Synthetic

Running simulations of a Tecmo Super Bowl rom "Best of the 90's" edition. 

For those that play with an SNES emulator, here is the game if you would like to try it 

http://tecmobowl.org/files/file/489-tecmo-best-of-the-90s/

Notes so far - 

The teams presented here are very fair and I only have minor disagreements on a few. The 1998 Colts are in instead of the iconic 1995 team. I don't know enough about the 95 Colts if they were better or worse than the 1998 team. One that I definitely disagree on is the 1991 Lions. 1995 was the peak year of the Barry Sanders Lions, and the one year Scott Mitchell looked like he was worth that ridiculous contract. I think the 1990 Bears are a forgettable team, but it was the last hurrah of the iconic and aged out 80's team, so they are a good piece on there. Another one that could be argued is the 1992 Eagles, since the 1991 team had a historic defense that is still talked about to this day, but I imagine the 1992 team got the nod over 1991 due to Randall Cunningham being healthy. He was out in 1991, and it's pretty difficult to image the Eagles in Tecmo without the infamous "QB EAGLES" as he's called in the NES version. 

I ran several simulations the past few days (COM vs COM) and these were the results....

1998 Jets vs 1997 Chiefs

Anyone remember when Vinny Testerverde was good? 1998 was the best year of his career and for those that rooted for him when he was labeled a bust, this was the one moment where Vinny shined in excellence, and he goes on to do that in Tecmo. Jets win this game 13-7 after scoring on consecutive drives to go up 10-0 early and then the rest of the game turned into a defensive slug fest. 

1995 Steelers vs 1996 Patriots

The two AFC winning teams between '95 and '96. This was surprisingly a very defensive heavy game. Both quarterbacks passed for around 250 yards, but neither could score much. Neither team could really run the ball, though Curtis Martin got around 90 yards in total. The Steelers went up 7-0 for most of the game, but then Bledsoe leads them down the field twice in the 4th to go up 14-7...Neil O'Donnell gets a fluke lucky hail mary to tie the game, then in OT, O'Donnell does it again and wins off a fluke (he also threw 3 interceptions in this game). Steelers win 20-14. 

1998 Colts vs 1999 Jaguars 

So far, the highest scoring game I've simulated. The Jags win 44 to 31, but most of this was a very back and forth scoring game where both offenses excelled. There was a few turnovers here and there, but the Jags mostly won from being up big early. Colts storm a comeback twice and make it a game, but can't keep up with the Jags in the 4th quarter. 

1994 49ers vs 1998 Falcons

The biggest surprise of all games so far. The Falcons scored on the first play after Ricky Watters fumbles the ball and it goes back for a TD. Atlanta jumped to a 14-3 lead, and then slowed down but the 49ers had 4 turnovers in this game, and both running backs Watters and Floyd went down injured. Steve Young had a big game, and the 49ers came back in this game after a safety and some turnovers help them but ultimately went on to lose it, 29 to 31. Huge upset...

1992 Saints vs 1992 Eagles

Tough game between two iconic defenses that play lights out. The Saints go up 10-0 early, but then come the Eagles who slowly tie the game. Randall Cunningham's running around mostly saves the Eagles in the end after a bad Bobby Herbert interception. The Saints of the "Cha ching" era go on to CHA-CHOKE this game away with turnovers in the 4th quarter. Eagles win 24-17

1992 Cowboys vs 1999 Bucs

This game wasn't close at all. Emmitt Smith ran all over the Bucs defense, though Tampa Bay did get some big sacks and a few turnovers (including a rare interception covering Michael Irvin). The Bucs defense played great apart from letting Smith have a big game, but it was Tampa Bay's offense that sunk them. 31-14 Cowboys.

1996 Packers vs 1996 Panthers

Rain game, so both teams look sluggish by Tecmo standards. The final score was 19 to 7, but this game wasn't close at all. Brett Favre had three passes that went for around 55-60 yards to Antonio Freeman who had a big day. He still had one interception, ironically on a short pass where he was picked off by Sam Mills. The Panthers offense was awful in this game, Reggie White had 3 sacks. 

More games later....