Sports Action Canadian Pro Football (1974) Board Game

Sports Action Canadian Pro Football is a classic board game released in 1974 by Sports Action Game Co. Ltd. It is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of around 60 minutes. The game simulates the excitement and strategy of Canadian pro football, making it a must-have for sports enthusiasts.

Game Components of Sports Action Canadian Pro Football

Player Cards: Large, easy-to-read cards for skill players, including quarterbacks, runners, and receivers, with season stats and specific result tables for passing, rushing, and receiving.

Team Cards: Cards with individual ratings for offensive linemen and defensive players, as well as team defensive ratings for run and pass defense.

Specialist Cards: Separate cards for specialists.

Tokens: Cheap tokens, though they can be easily replaced with coins or plastic discs.

Play Selector Board: Spacious and sturdy board for selecting plays.

Chart: A single chart for managing rarer plays like penalties, turnover returns, injuries, or weather effects.

How To Setup Sports Action Canadian Pro Football

To set up the game, players need to organize the player and team cards according to the teams they are using. The game includes a play selector board where the offense and defense call their plays. The player cards are distributed based on the teams’ rosters, and the tokens are placed on the board to mark first downs and other game states. The game comes with two modes of play: basic and advanced, which can be selected before starting the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Basic and Advanced Modes: Two modes of play offering different levels of complexity.

Play Calling: Offense calls plays (run or pass with specified distance), and defense sets their call based on a one to five number scale indicating linebacker depth.

Dice Rolling: Both sides roll two dice to determine play outcomes, with results modified by team and player cards.

Turnovers and Penalties: Interceptions, sacks, and penalties are determined by specific dice results and card interactions.

Game Objective: To score more points than the opposing team by successfully executing plays and managing game elements like penalties and turnovers.

Player Experience

Playing Sports Action Canadian Pro Football provides an immersive CFL experience, reflecting the nuances of Canadian football such as the larger field and the importance of passing. The game is designed to be engaging without feeling overly complex, with most game mechanics resolved through the player and team cards. The oversized player cards and the spacious play selector board enhance the gameplay experience.

Pros

Detailed Player and Team Cards: Easy-to-read cards with comprehensive stats and play results.

Realistic CFL Simulation: The game accurately reflects the CFL, including the dominance of passing and specific CFL rules.

Optional Complexity: Basic and advanced modes cater to different player preferences.

Manageable Mechanics: Most game elements are resolved quickly without excessive complexity.

Cons

Component Quality: Tokens and some markers are of poor quality, though they can be replaced.

Aesthetic: The coloring and overall design are not appealing.

Personal Thoughts on Sports Action Canadian Pro Football

Sports Action Canadian Pro Football is ideal for fans of the CFL and those interested in sports simulation board games. It offers a unique blend of simplicity and depth, making it accessible to both casual and experienced gamers. The game is particularly suited for those who enjoy strategic play-calling and managing team statistics. Despite some drawbacks in component quality, the game’s overall design and mechanics make it a compelling addition to any sports board game collection.

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