Classic Football Handheld Game from Mattel

by Mattel

Product Features

• Very fun!

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B00005BULI
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,427 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

Mattel's 1977 handheld electronic football game proved a surprise hit that spawned numerous imitators. This replica (now with the word "classic" in the title) is a fun, inexpensive shot of nostalgia, though its design will be lost on new pigskin fans because this isn't so much football, but a football-like exercise. The object of the game is to control a lone running back around LED defenders--little red dashes, to be precise--to get first downs on the way to a touchdown, or at least a field goal. Players anticipate the moves of the computer-controlled defenders to slide through gaps without being tackled. It plays as much like Space Invaders as football, but that simplicity makes it hypnotically fun. The same cheesy beeps trumpet tackles, kickoffs, and touchdowns. The game runs on two AA batteries (not included) and measures 6 by 3.5 by 1 inches, which should easily fit in any pair of hands. --Porter B. Hall

From the Manufacturer

This electronic game challenges a player to play football against a computer opponent. The object is to be the team that scores the most points. Just like the original Mattel Football Game. Plays just like real life football. Can be played alone or against a friend

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oldie But Goodie, January 16, 2002

By 

Craig J. Galloway (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Football Handheld Game from Mattel (Toy)

I received my first Mattel hand-held electronic game in the sixth grade (1978-1979). Before to long I had the entire product line of electronic games Mattel introduced. Basketball, football, soccer, baseball and my personal favorite hockey. Anyway, it's been quite a while since I've seen nor heard from my favorite pastime games. This past Christmas I opened a gift from my sister in law Annie, I almost fell over. I was so excited seeing the original football game in my hands. I began playing it immediately, I felt like a kid again. Though a simple game Mattel electronic football is very addictive and lots of fun, especially when played against someone who enjoys it just as much as you do. I was pleased to hear all the same sounds and see the same functionality as the original. I don't know what it is about trying to 'run' past the defenders trying to score a touchdown or get in position for a field goal but I enjoy the game just as much now as I did when I was ten. I hope Mattel electronic games are re-introduced to the market (especially hockey), as I'm sure I will re-collect what I've lost.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mattel Drops The Ball (Again), November 9, 2002

By 

Robert B. Disner "disnerland" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Football Handheld Game from Mattel (Toy)

Never actually had this model when I was a kid, but I had plenty of others from the Mattel handheld line that came out between '76 and '78 or so. I also remember that those games went for about thirty-five bucks back then. Adjusted for 2002 dollars, that would probably score you a PlayStation or something today!

In any case, this 12 buck imitator can't even hold a candle to the original. And that wouldn't be a problem if this was still meant for ten year olds, but I bet you the average age of the buyer for Classic Football is way over thirty.

And as any thirty-year-old still able retain memories of their youth will recall, this game used to have nice, bright LEDs that were powered by a nine volt battery. The new game is powered by two wimpy 1.5 volters that can barely light up the screen well enough for you to figure out what is happening on the playing field. Note to engineers: an LCD with a red piece of plastic over it looks as ridiculous as it sounds.

In conclusion, I don't know why they had to mess with success. Maybe they save four cents a unit this way, but they are losing a lifetime fan in the process. Glad my originals still work!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh my this brings back memories, October 25, 2001

By A Customer

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Football Handheld Game from Mattel (Toy)

When one of my co-workers brought this in we couldn't get enough. Man...I remember this from junior high! This is great and beats having to learn intricate button techniques like all of the modern games. Simple and fun to play. Don't tell anyone that we play it in silent mode during conference calls.