NFL '95

For the Sega Game Gear game, see NFL '95 (Game Gear).

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NFL '95
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sega of America
Developer: Double Diamond Sports
Supporting companies: Sega Test (testing) FarSight Technologies (programming) STATS (statistics) DMP Entertainment (sound)
Brand: Sega Sports (US)
Distributor: Tec Toy (BR)
Licensor: NFL Properties, National Football League Players Association, Team NFL
Sound driver: GEMS
Peripherals supported: Team Player
Genre: Sports (American football)
Number of players: 1-4
Release Date RRP Code US 1994-11-15 $64.99 1237 BR 1994 046530

NFL '95 (not to be confused with Madden NFL '95) is an American football game for the Sega Mega Drive, released in 1994. It was the last in Sega's series of NFL games to feature Joe Montana, who retired after the 1994 NFL season. Though his name is no longer part of the title, he appears on the cover and the title screen and as a player in the game.

The Mega Drive version was at one point set to support the XB∀ND online service in the US, but the feature did not materialise.

Gameplay

The game is an American football game. It supports one to four players, competitively or cooperatively, using a Team Player. It is based on the 1994 NFL season (with player statistics from the previous season), and it is licensed by the NFL and the NFLPA, so it contains all 28 teams with real player rosters. It is a significant overhaul of the previous games and adds support for up to four players, dynamically changing camera angles, roster management (including player trading and free agents), a redesigned season mode with injuries, unique stadiums for every team, more weather and field conditions, the ability to take control of a receiver before the quarterback throws a pass, the ability to "trash talk" before the snap, customizable audibles, two-point conversions, and user record tracking. It loses some features from its predecessors, such as the selectable field views (including the horizontal view), the "Sports Talk" play-by-play commentary, the "coach" mode, the option to do a squib kick on kickoff, and the passing cursor method of passing. The cartridge has a battery backup for saving season progress and statistics and users.

