Pigskin 621 A.D.

Midway Manufacturing
Company type	Video game developer and publisher
Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Jeff Nauman, Brian Colin (designers of Pigskin 621 A.D.)
Products	Pigskin 621 A.D., Arch Rivals, Rampage

Pigskin 621 A.D. is an arcade title launched in 1990 by Midway Manufacturing under the "Bally Midway" brand. The game allows one or two participants to compete in scoring touchdowns within a contest that more closely mimics rugby football than conventional American football.

A Sega Genesis adaptation, renamed Jerry Glanville's Pigskin Footbrawl and bearing the endorsement of coach Jerry Glanville, was issued by RazorSoft on December 18, 1992.

Gameplay

Controlling a single player from a five-person squad, participants strive to advance the football across the adversary’s goal line. The playing field contains obstacles such as pits, bushes, and logs which cause fumbles when a ball carrier stumbles or is struck. Players can collect various weapons—axes, maces, nooses, scythes, spears, swords, and torches—that serve as "concealed weapons," boosting ball retention during tackle sequences known as "grapples." Injured team members are removed from play until a touchdown is scored.

If a team trails significantly in the latter half, an AI-controlled troll enters the match to restore balance; these trolls exhibit aggressive behavior and are impervious to weapon attacks. Up to two trolls may appear simultaneously. In the single-player "Pro Pigskin" mode, repeated substantial defeats trigger a special "Troll Bowl," where the player faces an entire troll squad.

Between quarters, players receive strategic hints; post-game statistics display metrics such as Goals Scored, Injuries Caused, and Duration of Ball Possession. The competing teams are rogue factions led by Thor Akenbak (blue) and Atilla DeSoil (red).

Scoring

Touchdowns yield six points, with an additional one-point bonus awarded for maintaining control of the ball for a minimum period (approximately 10 seconds). Elevated scores can be attained by incapacitating most opponents and retaining possession, as periods conclude only when possession changes hands—permitting scoring opportunities even after the clock runs out.

Controls

The game offers two distinct pass buttons for short and long throws, a punch button, and a strategy selection feature. Available tactics depend on whether the player’s team holds the ball: options include "Block," "Scatter," and "Bad Attitude" when in possession; "Get Ball," "Man-to-Man," and "Bad Attitude" when defending. Pressing punch and pass simultaneously triggers a jumping attack.

Sega Genesis version

This iteration omits the scythe and torch weapons. Its soundtrack is shorter and quieter, incorporating voice clips from Atlanta Falcons coach Jerry Glanville. Additionally, it features a hidden sound test option.

Offers

At one time, Pigskin 621 A.D. ran a promotional sweepstakes providing Super Bowl tickets tied to the arcade game. A complimentary player’s handbook was also made available through mail requests.

Development

Created by designers Jeff Nauman and Brian Colin—known for Midway’s Arch Rivals and Rampage—the game’s tagline, "Ancient Archrivals on a Rampage," references these earlier titles. Pigskin 621 A.D. was among the last seven games developed for Midway’s MCR-68k hardware before transitioning to newer TMS34010-based systems.

External links