Quarterback Attack

Superfans take note: The mighty Ditka's much anticipated opus is here! A title which the great seer Himself held so close to His patched-up heart is now available for the teaming masses of Ditka-crazed neophytes that speckle the globe.

In what may be considered the greatest acquisition since the Celtics got Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish from Golden State, Digital Pictures shakes the video game world to its very foundation by signing this self-proclaimed deity. The resulting product from this union, described by some as the Second Coming, is a first-person football game that has you seeing the world through the eyes of a quarterback. The effect that this has on the player is so realistic that I not only wet myself, but when faced with the image of the Man, I felt as though a great burden had been lifted from my spirit, allowing my soul a better understanding of universal harmony.

In all seriousness, QB Attack is not good. The only interaction is on passing plays, and the repetitiveness of the film footage is annoying. Ditka should be ashamed. Except of course, He is perfect, and therefore blameless.

Its Ditka! Scholars around the world have said that he possesses one of the great minds of our time. We expect big things from this man. So, we should also expect big things from a game that has his name on it. Quarterback Attack is a first-person football game that has you playing the QB. Call plays right out of the coveted Ditka Playbook-- the Bible of the football world. A step up from the quality of other Digital Picture games (at least in terms of control), QB Attack could be the football game that you're looking for.

Ditka's back! This time, however, Iron Mike's coaching for Digital Pictures' Quarterback Attack, a full-motion-video (FMV) football game for the 3DO and Satum that's due out in time for all you armchair QBs.

Quarterback Attack puts you behind center to take the snaps on offense. You'll command your team via a helmet-cam view for a real quarterback's perspective on the game. Don't screw up, though, because the realistic, FMV, first-person view will stick Mike Ditka right in your face.

Ditka plays the more-than-demanding coach in this game; however, you'll be totally in control of the pass-happy offense. You'll play with three eligible receivers, who you'll tiy to pick out of the crowd using a realistic down-field view. There are a handful of running plays, and you'll be able to scramble, but the game essentially challenges you to bomb away at the defense.

Ooooh, do they hate that, too! Defensive linemen will be charging full speed ahead since you'll usually be passing. You'll learn to read opposing defenses and call audi-bles at the line against defensive adjustments...or get your butt kicked. Bone-jarring sacks will have you staring out of your helmet's earholes.

Just like in a real game, you won't get any hands-on defense or special-teams work as the QB. But unlike a real game, you won't have to watch the opposing offense work over your defense.

If you think you'd like to be a quarterback, you might want to get into Attack mode. Mike Ditka certainly wants you!

Impressive visuals don't make a great game. Quarterback Attack has the looks of a Super Bowl champ, but simplistic gameplay keeps it out of the playoffs.

Attack of the Killer QB

Digital Pictures carved a niche for itself with innovative sports games like Prize Fighter and Slam City with Scottie Pippen. Like those earlier efforts, QB Attack uses actual video clips shot from a first-person view, which in this case put you inside the helmet of a pro QB. You're not merely an observer of the action, you're the actual target of ferocious onrushing linemen.

Unfortunately, so much effort went into the visual concept that sacrifices were made in the gameplay. The negatives stack up like defenders at the goal line: It's a one-player game, there's no NFL license or players, you control only the offense, and you control only one player, the QB.

That's right-you have nothing to do with kickoff returns, calling for blitzes, or field goals, to name just three important elements. These missing features are standard in virtually every other football game.

Behind the Face Mask

The visuals score a touchdown. The footage is much bigger than the postage-stamp size used for Prize Fighter's video. While it's sharp and quick, the footage isn't flawless. Occasionally when you're snapping the ball at the goal line, the view puts you closer to midfield.

The sounds rack up big yardage. Voices are sharp, taunts are humorous, and Mike Ditka effectively razzes you from the sideline.

Good looks and little strategic challenge add up to fun the first time around but not the second. QB Attack scores-just not enough to win.

"Iron" Mike lends his name to Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka.

The game uses full-motion video of hundreds of football plays, as well as shots of "Da Coach" praising your work or chewing your butt out.

Most of the action is shown from the quarterback's point of view. On the sidelines, Ditka will offer advice and encouragement. However, if you screw up, be prepared to face the wrath of Ditka.

A feature keeps track of your various passing stats and calculates your QB rating, so you can see how your skills stack up to other pro players.

In addition, a Two-player Option lets QB wanna-bes duel one other.