	Money Players
	Before the game starts, the "money players" for each team are shown.
	Pause Menu
	The following menu appears when the game is paused by pressing  START  when the ball is not in play: Instant Replay: Watches a replay of the last play. Game Stats: Shows the statistics for the game in progress, sorted into several categories that can be changed by pressing (or the screen can be changed to show player statistics by pressing ). Depth Chart: Shows a list of players for each team, sorted by position. Starters are marked "A", second-string by "B", and third-string by "C", but players can be rearranged. Each player is given a rating based on their performance statistics. The position shown can be changed by pressing , and a player can be selected by pressing . Team Profiles: Views the profile for each team, which includes statistics from the 1993 NFL season. It shows the team's season record, playoff record, points scored, points allowed, rushing and passing yards, sacks, and interceptions. Player Profiles: Views the profile for every player on each team, which includes statistics from the 1993 NFL season. Statistics include completion percentage for quarterbacks, rushing and receiving yards for running backs, and receptions for receivers. Franchise Players: Shows the records (wins, losses, and ties) for the saved users. Time Out: Calls a timeout. Each team can call up to three timeouts per half, which stops the game clock and returns to the playbook.
	Kickoff
	At the start of the first half, it is randomly determined which team kicks and which team receives. At the start of the second half, the team that kicked in the first half receives and vice versa. A kickoff is also done by the scoring team after a scoring play. An X on the 35-yard line marks where kickoffs are done. The kicking team can choose between two kick plays: Kickoff and Onside Kick. The receiving team can choose between three return plays: Kick Return, Wedge Return, and Onside Kick. The kick can be aimed with or . A crosshair appears on the field to show the aim of the kick, and an arrow shows the direction that the wind is blowing. The player starts the kick by pressing , which causes the kick meter to replace the wind arrow. The kicker swings his leg back, which determines the power of the kick, and the player can stop the meter by pressing a second time to set the power. Then the leg comes back down to determine the accuracy of the kick, and the player can stop the meter by pressing a third time to set the accuracy. The kick is most powerful when the meter is stopped at three o'clock and most accurate when the meter is stopped at six o'clock. If the kick goes out of bounds, the receiving team starts their drive at the 35-yard-line. If the ball lands or is caught in the receiving team's end zone, they have the option not to run the ball (by staying in the end zone) to down the ball for a touchback instead. This puts the ball into play at the receiving team's 20-yard line.
	Play Select
	On every down, each team chooses a play from the playbook. The home team's plays are shown on the bottom of the screen, while the visiting team's plays as shown on the top of the screen. The score is shown to the left, and the current down, yards to go, current yard, game clock, play clock, and quarter are shown in the middle. The offense has 40 seconds to choose a play and snap the ball (or a 5-yard delay of game penalty is assessed), but there is no time limit for the defense. In multiplayer games, any player on the team can choose the play. First, players choose the formation with or (or or ), which determines the positions of the players (and sometimes which players are on the field). Then players can choose a play using the selected formation by pressing . Players can scroll through the various plays with (or go back to choosing the formation with ) and select a play from left to right by pressing , , or . When on offense, the plays can be flipped with , or the primary receiver can be changed with . Scrolling down to the end of the list of plays shows the three audibles, and players can cycle through the different plays for that formation by pressing , , or to set the audible for that button. Audibles are remembered for the rest of the game but not stored, so they are not remembered between games. The referee calls a two-minute warning when there are two minutes remaining in the second and fourth quarters, which pauses the game clock and lets the teams huddle and choose plays.
	Defense
	Before the snap, the player can cycle control through the members of the defense by pressing . The active player is marked by a circle for player one, a square for player two, a triangle for player three, and a diamond for player four. The player can call an audible by pressing after the defense is in formation, then use , , or to pick a different play. Audibles can be set for each formation in the Play Selection screen. The active player can taunt the other team by pressing , which plays a voice sample (but has no gameplay effect). After the snap, the active player moves using the D-Pad. The active player can be changed to the one who is closest to the ball by pressing (or next closest if the closest is already controlled by another player). When already controlling the closest defender, the defender can raise his hands to try to intercept a pass by pressing . The defender can get a speed burst (once per play) by holding or hurdle over a diving or grounded player by pressing . The defender automatically tackles a member of the offensive team by running into him but can dive for a tackle by pressing . After a tackle, the defender can taunt the other team by pressing (but only if the tackle was made by a human-controlled player and not the computer).
	Offense
	Before the snap, the player can call an audible by pressing after the offense is in formation, then use , , or to pick a different play. Audibles can be set for each formation in the Play Selection screen. In cooperative multiplayer games, player one controls the quarterback and can select the primary receiver by pressing . The selected receiver is marked by a blinking arrow above him. The other players control any other team member and can cycle control through the members of the offense by pressing . The active player is marked by a circle for player one, a square for player two, a triangle for player three, and a diamond for player four. The shape is red when the player has the ball and yellow otherwise. The center hikes the ball to the quarterback by pressing . In running plays, the quarterback automatically hands off or laterally passes the ball to the running back, then the player gets control of the runner. Alternatively, the player can take control of the quarterback to run or pass the ball by moving the D-Pad before the handoff (but the quarterback cannot pass the ball after crossing the line of scrimmage). In passing plays, the player gets control of the quarterback once he gets the ball. The quarterback can change the receiver by pressing . If a primary receiver was set before the snap, that receiver will be initially selected. The player can change control to the selected receiver by holding to move him into position. The receiver can get a speed burst (once per play) by holding , hurdle over a diving or grounded defender by pressing , or call for a pass by pressing (tap for a lob pass or hold for a bullet pass). The player can change control back to the quarterback by holding . The quarterback can pass the ball by pressing (tap for a lob pass or hold for a bullet pass). A target appears on the field to show where the ball will land, and the player can switch control to the intended receiver by pressing (but control automatically changes before the ball lands). The receiver can jump to try to catch the ball by pressing , get a speed burst (once per play) by holding , hurdle over a diving or grounded defender by pressing , or dive by pressing . If the ball is not caught, the pass is incomplete and the team gains no yards. The ball carrier moves using the D-Pad. A runner can spin by pressing , get a speed burst (once per play) by holding , hurdle over a diving or grounded defender by pressing , or dive to the ground to gain extra yards by pressing . After a touchdown, the offensive team can choose a field goal for a one-point conversion or any other play for a two-point conversion.
	Punt
	The team on offense can choose to punt the ball to the defending team (under the Special Teams formation), which is usually only done on the fourth down to give the other team a worse field position if the offensive team does not think it can advance the ball 10 yards. The controls for a punt are the same as for a kickoff.
	Field Goal
	The team on offense can choose to attempt a field goal (under the Special Teams formation), which is worth three points normally or one point when done as a conversion play after a touchdown. The controls for a field goal are the same as for a kickoff.
	Instant Replay
	When the game is paused with  START , the player can watch a replay of the last play by selecting Instant Replay. The replay can be rewound by holding , watched in slow-motion by holding , or watched normally by pressing . The view of the field can be tilted with HOLD or . The player can end the replay and return to the game by pressing  START .

