Arena Football??

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 7:47 pm

Anyone interested in this new EA game?

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:14 am

Oh yeah. Two months ago I couldn't care less, but I am loving MVP 06 and I have a feeling that Arena Football will provide the same type of charge.

These two games are providing a much needed change of pace to sports gaming for me. I'm really enjoying using made up players in MVP 06. Since I don't follow Arena football anymore (Milwaukee used to have a team, but since they moved I haven't followd it) I think it have the same positive affect on me.

Bill_Abner · Post by **Bill_Abner** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 10:29 am

I'm assigned to review it. Dunno I'd say that I'm pumped about it. Curious is the better word for me.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 11:26 am

I'm looking forward to it but I must admit that having a 360 has soured me on Xbox games. I picked up MVP NCAA and I'm not going all ga-ga over it like most seem to be.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:40 pm

eh. I've never had any interest in the sport. Frankly, I think it's an abomination (much like the American 'indoor soccer'). But hey, that's just me. I guess it could make for a fun arcade type video game.

If A.) I received it for free, or B.) it turns out to be the best, most competitive, fun online sports game ever, I would consider trying it (good luck with B. as WE9 is coming soon). Or maybe if C.) you could play muti-Xbox multiplayer and others here are raving about it and playing it non-stop every night 2 on 2.

My football needs are amply taken care of with Madden 360, thank you very much.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:46 am

Today is the Day!!! Hopefully I'll be able to find a copy during lunch and get a few games in tonight after work.

I'm going to try and recreate the Milwaukee Mustangs. maybe they'll have a logo that's close. I just can't wait to play a new football game. It's even better that I don't know many of the players. I'm beginning to feel that games like NCAA baseball, Arena football, and (maybe) legends football games will inject some new life into sports gaming for me. So far NCAA has been a breath of fresh air.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:55 pm

Game is absolutely wretched imo. Played two games of it today. Will never touch again.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:06 pm

reeche wrote:Game is absolutely wretched imo. Played two games of it today. Will never touch again.

Agreed 100%. What a steaming pile. Played one game and then went right back WE9.

The For sale sign is on the lawn.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:17 pm

I actually think it's pretty damn fun. It's not Madden...hence the outrage from you two. Maybe it's just me, but I think it's a damn nice diverson. Let me guess...you guys got pissed when you kept getting called for illegal rushing? Learn the rules...give it a chance. It is a pretty cool game to mess around with. It's not supposed to be Madden...just keep remembering that.

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:20 pm

Zlax45 wrote:Anyone interested in this new EA game?

Nope. Saw a review at Gamespot and I will pass....

SoMisss2000 · Post by **SoMisss2000** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:28 pm

DivotMaker wrote:
Zlax45 wrote:Anyone interested in this new EA game?
Nope. Saw a review at Gamespot and I will pass....

was checking out the reviews in my free copy of Gamepro today and they absolutely murdered this game.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:33 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I actually think it's pretty damn fun. It's not Madden...hence the outrage from you two. Maybe it's just me, but I think it's a damn nice diverson. Let me guess...you guys got pissed when you kept getting called for illegal rushing? Learn the rules...give it a chance. It is a pretty cool game to mess around with. It's not supposed to be Madden...just keep remembering that.

To each his own as I always say. If you enjoy it that's all that matters.

My problem is that I found it too similar to Madden. Like I expected it feels like somebody grafted the Madden engine onto yet another one of their football titles, changed a few rules and shipped it.

Then it has a whole bunch of additional flaws added in. Running is useless. Not in a this is the way it works in real arena football but in a something is broken manner. The playbooks are beyond limited. The atmosphere is non-existent and what is there doesn't seem anything like an actual arena football game. Every play feels the same in how it unfolds. I think after the 6th time my player flipped over the wall in a game, I'd seen enough.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:39 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I actually think it's pretty damn fun. It's not Madden...hence the outrage from you two.

Its just not for Me. Im sure plenty of people will like it. I think its My age. The game is too fast and makes me dizzy. It does remind of the Old blitz and what it would have been like if it was more of a sim.

I didnt like the old Blitz either.

