Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

ABC Sports Monday Night Football ’98 refines the core mechanics of its predecessor by offering more depth and flexibility on the field. The new Exhibition Mode allows you to pick any two NFL teams and launch straight into a full game, perfect for quick matchups or friendly challenges. Meanwhile, the renamed League/Season Mode (formerly Action Mode) provides a structured path through a full campaign using either the default 1996–97 schedule or a randomly generated one, so you can rebuild underdog franchises or steer dynasties to repeat glory.

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Coach Mode has also returned with improvements designed for gridiron tacticians. You can now create and import custom plays via an external editor bundled with the game, giving you unparalleled control over your offensive and defensive strategies. Whether you’re scripting trick plays or fine-tuning zone coverages, the editor’s flexibility means no two playbooks need ever be the same. These features combine to make each matchup feel uniquely strategic rather than a rehash of preset formations.

Multiplayer options have seen a significant overhaul. Local co-op still works via modem or LAN, but Internet play through MPlayer is now seamless—simply host your system or join another game to test your skills against opponents around the world. This broadens the competitive landscape beyond neighborhood couch battles, ensuring that even the most seasoned players can find a worthy challenge no matter where they live.

Beyond team management, you can create custom leagues and coach profiles, adding a layer of personalization rarely seen in late-’90s sports titles. Whether you’re running a backyard league with friends or simulating entire seasons with AI squads, the manual’s 100+ pages guide you through every feature. The result is a game that caters to casual fans looking for a quick exhibition and hardcore strategists seeking a deep football sim experience.

Graphics

Visually, ABC Sports Monday Night Football ’98 builds on the first game’s live-action NFL presentation by polishing player models, stadium textures, and crowd animations. The increased polygon count on helmets and shoulder pads delivers a more realistic sheen under the stadium lights, while dynamic weather effects—like rain or late-season frost—add an extra layer of immersion to every play.

Camera angles have been fine-tuned to resemble a broadcast television feed, complete with instant replays and dynamic zooms during key moments. The virtual cameraman even follows the ball carrier down the sideline, ensuring you don’t miss a single juke or breakaway run. For fans of Monday Night Football, this broadcasting authenticity transforms each game into a mini highlight reel.

Although the textures can appear pixelated when zoomed in, the overall color palette and stadium designs capture the feel of each NFL franchise’s unique home field. From the bright green turf to the end zone logos, the aesthetic choices reinforce the Monday night brand and underscore the game’s focus on presenting a televised football spectacle.

Story

While sports titles aren’t typically known for their narratives, ABC Sports Monday Night Football ’98 weaves a story through its broadcast presentation and season progression. Each play feels like part of a larger script: rivalries build as you chase division crowns, and underdog victories create memorable “Monday Night” moments worthy of water cooler chatter.

The inclusion of coach profiles adds a subtle role-playing dimension, as you assume the persona of a head coach with unique strategies and preferred play styles. You can track your career stats, rewriting your personal legacy one season at a time. This personal investment makes championship runs all the more satisfying when you see your coach’s decisions pay off in the fourth quarter.

Commentary snippets and pre-game hype segments—though limited by the era’s cartridge storage—help maintain momentum throughout a full season. The voices calling out big hits and game-winning drives evoke the tension and drama synonymous with Monday Night Football, reinforcing the feeling that you’re not just playing, but also “covering” the game for millions of viewers.

Overall Experience

ABC Sports Monday Night Football ’98 strikes a compelling balance between arcade-style fun and simulation depth. The multitude of play-design options and robust season management tools are perfect for dedicated football gamers, while the straightforward Exhibition Mode makes it easy for newcomers to jump in and start tossing touchdowns.

The enhanced Internet play and polished broadcast presentation firmly establish this sequel as a must‐have for any late‐’90s football enthusiast. Even after hundreds of games, the variability in schedules, custom leagues, and imported playbooks keeps each session feeling fresh. The extensive manual helps flatten the learning curve, guiding you through advanced systems without overwhelming new users.

All told, ABC Sports Monday Night Football ’98 feels like a living, breathing NFL broadcast that you control. Whether you’re reliving classic matchups, orchestrating upsets, or perfecting your playbook, the game delivers an engaging, authentic gridiron experience that stands the test of time. Serious players and casual fans alike will find plenty to love under the lights on Monday night.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10