Modes

Trade players

Sign free agent

NFL standings

Weekly schedule

Team schedule

Injury report

There are the following modes:

• One Game Revised/Original Roster: A single game between any two teams (which can be the same team) using revised or original rosters.
• Roster Management: Revises the rosters of any teams, which can then be used in exhibition or season games (after starting a new season). These changes are saved to the cartridge.
  • Depth Chart: Shows a list of players for any team, sorted by position. Starters are marked "A", second-string by "B", and third-string by "C", but players can be rearranged. Each player is given a rating based on their performance statistics.
  • Trade Players: Trades players between teams. Trades do not need to be even (a player for a player), but a trade is only approved if it does not leave a team below its minimum or above its maximum number of players for a given position.
  • Release Players: Releases a player from a team (to make room for a trade). Like a trade, this can only be done if it does not leave a team below its minimum number of players for a position.
  • Sign Free Agents: Signs a player from the free agent pool to any team.
  • Team Profiles: Views the profile for any team, which includes statistics from the 1993 NFL season. It shows the team's season record, playoff record, points scored, points allowed, rushing and passing yards, sacks, and interceptions.
  • Player Profiles: Views the profile for any player, which includes statistics from the 1993 NFL season. Statistics include completion percentage for quarterbacks, rushing and receiving yards for running backs, and receptions for receivers.
  • Reset Rosters: Resets all changes made to the rosters of every team.
  • Franchise Players: Shows the records (wins, losses, and ties) for the saved users.
• Season: A full season mode where the player can play any scheduled game for any team. The season is played a week at a time, and the player can play or simulate the scheduled games for the week by pressing  START  on the season menu. Each team plays 16 regular season games, and the season schedule can follow the 1992, 1993, or 1994 NFL season. The best teams in each division advance to a playoff series, then to the Super Bowl. Season progress and statistics are saved to the cartridge. Only one season can be saved at a time.
  • NFL Standings: Shows the stands for every team in the league.
  • Weekly Schedule: For each week, the player can check the schedule of games and decide which games to play (set to "H") and which games to simulate (set to "C").
  • Team Schedule: Shows the scheduled games for any team and checks the results of already played games.
  • Depth Chart: Shows a list of players for any team, sorted by position. Starters are marked "A", second-string by "B", and third-string by "C", but players can be rearranged. Each player is given a rating based on their performance statistics.
  • Injury Report: Shows the injured players for any team, with their injury and current status. Injured players miss multiple games depending on the severity of their injuries.
  • Team Stats: Shows the season statistics for any team, with scoring, rushing and passing yards, sacks, and interceptions. Scoring, rushing, and passing are shown for both offense (points or yards earned) and defense (points or yards allowed for the opposing teams).
  • League Leaders: Shows the top players in the league by several statistics. The statistic shown can be changed by pressing to show scoring, interceptions, sacks, rushing and passing yards (for both offense and defense), and points allowed. The screen can be changed to the Individual League Leaders by pressing , which can likewise have its statistic changed by pressing to show touchdowns, interceptions, sacks, receiving yards, and rushing and passing yards.
  • Franchise Players: Tracks user records (wins, losses, and ties) if multiple people are playing the season.

