
options and begin a new game. When you press RESET once, the
scoreboard will present you with a choice: HIT RESET AGAIN TO
SELECT GAME OR HIT PAUSE TO CONTINUE. By pressing RESET a second
time, you will return to the pre-game selection mode where you
can then select new game options or begin a new game by pressing
START.
If -- in your excitement-you happened to hit RESET by accident and
don't want to begin a new game, press PAUSE to return to the place
you left off. Avoid hitting RESET that second time unless you're
sure you want to send the current game into the annals of football
history, because you won't be able to recall it after that.
PAUSE
Press PAUSE to suspend the game; press it again to return to the
exact place you left off. PAUSE cannot be used to "freeze" the
action during any single play.
CONTROLLER ACTION
Your joystick controls the movement of the odd-colored player on
your team. This control-player will be green (or yellow) for the
home team, and dark blue/purplish (or black) for the visitors team.
Move the joystick in the direction you want this control-player to
go. (NOTE: Colors may vary on different TV sets.)
The red fire buttons-especially the lower ones!-have several
functions. Use them to pass, to kick, to hike the ball early, to
free-up the defensive control-player before the snap, and to
transfer control from one player to another. The fire buttons on
either side have identical functions and are designed as a
convenience for right- and left-handed players.
The numbered buttons (from 1 to 6 only) are used by both offensive
and defensive teams to select formations and to call up plays.
4. TRAK-BALL OPTION (FUTURE ACCESSORY)
This ATARI RealSports FOOTBALL cartridge offers an option to play
with a TRAK-BALL controller. (Available for purchase in mid-1983.)
You will need two TRAK-BALL controllers to play ATARI RealSports
FOOTBALL, or you can employ a joystick and a TRAK-BALL in
combination. Plug them into jacks 1 and 2 on your console. You can
switch from one type of controller to another in mid-game without
altering the current game situation. You can also change the jacks
you plug each controller into without affecting game play.
Each type of controller has different characteristics. Some games
are better played with a joystick; others with a TRAK-BALL.
Experiment to find which feels more comfortable for you.
Follow the instructions in Section 3, USING THE 5200 CONTROLLERS,
regarding player selection,game selection, and use of the START,
PAUSE, and RESET buttons. The numbered buttons on either side of
the ball can be used to call up plays during any single scrimmage.
The inside fire buttons (those nearest the ball) correspond to
the lower fire buttons on the joystick controller and have
identical functions. The outer fire buttons (those furthest from
the ball) function exactly like the upper fire buttons on the
joystick.
TRAK-BALL ACTION
Rotate your TRAK-BALL controller in the direction you want your
control-player to go. Spinning the ball faster will not affect
running speed in any way, but if you don't turn the ball, the
control-player can't run at all.
5. CALLING PLAYS
As illustrated in the accompanying PLAYBOOK, there are 18 offensive
plays and six defensive plays to choose from.
In the one-player practice version, you play offense only. You do
not play against the computer for high scores. Instead, you
alternate playing offense on both the home team and the visitor's
team to become familiar with the features of the game. You control
the quarterback with your joystick, while the computer takes care of
executing the defensive play and directing the movement of the
defensive control-player. However, you must call up both the
offensive and defensive plays by using the appropriate controller
for each side. When the ball changes hands, simply use the other
controller to call up the plays for the new offensive team.
In the two-player version, each person calls up his own play and
directs the movement of the control-player with the joystick.
OFFENSE
All 18 offensive plays are executed from three formations. Within
these formations, you can run, pass, or kick, according to the
specific play you select.
Offensive picks its plays in a two-step process:
(a) Select a number (from 1 to 3) in response to the "PICK
FORMATION" cue on the scoreboard.
(b) Select another number (from 1 to 6) in response to the "PICK
PLAY" cue.
When offense lines up for the scrimmage, the control-player will
be the quarterback. Except when you decide to punt or kick a field
goal, one or two pass-eligible receivers will be designated,
according to the specific play you select. The other players will
be linemen functioning as blockers.
RUNNING
Except for the field goal play, all the offensive plays (including
the punt) offer running possibilities. The ball carrier is faster
and more maneuverable than the defensive linemen who pursue him.
