Stern’s 2001 release, NFL, brings the gridiron to the playfield in a high-energy sports simulation designed by Joe Balcer. Featuring a classic dot-matrix display and four-player competitive action, the machine captures the spirit of professional football with a straightforward, arcade-style approach. While it lacks the complex toys of modern era machines, the game focuses on the fundamentals of scoring, utilizing a sharp, fast-paced layout that demands precision timing to rack up points as if you were driving down the field for a touchdown.
Gameplay begins before the ball even leaves the shooter lane; players can select their preferred NFL franchise by tapping the flipper buttons, a crucial step for those looking to represent their favorite team during the session. Once the ball is in play, the primary objective is to nail the skill shot by catching the switch located halfway up the shooter lane, which rewards the player with a significant point boost of up to three million. With software by Lonnie D. and animations by Kurt Andersen, the table provides a focused, competitive atmosphere that rewards consistent accuracy and strategic ball control over the playfield’s various targets and switches.