Aussie Rules Footy was Beam Software’s first Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) sports game developed exclusively for the Australian market. Despite simple controls, its clever design captured the high-energy, competitive spirit of the sport, featuring spectacular high marking and pushing other players out from under a mark.
It also contained Beam’s signature sense of humour. Though voice samples were unusual in NES games of the era, Aussie Rules Footy used voice lines like the deadpan umpire’s “out of bounds on the full”, which complemented the droll text-based commentary between quarters.
Despite the official AFL logo on the box, it’s unlikely the game was licensed, which could be why the 18 playable teams don’t match their real-life counterparts, with curious inclusions like Darwin, Canberra and Hobart.
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Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
ARC000074-1
Subject category
Game
Object Types
Computer game cartridge/Computer game/Game
Computer game/Game
Materials
Cartridge videogame. Cartridge, cartridge sleeve and manual in cardboard box