But he is slightly slower than the defensive control-player, who
can eventually overtake him unless he shows some fancy footwork.
In one-player games, the computer automatically transfers this
speed advantage to the defensive player closest to the ball carrier
once the running back has crossed the line of scrimmage. (You'll
notice this when you see the color change occur.) In two-player
games, the defensive side can transfer control and assign this
speed advantage to the defender nearest the ball carrier by
pressing the lower fire button. This transfer of joystick control
can only be made once during any single play.
PASSING
Except for the field goal and the punt plays, all the offensive
plays offer passing possibilities. The differences between the
plays occur primarily in the number of pass-eligible receivers in
each play and in the variety of pass patterns these receivers run.
After the snap, use your joystick to direct the movement of the
quarterback away from the charging linemen long enough to get the
pass off. Look for your receivers as they run through their
patterns, and pass the ball by pressing one of the red fire buttons.
In pass plays, the lower fire button on either side will release
the ball to the receiver designated as I in the PLAYBOOK diagrams;
the upper fire button will pass the ball to the receiver designated
as II.
Look over the plays and you'll notice that the receivers run
patterns that are consistent in their positioning to each other.
For example, during any particular quarter of play, if the I
receivers run patterns in the top part of your screen, the II
receivers will run patterns that lead them into the lower part of
the screen.
The art of successful passing is a matter of proper timing. Poor
timing will result in incompleted passes, or worse-interceptions.
If you complete a pass, the receiver will immediately become the
control-player whose movements you can then direct with your
joystick. As the ball carrier, the receiver can now run the ball
until he scores a touchdown, runs out-of-bounds,or is tackled by
one of the pursuing defenders.
PUNTING
You can call up a punt by pressing button 2 in response to the
"PICK FORMATION" cue and then pick button 1 in response to the
"PICK PLAY" cue on the scoreboard.
After the hike, press the lower fire button and the ball will be
kicked a random distance, then scooped up and returned by a
defensive player.
Be careful when you punt, though. If the linemen get too close to
the kicker, they can block the kick. The ball will the be blown
dead and returned to the line of scrimmage for the next series of
plays.
KICKING FIELD GOALS
You can kick a field goal by pressing button 3 in response to the
"PICK FORMATION" cue and then button 1 in response to the "PICK
PLAY" cue.
After the hike, the ball will automatically be kicked a finite
distance with a limited degree of accuracy toward the goal posts-
depending on your proximity to the goal line. Your chances of
kicking a successful field goal are as good as the pros, since
the completion percentages displayed in the PLAYBOOK are drawn
upon a full NFL season's statistics. Consult that chart when you
need to make an intelligent decision about whether to take a
chance on kicking a field goal.
If the defense can organize its blitz well enough, the field goal
kick can occasionally be blocked. On a missed field goal, the ball
will come out to the line of scrimmage, or to the 20-yard line if
the scrimmage was inside the twenty.
If you want to fake a field goal and then go for it, press 3 and
then 2. You'll get a running/passing situation with two eligible
receivers.
DEFENSE
The defensive team has six basic strategies, each with slightly
different characteristics that can be mastered only with
experience.
Defense selects its play by pressing a number from 1 to 6 in
response to the "PICK PLAY" cue on the scoreboard:
1 - For a tight line defense against the up-the-middle run and
medium-range pass plays
2 - For a wide line defense that provides a good rush and coverage
against the medium-range pass
3 - For a wide line defense against a long pass
4 - For a 5-man line that provides the best blitzing capabilities
and the best field goal defense
5 - For short pass defense and goal line defense
6 - For punt defense
When the defensive team lines up, the linemen will be assigned to
charge the ball carrier wherever he goes; the safeties will track
the pass-eligible receivers during their pattern; the control-player
will be initially designated as the middle linebacker.
However, by pressing the lower fire button before the ball is
snapped. you can free-up the control-player from his computer-
assigned position as a middle linebacker, and reposition himself
anywhere else on the field. If he touches the line of scrimmage,
though, he will be frozen until the ball is hiked.