It was an impulse buy. Everytime I do it I regret it.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:55 pm

Fair enough...just as long as you guys don't expect it to be madden on a small field, that's cool. I too thought it was a little fast for my tastes...I got used to it after a few games.

Dave · Post by **Dave** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:43 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Fair enough...just as long as you guys don't expect it to be madden on a small field, that's cool. I too thought it was a little fast for my tastes...I got used to it after a few games.

DB, care to give some more detailed impressions? I'm looking forward to renting it. Could be a nice change of pace game. Could also be a game that arrived 5 years too late...I can imagine it getting more fun with each additional beer.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:07 pm

Well there really isn't that much to say right now as I have only played like 4 games and they were all multi-player with a buddy of mine.

The game is really fast when you compare it to current and next gen Madden so it takes some getting used to. The playbooks are pretty limited but that's because there really isn't that much you can do on an Arena field. You only have 3 receivers and 1rb and those are the only people eligible. There are a lot of picks and crossing routes and that is pretty much the majority of real life Arena League football as well.

The gameplay is fairly balanced from offense to defense...with the edge to the offense because of the limitations given to the defenders. For instance, the LB's can only stay in a 5 yard box until the pass is thrown, the QB rolls out of the pocket, or it's a running play. Until that time, only one of the two LBs can blitz and they can only blitz right next to the nose tackle...they can't go around the outside or anything. So just as in real life, the offense definitely has an advantage. You're basically playing man to man on the 3 receivers and hoping for the best.

I haven't really figured out how to run very well, but if you've watched an Arena game, you know they run VERY few plays on the ground. The sweeps definitely work better than the draws and dives so that's pretty much how I run it if I do.

The graphics are just eh...and the audio is pretty much terrible outside of the banter on the field. The cut scenes are stupid and corny so those can be skipped as well. The announcers is pretty terrible as they don't even announce when you score a touchdown...just silence. Even the crowd reacts at the wrong times...its rather disappointing actually. But I just turned most of that crap off and just listen to the sh*t talking on the field.

So outside of the horrible audio and atmosphere it's a pretty fun game to pick up and play...which is exactly what I was looking for. For 30 bucks, I'm very happy.

More after I play some single player and get used to everything a little bit more.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:21 am

I played 1 game and had fun. I'm exhausted after a loooooong day at work and want to play a game of WE:9 before going to bed or else I'd play more. I was looking forward to this game though so your mileage may vary.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:14 am

I managed to get in 3 full games and play around with the season, create a team, and tutorials.

Disclaimer: This is NOT NFL football. Like DB mentioned, the rules are different. If you are not familiar with Arena footbal, the first thing you want to do is watch the first tutorial, which explains the basics. There are also tip you can scroll through prior to starting a game.

My background with Arena football is limited. I went to a few Mustangs games back when we had a team. I knew some of the rules, but not all.

The game is kinda like NCAA basball in that it feels familiar, but not all of the extra little touches are there. There is a PA announcer, but the lack of any booth commentators feels a little empty. Other areas do a good job of recreating the arena football feel. There are cheerleaders at halftime, and fireworks during the team introductions. I have to doubel check, but I think the fireworks vary depending on the area you are in.

I think the main reason people will not like this game is because it's not the football they are used to. There is a distinct emphasis on passing. There are some really cool rules (no punting, net is in play) and some bizzare ones (LBs must stay in a "box"). It plays a little like Blitz, but it's not as over the top.

You can edit players and rosters. You can sign free agents and make trades. There seem to be a LOT of unlockable teams. I unlocked the Mustangs (Whoo Hoo!) and a about 6 other teams from places like Minnesota, 2 from new England, NewOrleans, etc... The only bad part about this so far is that it does not appear possible to use these teams in a season, or edit them at all.

In season mode you can import a created team. The schedule is 12 games (?) long, with playoffs and a prop bowl at the end. There is an offseason that consists of player retiring, re-signing players, signing FAs, and trading.

So far I am really enjoying Arena Football. It is a nice change of pace, just like NCAA Baseball. It's a quality game, but like NCAA baseball it feels like it's missing just a little bit here and there. For $30 it's worth it, at least for me.