Before a game, players can change the length of the game (20, 40, or 60 minutes), choose the stadium (from any NFL team's stadium), set the weather conditions (Variable, N/A (Indoors), Clear and Calm, Clear and Windy, Hot and Humid, Cold and Dry, Gusty Winds, Drizzle, Rain and Wind, Snow Flurries, or Blizzard), set the field conditions (Turf, Grass, Mud, or Snow), and toggle record-saving.

Each mode can be played by one to four players. Before a game starts, any player can assign control to either team with or . If no human players take control, the computer plays the game against itself. If record-saving is enabled, each human player is prompted to choose or enter a name after joining the game, and user records are saved under this name. Up to seven users can be stored, and users and records are saved to the cartridge.

Teams

All 28 NFL teams are present in the game, with their names and logos and their stadiums. The Phoenix Cardinals are now the Arizona Cardinals.

• Atlanta Falcons
• Buffalo Bills
• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Dallas Cowboys
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Houston Oilers
• Indianapolis Colts
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Los Angeles Raiders
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New England Patriots
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Arizona Cardinals
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Diego Chargers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Washington Redskins
• AFC All Stars
• NFC All Stars
• NFL All Pros
• Alumni Far West
• Alumni Great Plains
• Alumni Mindwest
• Alumni Northeast
• Alumni Southeast
• Alumni Southwest

Production credits

• Programming & Technical Design: Jay Obernolte
• Animation & Art Direction: Doug Wike
• Game Design & Direction: Michael Brook
• Additional Programming: Chris Ziomkowski
• Additional Art: Lori Champney
• Producer: Scott Rohde
• Assistant Producer: Gerald DeYoung
• Executive Producer: Wayne Townsend
• Product Manager: Kelly Ryan
• Music & Sound Effects: Andy Armer
• Manual: Tim Flanagan
• Playbook Consultant: Pat Hegarty
• Test Manager: Michael Weiner
• Test Lead: Terry Thomas
• Assistant Test Leads: Lorne Asuncion, John Melchior, Dave Perkinson, Matt Underwood
• Additional Testers: John Amirkhan, Armando Aguiano, Jon Apour, Charles Artoux, Renata Bailey, Dale Baker, Mo Berry, John Brien, Don Carmichael, Chris Charles, Edward Chennault, Robert DeLoach, Aron Drayer, Rob Flores, Howard Gipson, Wendell Gordon, Yancey Gordon, Rick Harden, John Jansen, Kevin Johnson, Jeff Jones, Len Jung, Marcus King, Xen Lang, Erik Larson, Peter Lloyd, Todd Morgan, Scott Morrison, Lance Nelson, Robery Owne, Dan Pendergast, Steve Rapp, Ken Ratcliff, Leonard Sayers, Steve Smith, Ken Spalasso, Dave Tamburina, Patrick Tello, Jennifer Vernon, Morgan Weiss, Craig Wike
• Sega Sports Special Teams: Chris Cutliff, Rosie Freeman, Mike Meischeid, Wallace Poulter, Chris Smith
• Special Thanks To: Dave Albert, Michael Latham, Jerry Markota, Joe Miller, David Platshon, Doug Rebert, Bryan Reilly
• Moral Support: Jennie Brook, Heather Lester, Kim Rohde
• Special No Thanks: S & W Towing, The Barfing Dog at the Drive Thru, The SFO Baggage Crew, Jay's Refrigerator

Source:

In-game credits

Magazine articles

Main article: NFL '95/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

PDF

Advertisement on the back of the US College Football's National Championship manual.

PDF

Advertisement on the back of the US NBA Action '95 Starring David Robinson manual.

PDF

Advertisement on the back of the US Virtua Racing Deluxe manual.

Play media

US TV Advert

PDF

Print advert in Sega Visions (US) #21: "October/November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)

PDF

Print advert in GamePro (US) #64: "November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Game Players (US) NTSC-U 88 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 85 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 53 Next Generation (US) NTSC-U 75 VideoGames (US) NTSC-U 80

	76
Based on 5 reviews

NFL '95

Mega Drive, US
Cover
Cart Manual 6 Button Arcade Pad/Team Player flyer Sega Visions subscription card

Mega Drive, US (Not for Resale)
Cart

Mega Drive, BR
Box

Technical information

Main article: NFL '95/Technical information.