CHANGING PLAYS
After each side has selected its play, the teams will assemble
at the line of scrimmage. The scoreboard will then offer an
opportunity for each side to "CHANGE PLAY?". You have to be quick,
though, because the ball will be automatically hiked within about
8 "ATARI football-seconds" after the line-up.
Offense can change its play, but not its formation at this juncture.
For example, offense can change from play 1-2 to 1-4 (or any other
play in the series 1 formation), but it can't go from 1-2 to any
play beginning with formation 2 or 3.
Defense can change its formation, but while it does, offense can
immediately hike the ball by pressing the lower fire button. If
that button is not pushed, the ball will be automatically snapped.
6. SCORING
Touchdowns count for seven (7) points. After a score, the ball
will automatically be brought out to the twenty-yard line to begin
the next series of plays.
Field goals count for three (3) points, with the ball brought out
to the twenty.
Safeties score two (2) points for the defensive team, with the ball
brought out to the fifty-yard line in their possession.
7. STRATEGY
SCOREBOARD CLOCK
As in professional football rules, the scoreboard clock operates
continuously following run plays and completed passes; it stops
after incompleted passes, interceptions, kicks, scores, running
out-of-bounds, turnovers, and dead balls.
However, in order to compensate for "running-out-the-clock" tactics
by dastardly villains and other unscrupulous players, the clock
will stop at the end of one play and begin again as soon as the
defense calls its next play. The clock will run down for no more
than thirty seconds. If the offense hasn't made up its mind within
that span of time, the clock will freeze 30 seconds after the
defense called its play. The clock will resume at the snap.
To gain some control over the clock, master the sideline passes
that can be effective as short-gainers and clock-stoppers, too.
PLAYER RUNNING SPEEDS
The players run across the gridiron at different speeds relative
to each other. The order of their speed from fastest to slowest is:
* Receiver in a pass pattern (the fastest player only while still
in his pattern)
* Defensive control-player
* Offensive control-player
* Defensive safeties who cover the receivers
* All other linemen, and receivers after completing their pass
patterns
RUNNING PLAYS AND BLOCKING STRATEGIES
Running plays are an integral part of the game and should not be
overlooked. In the plays specifically designated as "run" plays
in the PLAYBOOK-namely, 1-2, 1-5, and 1-6-the blockers have
superior strength for a random amount of time and can actually
open up a hole for a fleet-footed running back. As in real life,
these blockers also get fatigued, so you can't expect that hole
to be there all the time. Sorry, no guarantees!
You can also make effective use of your blockers downfield by
weaving your ball carrier behind and around them to gain extra
yardage. Since the linemen are programmed to follow the ball and
are slower than the ball carrier, you can't hide behind any
"flying wedges" or other blocking formations like that, though.
Thanks to the miracles of electronic circuitry, you'll soon observe
that in running downfield, the straightest line is not necessarily
the quickest way to zip across the field toward your goal. Try
running on a slight diagonal to the yard lines. Develop the
technique of cutting back on your own beeline path by making
U-turns and curlicues to evade your pursuers. You'll be amazed at
the extra life this will put in your game!
THE ART OF PASSING
In a pass play, the ball is thrown to certain "cut-points." The
art of completing a pass involves timing the release of the ball
to coincide with the arrival of the intended receiver at one of
those cut-points.
You can throw the ball to match the receiver's arrival at his
first cut-point; or you can toss it after he makes that cut and
runs to his second cut-point; or you can even try to connect with
him after he completes his pattern and begins to run back toward
the ball carrier.
Keep in mind, though, that it becomes increasingly difficult to
complete a pass if you throw the ball after the receiver has run
through the prearranged pattern. If you throw the ball after the
intended receiver has run beyond his last cut-point (and therefore
completed his pass pattern), the ball will travel to where the
receiver was at the moment you pressed the fire button.
Meanwhile, the defensive safety-obligated to track the receiver
only while he was in his pattern-is now free to rush for the ball
that is heading in their direction. And since he is now faster
than the receiver, chances are, the defensive safety will intercept.
