Beating EVERY N64 Game - Madden Football 64 (117/394)

Madden is the king of the NFL for video games these days. In its past, it had some competition though. How was the first edition of this series on the N64?
Edited By Craw: / crawedits
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[@lisliaer7999]

"Farve threw into double coverage with no chance of success " 😂when art imitates life

[@JollyJa5on]

Not to mention a Vikings kicker having a gimmie field goal kick go wide right

[@dirtyhistory4711]

Living in Wisconsin all my life...I know this all to well.

[@spirenguard]

Remember to say "allegedly" any time you bring up famous philanthropist and volleyball enthusiast Brett Favre. You don't want to get sued

[@ThatOneDude219]

Pat McAfee approves this message

[@austinschwenk7778]

Fun fact, the NFL asked EA to remove the ambulance in later versions as it made the NFL look "too dangerous"

[@jackharper24]

The NFL states that no one has even been injured in the history of the game and players mostly make up injuries to hurt the wonderful NFL organization that is perfect.

[@ojaysnooks8528]

I remember you could run players into the ambulance

[@buttburp6995]

@@jackharper24 the reward greatly outweighs the risk in most cases though lol

[@dasdiesel3000]

I like the Streisand effect of all that leading to some game makers trying to make pro football as seedy as possible in every regard eg later blitz titles etc

[@DOC_951]

What’s the source on this?

[@pengwin_]

*"The title of this game is a lie, John Madden was only 61 when this game came out, not 64"* Good chat comment!

[@starpetalarts6668]

Next series: "I'm playing each Madden game in chronological order, and I mean all of them. The twist is that I have to eat a spicy pepper every time I restart a match."

[@jocloud31]

As a Bears fan since the early 90s, Salaam getting injured in literally the first play is the epitome of art imitating life.

[@jocloud31]

And the Vikings missing an easy field goal that would have possibly won the game is too perfect

[@caseyp5665]

This series is one of the only ones I actually watch the intro. And everytime I do, and see the train conductor outfit I think to myself...where are the costumes? Lol lets get into it!

[@ericmay560]

I know it might seem insignificant but I really do appreciate that you have a good knowledge of sports and players. It’s really nice to have someone who knows some stuff in these sports games

[@krossbow_]

As a Vikings fan, I could have told you we would missed that kick wide right

[@_g00mba]

😢 plz i still have nightmares of last season

[@nonamephinsyt]

Kicking field goals is not as simple as it seems. So many factors that no one thinks about.

[@liammartin6636]

the Ninja kicker speech had me dead lmao

[@MrMadMister1]

Looking for this lol

[@ljm37]

I thought it was a Ninja reference but wasn't sure

[@jeremyphillips3087]

"Favre decided to throw a hail Mary into double coverage." Standard.

[@bigsherpa]

When Thab said "The newer Madden games are more polished" - I felt that

[@shmoopshybob]

Interesting how the more arcadey sports games seem to stand the test of time better than the more "realistic" ones. I don't play sports games too much, but it's been fun to learn more about them. Thanks for the awesome video, Thab!

[@cthulhusol]

It makes sense. In the simulation case you always want to play the best simulation possible it is kind of the premise. So it will always age poorly . Arcade style is about the gameplay having an identity, be on fire on Jam, the violence on blitz, etc. So it is almost never replaced

[@tximinoman]

​@@cthulhusol came to say the same thing. Arcade games live and die on their gameplay being fun more than anything else, so it's harder for them to age (just like regardless how much 2D platformers have improved over time, games like Super Mario World haven't aged a day since they came out).

[@predarek]

This series is definitely the best way to end the week!

[@greg0uk]

I can't think of better things.

[@pokeli2728]

That's so true

[@karvakalle]

You're absolutely right!

[@inextinguishablemoltenblooded]

Absolutely valid series

[@Mister_Clean]

Love the play by play commentary. Your familiarity with the game makes this video so much better. What a throwback, hearing some of these names.

[@Ancient_West]

To this day, this is still my FAVORITE NFL game of any system ever. This is the game I throw on when I'm bored and don't know what to play. Also the first game I ever looked up cheats for. If you created a character with the name TIBURON, the developer, you got a team named Tiburon with every stat at 100%.

[@johnkoho1245]

Blitz was better. You're playing the wrong game on that system.

[@RunninRebelBen]

What were your go-to plays? I liked A-B-Down-Down-BottomC which was a HB toss pass. B-BottomC-Down-Down-BottomC was my go-to run play. Why are those living in the recesses of my mind?

[@Ancient_West]

@@RunninRebelBen That was my favorite play also!!! and I used to do Hail Mary's an entire game for fun. Or I would do fake punts and field goals even when it was 1st down.

