So the AFL has finally made it to as a video game to the gaming consoles, but how does it really pan out.
Graphics: 7.5 - I am really surprised EA didn't make the player models and surrounding enviroments look a lot better than they do. The player models are similar to those seen in madden 2006, but just not as crisp. More development also could have been done on the stands, on-field graphics and lightening effects. However, EA did an excellent job on the animations for tackling, receiver catchs and off the wall hits. When all is said in done though, as a whole, the graphics get the job done, giving you a pretty good AFL experience.
Sound 7.0 - EA tracks are decent, featuring a a mostly rock / punk type music back drop. Player chatter is done really well giving you an occasional laugh. Sound effects, such are tackling/hitting, are excellent. So why does is the score rating only a 7, No commentary and the on field music strangely does not featue any EA tracks and has a pretty boring rock music backdrop. The P.A. system = very monotone
Technical / Contorls 8.5 - The controls differ slightly from NCAA and Madden controls, but actually suit the game well. Gameplay Camera views are great, allowing you to take in all the action. But occasionally there is minor clipping, or a stange lighting twitch.
Gameplay - 8.0 The most important aspect of the game is the gameplay. Due to the nature of Arena style football, games are a high scoring affair. Most games each team score at least 45 points, with almost all of those points scored by passing TDs. The passing game is heavily favored, while it is difficult to run the ball, since the two linebackers must play in a "box" (between both defensive tackles) unitl the blass is released in a pass, or a run play is performed. Because of the rules the linebackers are forced to play, they will attack the runner almost immediately. Its not uncommon to only have 15 rushing yards a game. BAck to the passing game, the ablity to change your WR's route to a Hot Route is present as well as the ablity to manually control a WR allowing you to run a passing route as well as catch the ball. This element adds a lot more fun to the passing game and is fairly easy to get use to and effectively use during the game. Defense on the other hand is limited to to the AFL's rules. Besides linebackers being limited, Defensive linemen can no longer run stunts (if you do you will be charged with "Twisting" and you team will receive a penalty.) This makes control the Defensive line boring. Controlling the linebacker can be fun but it takes awhile to get used to how to use then correctly (usually after about 7 penalties, you get the hang of what you can and can't do). Controlling the defensive back on the otherhand is the heart of fun on the defense. So as you can imagine it is challenging to prevent a team from scroing (but it is definitaly possible with a little practice and this of course leads to high scoring games. All in all though the game has an action / arcade feel to it, while maintianing some aspects of a realistic simulation. Hence, this is the AFL!
Replay Value 7.5 - A milestone system is present so you unlock teams and other extras by performing certain tasks, like 2 rushing TD or on safety, during the game. Quick play, Season mode, Multiplayer and online play are included , but shallow compared to madden.
Overall 7.9 - I feel that EA could have worked on this game and tweaked it a little more to improve on almost every area of the game. Don't get me wrong though, Arena Football is a great sports game with solid and action packed gameplay that is very entertaining. The Game just lacks the polish, depth and extras that make games like Madden truely stand out. This is the first Arena Football game released, and EA sports does a great job at teaching you the fundamentals of the games while giving you an entertaining expereince.
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