This means that, there is a limited amount of time in which you
could throw a successful "buttonhook" pass; but the chances of
getting the ball intercepted increase as soon as the defensive
safety's running speed exceeds the receiver's.
Ultimately, it's all a matter of practice and timing. Learn the
pass patterns in the one-player version and you'll be a tough
competitor when the opening whistle blows.
You can complete some pass plays, like the long "bombs," by
throwing the ball at an angle to the receiver. If your quarterback
lines up directly behind your intended receiver, the chances are
greater that the safety can come in between the passer and the
receiver and thus intercept the pass.
Interceptions occur when a defender is both in the direct line of
fire of a thrown pass and within two yards of the intended receiver.
If a thrown pass appears to have gone "through" a defender, it means
he was not close enough to the intended receiver to intercept the
ball, and that it went "over his head."
In the screen plays-numbered 1-4, 2-4, and 3-4-the offensive
blockers bait the attacking linemen by offering no resistance at
the line of scrimmage. Within a short time, a receiver emerges
from that pack, ready to catch a pass, and-unless the defense has
"read the screen correctly"-completely in the clear.
TRANSFERRING JOYSTICK CONTROL
Transferring Joystick control after the ball is hiked is one of the
key features of ATARI RealSports FOOTBALL. If you intend to win, you
should become very familiar with this feature. You can transfer
joystick control by pressing the lower fire button under the following
circumstances:
OFFENSE
While the ball is in mid-flight to an intended receiver, you can
transfer control to that receiver to adjust his position and thereby
improve your chances of completing that pass. If the intended receiver
is I and you already pressed the lower fire button once to pass the
ball, you have to press it a second time to transfer control while the
ball is in mid air.
DEFENSE
Defense can transfer joystick control to the player closest to the
ball at the following times:
* After the ball carrier has crossed the line of scrimmage
* As soon as a pass is completed
* As soon as a pass is intercepted
* As soon as a punt is scooped up and is being returned
Whether you are on offense or defense, remember: You can only make
this transfer of joystick control once during any single play, so
pick your moment well.
8. FOOTBALL GLOSSARY
Blitz. A defensive strategy in which the linebacker joins the
linemen in rushing the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
Down. The basic unit of game play; one scrimmage play. (The
offensive team has four plays, or downs, in which to gain 10 yards
and keep possession of the ball.)
Downfield. The playing area beyond the line of scrimmage.
End Zone. The 10-yard area beyond the goal line where a receiver
can catch a pass and score a touchdown.
Field Goal. Kicking the ball through the goal posts; worth 3 points.
Interception. A pass that the defense catches and is allowed to
run with.
Linebacker. The defensive leader, positioned just behind the front
line.
Linemen. The players at the line of scrimmage at the beginning of
each play.
Pass. Throwing the football.
Pattern. A prearranged route run by a pass receiver.
Punt. Giving up the ball by kicking it downfield to the other team;
a strategic move on a fourth down situation when getting a first
down appears risky or hopeless.
Quarterback. The offensive leader who receives the snap from the
center. He can run or pass with the ball.
Receiver. An offensive player who is eligible to catch a pass.
Runner. The player who is in possession of the ball; the ball
carrier.
Safety. Tackling a ball carrier in his own end zone; worth 2 points
for the defensive team; also a defensive back covering a receiver.
Scrimmage. The action that occurs when a play starts with the center
hiking the ball and ends with a dead ball; amounts to one down. The
line of scrimmage is the starting point for each play.
Snap. Hiking the ball to begin the scrimmage.
Tackle. The act of stopping the ball carrier.
Touchdown. Crossing the defensive team's goal line by running the
ball into the end zone or completing a pass; worth 7 points in
ATARI RealSports FOOTBALL, since the extra point is automatically
added.
9. SCORECARD
TEAMS SCORE DATE
Home Team _______ ______
Visitors _______ ______
Home Team _______ ______
Visitors _______ ______
Home Team _______ ______
Visitors _______ ______
Home Team _______ ______
Visitors _______ ______
etc.
END
Typed by Robert "Ferg" Ferguson
for Atari Gaming Headquarters
Used with permission from Atari Gaming Headquarters
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