[@JobberJim]

The NFL draft is currently going on so a madden game is coincidentally a very timely choice.

[@derkatwork33]

It's always fun to see the sports games because you bring out the fans in the comments sections. Also... Go Pack Go!

[@TGreg104]

Lukas Van Ness 😤

[@ThatOneDude219]

I love to fire up old sports games

[@wiscomitch3412]

GO PACK GO!

[@HotPikachuSex69]

I always remember seeing these games for like $3 at GameStop as a kid. I’d also always play these with my friends and have no idea wtf I was doing, but I loved using the Raiders. Kaufman was my boy.

[@JammerAma]

NAPOLEON

[@CurlyHartline]

This is one of my favorite series on KZbin. I'm always excited to see a new video posted. Somehow, 1:31 Thab manages to make titles that I think are super boring into an entertaining and enjoyable watch

[@Donnerjkks]

when you can make Mahjong interesting you can make just about anything interesting.

[@homestar92]

I wonder if this game was the codebase for the DS madden games. The player models, the animations, it all looks EXTREMELY similar. Also, as a lifelong Packers fan, throwing a hail mary into double coverage in the second quarter is such an authentic Brett Favre move, so points for realism.

[@samdakid6559]

I am watching every episode of this nostalgic series..and I mean all of them- in my Thab voice

[@12747821341291283746]

One flaw with this series is the lack of game audio. Audio is such a huge part of games, I feel like showcasing some of it is definitely warranted. Love the series otherwise.

[@LocalsOnly420SD]

I went to Pittsburgh to “steel” 😂

[@StarRightStarTight]

listening to you channeling your inner nfl commentator is a blast! Looking forward to the next NFL game lol

[@andrewalexander4331]

This game was highly rated by Nintendo magazine (UK) back in the day, very interesting that it doesn't hold up now. As a stupid kid, I bought it, assuming it would be similar to rugby. For the first hour, I had no idea what was going on, but I really got into it eventually!

[@borknagar5454]

To answer a couple questions if you see this, Donovan McNabb was drafted 2 years after this game. Also Gus Frerrote is known as the guy to headbutt the wall in celebration and hurt himself and ended up missing the rest of the season.

[@saidellopez6826]

That was a rough time. A Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NFL and NBA. Plus a Robert Smith from The Cure band and the Vikings player

[@nigelbelote6844]

This is a Fascinating Insight Into Someone's Mind Who's a Casual But Educated Enough About The Players -- That Being Said; The Kicking/FG Comments Showing The Lack of Sports Knowledge and Further Examples, Mixed With The Signature Monotone Delivery Make for a Comical Endeavor Enjoyable By All From Weebs to Jocks. Props, Sir. 💯

[@unorthodoxnoobs]

the ambulance was interesting because you're right - they wouldn't do it in a modern game, but in real life last year they had an ambulance on the field when Damar Hamlin had a heart attack on the field. that was wild.

[@nojuanatall3281]

That whole situation was wild. What happened and the controversy surrounding it.

[@whatjake7898]

Cardiac arrest****

[@arkjag2991]

The sports games are some of my favorites in Thab's quest. Such a fun nostalgia trip to see these old rosters, especially in NBA and NFL games.

[@dwferox]

8:53 Football would be so much better if the announcers said things like, "what a moron!" Lol

[@launchpadmcquack2386]

Gus frerotte once injured himself by headbutting a wall to celebrate a TD. Fun fact

[@Jsmall86]

"Im aware its named Fa-vre." lmao I died.

[@gamedrop3262]

8:25 "Randy Moss wasn't in the league yet. . ." That hit me so hard haha. . damn time damn you.

[@garrycowan4394]

Really enjoying the series very interesting and insightful

[@ultimate15clb]

I grew up a packers fan and this was my team. so funny watching you run through this season. found myself literally LOL through this review. funny stuff thab

[@shane7776777]

9:30 The Ninja meme lmaooo

[@Knighthawksmxs]

I'm not sure if you know all the old sports knowledge when you play these games or just look it up quick. But its very convincing. Makes the commentary a lot more interesting! Keep it up dude

[@brennanroy7842]

Change the battery in your memory card to fix the save issue. It should be a CR2032 button battery.

[@Walrus286]

There is a little fade route to the fullback in this game that was truly unstoppable. A guaranteed 8-9 yards minimum. Would run it every single play haha

[@lambiepie6436]

“The Washington *Redacted*” got me 😂

[@KingBat]

I remember being dumbfounded that I found this game used for a dollar at the game store when I was 10 and begging my dad for a dollar for it. To be honest, I had no idea what game it was, all I know is that I wanted it.

[@TheJacklikesvideos]

there's so many racing games on N64, half of my collection was racing games. yet i've never heard of rally challenge 2000. looking forward to it!

