Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football

Name: Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football
Item: Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football
Rating: 3
Author: Michael Lafferty

Game review by

Michael Lafferty, Common Sense Media

Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football Game Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Quirky but fun gridiron sim played with dogs and humans.

Nintendo Wii, Windows
$20.00-$31.70
2011

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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 2 reviews

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

Positive Messages

The tone of Dog Football is upbeat and light, with players receiving encouragement and congratulations (in a voice-over) from Jerry Rice when they score or even just get a "fur-st down."

Positive Role Models & Representations

Jerry Rice serves as a supportive role model, as he encourages players to do their best.

Ease of Play

There is a small learning curve on the Wii, mostly related to timing of passing, moving the cursor over the ball carrier for the tackle, or flicking (up, or side-to-side) the Wii remote to avoid tackles or build up extra A.R.F. points by using some of the objects scattered about the field (steps, ramps, railings). Fortunately, Dog Football has a tutorial to guide players through these controls to make is all feel easy.

Violence & Scariness

The dogs, which are the real players here (the humans just play non-running quarterbacks), head-butt the ball carrier to mow the dog down, or sort of run over the opponent. The dog carrying the ball will fall flat, legs spread out, and may whimper in disappointment just a bit but then pops right back up for the next play.

Language

Consumerism

The title has some logos on the field or on the field objects (a ramp, for example), but just about every single one is for the game's publisher.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football is a football simulation game with one human and seven dogs making up a team. The Wii version supports up to 4 players but each must have his own Wii remote and nunchuck. When playing on the Wii, it is a physical game with players doing motions to control elements (lifting the arm overhead to receive the snap and then bring the arm quickly down to throw the ball), so parents will want to insure that there is room enough to play.

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User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written byDaddyNeedsABreak! June 16, 2012

age 7+

My whole family actually enjoys playing this together - Nuff Said!

This is one of the few games my daughter and son will play together, and, more so, one of the few games I like playing with them! My wife even watches and has... Continue reading

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Adult Written byFun4All! March 23, 2012

age 6+

For the Family, with great values, morals, and fun for all ages and skill levels

If you have a mix of family members or friends whom love football, and those who find it a bore, this game brings them together for fun times while giving the n... Continue reading

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What's it about?

JERRY RICE AND NITUS' DOG FOOTBALL challenges players to take a team of seven dogs and one human (who only throws or kicks the ball; he or she does not run with it) through individual games or to compete over a season on 12 interactive playing fields (featuring not only static things such as ramps, but moving characters like cows). There are dog breeds and human characters to unlock and the customization extends to colors and dog breeds when building a team. The title offers solo play as well as 1-4 players participating on the same machine.

Is it any good?

There are definitely some puns that are groan-worthy, and some animations that last a little longer than necessary, but Jerry Rice and Nitus' Dog Football is not targeting the die-hard Madden fans; rather, this is a football sim game for kids. It focuses on kids having fun (there are playing with dogs as teammates!) in a manner that will appeal to younger players. The graphics are not stellar, and the audio seems a little too piecemeal at times (Jerry Rice's voice goes into a monotone and lacks any sincerity), but the game does teach the basics of football and aims solidly at having fun.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about how to play games that are motion controlled in a safe manner.
Families can also talk about what games are the best choices for individuals and for the family as a whole.
A discussion can be held on how to play fair and enjoy the game regardless of who wins or loses.