Oh, one more thing, with regards to strategy. The playbooks are not very deep due to the limitations the rules place on the players. There are zone, man, and blitz plays, but it's not like the NFL where you're substituting packages and running stunts (which are not allowed). On offense it's mainly 3 WRs go out, 3 guys block, and a RB stays in to help block. Ther are a few exceptions, but 90% of your plays are like this. They did add a really nice feture that shows you the success of each play so far as you are in the playcalling screen.

SRNomad · Post by **SRNomad** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:01 pm

I don't post here that often , if any. But I always come here when a new sports game comes out to read you guys' reviews and impressions.

I have hated EA since they killed the 2k football series, but I moved on . I read the NCAA MVP BASEBALL impressions thread and decided to give it a shot. I love that game now and it gave me confidence in EA again.

I started following Arena ball when we got the Oklahoma Wranglers here in OKC 6-7 years ago, the team went under after 2 seasons , now all we have is an AFL2 team and those damn Sooners and Cowboys.

I'm really not a fan of any particular team now that we don't have one here so I just went with Orlando for my season. There are alot of unlockable teams and the Oklahoma Wranglers are on the list. As mentioned above , I don't think you can use unlockables in a season though.

I've logged in a few times on Xbox Live and it always says 2 online. No one is ever in a lobby to play. If any one wants to try it out online add me to your friends list. GT: NomadEagle I also have NCAA MVP 2006.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:14 pm

I don't have time for a full blown impressions post, but I will echo Matt and DB's comments and that I like this game and feel it is well worth $30.

Since I am a season ticket holder for the Rush, I understand AFL rules and i think they have been translated well into the game. I'll admit, I don't see a lot of NFL purist people liking this game. AFL is all about fast paced offense.

The first thing i had to adjust to in my playign style was that i usually contreol the LB. In the AFL, unless your blitzing (only 1 LB can do that) you have to stay in the box. so playing the mac or Jack LB is just flat our boring. Playing a DL is limted as well due to the rules, and the fact that a pass is usually gone in a second. Sacks in the AFL are rare and they are rare in the game. So that leaves you playing a DB, which can be a challenge.

I noticed the Rush entrance is identical to their entrance in RL, so I think those may be modeled after the teams. Roster are pretty accurate, I have not gotten online to see if there is an update.

Graphically it is hard to judge after playing the 360 extensively for a month, but i think the game is slightly better looking then madden on the Xbox. Sound wise, I think some of it is really well done (board sounds, crowd noise etc) and other things like some of the smack talk is goofy.

Some of the tackles are borderline over the top, but not to the extent of Blitz hits. The going over the wall animation happens more then it does in a real game, but not enough to make me go wtf. also contrary to complaints i am able to run a bit. Running in the AFL usually occurs on 3rd and 4th and 1 or 2 and when you are really in close to the end zone.

I really like what they did with the kicking system, I hope that translates into future Maddens.

I think this game is going to appeal to only a select crowd:
- Hard core AFL fans
- Guy who like to play multi-player as this is a definetly pick up and play game
- Casual football fans, that just want a lot of action.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:02 pm

Other than the arena rules, this game is another Blitz?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:14 pm

10spro wrote:Other than the arena rules, this game is another Blitz?

Not even close. Did you not bother to read the rest of the thread? Where people said it WASN'T another blitz? Or where it was said that it wasn't over the top like blitz?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:27 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:
10spro wrote:Other than the arena rules, this game is another Blitz?
Not even close. Did you not bother to read the rest of the thread? Where people said it WASN'T another blitz? Or where it was said that it wasn't over the top like blitz?

I guess I missed it DB

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:48 am

One tip...change it to classic camera view...it's MUCH easier to adapt to the speed of the game. I like it a lot better.

matthewk · Post by **matthewk** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:17 am

Good news/Bad news:

The good news: There are about 30 historic teams that can be unlocked.
The bad news: Despite statements made by EA prior to release that you could use these teams in a season.....you can't.

I still like the game, but this really makes me angry. One of the best features was (supposedly) being able to use the Mustangs in a season. What's the point of creating 30 historic teams if all you can is use them in exhibotion games? Especially since you can't even edit their names from QB #13 to a real name.

Digital Sportspage

Arena Football??

Arena Football??

Re: Arena Football??

Re: Arena Football??

I like it