[@mysonpotter3401]

Thab is gonna upset a lot of kickers with his comment about how silly it is for them to miss 😂

[@polskaman20001]

It’s sack religious! You traded Barry to Green Bay!!!! Ugh!!

[@Undying3001]

Lol football pun. Sack

[@EirkenElite]

This is the most exciting a sports game can get is when thabeast play

[@rockytrh]

Fun fact about the NFL licensing issues: The year Madden 64 came out (1997), Acclaim had an odd licensing deal with the NFL. They had the exclusive NFL license, but only for the N64, and only for 1997. So Madden NFL 98 (also released in '97) for the SNES and Genesis had the NFL team names and stuff, but not the N64 version. But don't worry, sports fans. Madden 99 secured the NFL license so we won't have to play against the Minneapolis Vikings again.

[@chrisbg99]

These old sports games are very nostalgic. Not necessarily for the game but the players. Right at the beginning of peak watching football for me as a kid.

[@terig5584]

Todd Collins for the Bills means you missed Jim Kelly but were too early for Doug Flutie!

[@johnnytransam5894]

I don’t think there’s anything simple about a 47 yard field goal kick.

[@aaronloiselle3651]

Nothing simple about kicking a football period, funny how so many people talk like they could do it no problem when they would fall flat on their ass and fail miserably.

[@aftrthejake6843]

Love this series. Your voice reminds me of Shane mauss. Cheers!

[@norskmatty]

This game lacked an NFL license because Acclaim (which made NFL Quarterback Club '98) had exclusive rights to it for the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Madden '98 is essentially this game, but with NFL licenses and for other platforms. The following year, EA made sure to negotiate so that Acclaim did not get to continue having an exclusive license, as Madden was outsold by QB Club. Later, in 2005, seeing how effective an exclusive NFL license could be, EA would grab and hold exclusive rights to the NFL license for themselves across all platforms (which they continue to hold).

[@polskaman20001]

I remember a cheat code with the game shark you can get guys 8 foot 4 I think team tiburon. Also how about those Minneapolis Vikings. Charlotte Panthers.? Talk about nfl license issues lol. Glad to see you play it. Too bad you didn’t pick the Lions with Barry “the goat” Sanders. Go Lions! 🦁

[@QuadSevens1]

Worse, he traded Barry to Green Bay!

[@buttburp6995]

Damn man there’s still SO many good games left, I’m stoked

[@IntheBay85]

And I mean all of em'! He has barely scratched the surface!

[@buttburp6995]

@@IntheBay85 he lucked out with the first pick being DK64 and he’s gotten a couple of other gems but it honestly seems like he’s inadvertently saving the best for last

[@SolidSnake684]

@@buttburp6995 Didn't he choose DK64 before then going rando?

[@buttburp6995]

@@SolidSnake684 he may have, I just know it’s the first one lol

[@buttburp6995]

@@SolidSnake684 but yeah DK64, Diddy Kong Racing, Turok, maybe a few more good ones. Otherwise he still has Banko Kazooie (both, Conker’s Bad Fur Day, Killer Instincts Gold, sooooo many more good games

[@zell2626]

The Dolphins actually did have a player called Abdul Karim Jabbar, not a jab at the Lakers player, he was an actual nfl RB. Kareem the nba player tried to sue him for the name

[@orangeTadpole]

2:55 nice Tom Grossi reference with the music.

[@RefJonBridges]

I was looking in the comments for a Grossi reference. Nicely spotted.

[@n64victor30]

I don't know how you can make madden look fun. Great video

[@vinniamsterdam700]

As a European sports fan I can assure you that cricket is way more complicated then NFL.

[@ThatOneDude219]

Cricket is awesome. Jomboy does some great breakdowns of it

[@roguerifter9724]

I played this with some of my N64 owning cousins. I;ve been a fan of the Madden series since the early days. After I bought my SNES my got us a few games to play together including Madden 93. Madden 94 was already out but I bought my SNES near Christmas 93 and we didn't realize Madden games came out the year before the one in the title He also got me Madden 2002 when he and mom bought me a PS2 in high school..

[@GatCat]

T.O. and McNabb weren't in the league when this game was developed. Owens started his career with the 49ers anyway. He didn't get to Philly until late 90's.

[@Stephen-cp4de]

Barry in a Packers jersey is cursed, dear lord

[@paulcurran3661]

What type of memory card are you using? There were always issues with third party cards on the n64 back in the day, I lost so many saves on ISS 64. The official ones's were tiny too so you couldn't save much to them.

[@ToneStamp]

9:30 I greatly appreciate this reference.

