It has been quite some time since I've last played this little gem of a football game. This DOS based game was loaded with a myriad of playbook options and the capability of designing one's own plays for their team.
The gameplay screen was daunting to interact with at first as there are several options to select from before actually playing. Once choosing the type of play, the choice of picking teams was also complicated at first as you must select both teams, the playbook as well as team controls. Doesn't sound that complicated, but unfortunately it isn't as seamless in Micro League as it was with Front Page Sports Football.
The graphics weren't state-of-the-art during that period either as it was little better than a text football game with some graphical capabilities. The level of depth of the simulation was also less than spectacular in terms of league play and statistical depth. However, what details it did provide was adequate. I was impressed with the presentation of the game upon gameplay. Sure, the game didn't look great but the results on the field from play choices were fairly realistic. The statistics of the game were constantly updated and were consistent unlike some of the data that was compiled playing Total Control Football which routinely dropped the ball.
Don't expect to see full bodied sprites on the field, or beautiful screen animations. What you should expect is a solid football model with solid football playbooks. Statistics may not be over abundant but what it does provide is adequate. It is not overly ambitious which in this case is not a bad thing. Unlike Coaches Club, Total Control Football and the later Front Page Sports Football games which lag from poor execution from an over-hyped game, Micro League does not have many bugs and executes realistic football results.
Overall, despite its graphical short comings and its convoluted menu structure, the game was entertaining. I found myself playing this game more than I expected because it handled its expectations well and it was fun to play.
Written by:
~Laurose
