Arena Football (Xbox, 2006)

As a follower of the sport for more than 15 years, this is a game I have waited on for a long, long time. The wait was almost worth it. Overall it's a good game -- though there are some things missing.

Gameplay is good, graphics are on par with the rest of the 2006 sports titles, and the high scoring action of the AFL has been captured pretty well.

But there is evidence the game was rushed a bit. Missing is play-by-play announcers for the games, custom stadiums and fields, and other small touches. For example, the Kansas City Brigade appears without a mascot name in the game.

The team creation is much like what is found in Madden, though field and stadium customization is very lacking. There should be an option for square or rounded endzones -- and there is not. Endzone art is not customizable either. There should also be nicknames said over the PA system, and there is not. A better pregame presentation would be nice as well. The presence of referees on the field of play would be nice. Right now, there are none.

One other nitpick -- the touchdown celebrations. The AFL allows for those, and they are in the game. But also in the game is a very NFL Blitz-like reaction from the team scored on which in the real AFL would result in a personal foul penalty.

This is EA's first foray into the AFL, and I do like playing the game. The game is fun, and players can put up a lot of points. The offenses could be deeper with more play selections, but the reality of the AFL being a passing league is captured very well. Kicking is difficult, as it should be. Overall, I don't have any complaints there.

The unlockables in the game are classic teams. I have enjoyed playing as the Iowa Barnstormers and the Minnesota Fighting Pike -- It would be nice to be able to import them into league play.

Overall I'd say if you are looking for a different style of football or an AFL fan, get a copy of this game and enjoy. It's a solid game.

I have honestly played all the football games for PS2 and this game falls short in many aspects. First of all if you don't know what Arena Football is then you are in for a big upset. The game only features 8 players on each team, and shorter field (I think instead of 100 yards you only have like 50-60 yards). This makes almost every game high scoring. Which is boring b/c the game doesn't feature that many plays to run on a short field and gives the replay value a 2 out of 10. Yeah the hits are ok...some of them which throw you over the wall now and then, but nothing, and I mean nothing like Blitz: The League. If you think this game is gonna kick butt just b/c EA Sports made it, then your wrong. EA Sports changed the controller setup for this game moving everything around making it harder for Madden and NCAA fans to play. There is no draft like Madden which goes to think that most of these guys are players that couldn't make the cut out of college. It does offer Franchise and Season modes which are kind of fun for a little bit, but the game becomes boring fast as players are hardly traded. I'm a big Madden and Blitz player and I give this game a 4 out of 10. Sorry EA Sports, this one sucked. Please remember to rate this review, thanks football fans.

The AFL game put out by EA Sports is a great game!! The graphics are great, and the overall game play is fantastic! All the teams are included, and are accmopanied by the real players, unlike the college games. You can play single games or even a season with your favorite team. Your profile keeps track of your game-play stats. If you are new to the AFL game and you play the familiar Madden franchise, no need to worry as the controls of the game are just the same! I give this game a perfect 5/5! Highly Reccomended!

Arena Football is a good start for a new entry in the sports video game world.The action is very fast paced and the graphics are on par with Madden 2006.I would buy this one because its something different for once in the video game sports market.I hope that EA conciders putting out several new types of sports games for their lineup.

As an arena football fan I love this game! Being I'm "only" a PC gamer I had to go out and buy an xBox just to get the privilege to play and it was worth every penny. This game focusing on the unique aspects of indoor football is great to those of of us that appreciate and understand why this isn't the NFL. Stadium football fans should enjoy it enough to gain knowledge about the AFL as well. However, die hard Madden heads aren't going to like it much and will bash on what they don't understand. It's rare to find something original in a sports game so enjoy it while you can!