[@Penguinkingrc]

Pretty wild that the presentation parts of this game (the refs on the field, the ambulance, noting how many yards the play went for, the coin toss, touchdown celebrations, penalties being displayed, even the trophy presentation) are miles better than the most recent Madden games that have come out. I would claim the modern Madden games are anything but "polished".

[@cloudycrew4919]

I just wait every week until you say the words. "Conkers Bad Fur Day" the best N64 game ever made....

[@kylegrizz1]

Brings back memories of yelling “Stubblefield, baby!”

[@paulgaither]

OCTOBER 22, 2020: Ex-NFL Star Dana Stubblefield Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison for Rape.

[@t3r3nth]

As a Vikings fan, 9:00 is very believable 😂

[@MARTELRA1983]

Thab, I can tell you never really played any sports on a high-level or even at all (physical) but kicking is super hard in the NFL. Look up the reasons and I bet you'll rethink your statement.

[@MrSmokinGanja]

Over 500 games left. I've watched them all so far. Thanks in advance for all the enjoyment I will get from these videos.

[@hagzomush]

Don't worry Thab, I'm an Aussie who LOVES NFL, we actually exist out there!

[@n00dles79]

It's hard to kick that weird shaped ball under pressure and wind conditions sometimes. they just .. choke. its shaped like a coned egg and its hard as a rock. plus i THINK they kick with more of their toe than other foot balled sports?? which makes it weirder. idk im not the biggest football guy so don't listen to me.

[@benmoe8334]

Keep up the good work

[@miamimagicians]

amazing dedication

[@linkdext]

LOL. Love the Favre joke.

[@benjaminhenry7593]

Keep em coming thab! Maybe before I die you'll roll a Zelda game ^_^

[@dangdelucia]

Thab's head superimposed on John Madden POG

[@joetalentoh]

'Favre decided to throw a hail Mary early in the second quarter into double coverage' So just typical Brett Favre things then.

[@gravitywaves2796]

As an old packer fan who lived through these years it was kind of nostalgic to listen to these player names.

[@Drew_D]

Ah, yes. Jerome Bettis. My favorite Packer.

[@Btcave01]

This one is hilarious

[@zch7491]

Huck em chuck em football

[@twotoned2774]

I would play this game for hours at a time. We only had one TV so when I had the option to play, I wouldn't stop playing until someone wanted to watch TV.

[@TaelAlchemist]

I'm thinking of maybe getting a Everdrive for myself. Is it too bugged, or does stuff like here, not beeing able to save the game, rarely happen? Are there patches for stuff like this? In short, everdrive recommended or not?

[@gregorys9629]

Respect for watching a cricket match Thab (from an Australian) - I feel the same way watching baseball 😂

[@kurtdewittphoto]

Never really played any of the Madden games, i'm surprised they didn't have NFL liscensing on this one.

[@bradwurst8141]

LETS GO THAB

[@JonnyCrackers]

Slightly interesting fact: Karim Abdul-Jabbar got sued by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and ended up changing his name to Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar. Not sure how you could possibly sue someone for having a similar name as you and win, but I guess it could have been a settlement deal.

[@FrankWestJr315]

“Where are ya throwing, buddy?”

[@sc3ku]

1:55 Bizarre to me that this game didn’t have a license, despite Madden 98 on other consoles and PC having a full license.

[@mimmoq7960]

Was the “I don’t understand how nfl teams have kickers that just… miss…” a reference to Ninja?

[@Gary0418]

Old head here I started out playing madden on the Sega genesis 1990 kinda crazy to look back at what it use to be like. Still think some of the older games are better then the new ones

[@calebjensen9006]

The fun part of that game was creating your own character and trading to make a super team.

[@CosmicTris10]

11/10 thumbnail

[@ThatOneDude219]

64/10

[@knightbrian92]

I love Madden 64. It's really a hidden gem 😅

[@JEFFYjackass]

Omg I remember this so much! Bret Favre lmfao my friends would freak out on you dude lmao I'm from Wisconsin lol

[@damachine666]

Did you go through and use any of the "cheat codes"? I remember playing my brother but I would get setup first and put either Tiburon, Elec Arts, or AT Madden as the team name and I'd let him pick whatever team he wanted and I'd kick his butt every time hahaha Those were some of the first "cheat codes" along with NBA JAM that I remember doing.

[@zell2626]

Damn that Favre pronunciation hurt my soul

[@tenkenroo]

I like this series so much I just wish it wasn’t just once a week. But perhaps it’s quality over quantity cause these are really well done! Keep it going almost to 150!

[@Thabeast721]

It takes a lot of work to get these videos out unfortunately. Sports games like this are quicker to make, but they actually are what makes one game per week possible. If I only did the longer good games, it would be even more infrequent

[@tenkenroo]

It’s all good love the videos they are a highlight of my week.