"Welcome to the Arena Football League!"

Time to make a sport: What do you get when you combine one part hockey and one part football (minus the turducken)...well the answer is fast paced, smash-mouth, hard core eight-man football that makes up the Arena Football League. Until now, there hasn't been a game that fully captures the essence of Arena Football. This game takes what fans of Arena like and portrays it to those who might not understand the game, those who are new to the sport, or to those people who are looking for something different.

Graphics - 8
You may be saying to yourself, "Eh, Arena Football...how does it look different than any other football video game?" The quick and painless answer to this question is...it doesn't. The not so quick answer makes the player try and find the differences between Madden and this game. Game Intros in Arena start off similar to the NFL but with a "fiery" difference. Arena is the NFL's younger, hipper, edgier brother by providing an entertainment-like atmosphere for the fans...and EA makes that very known...accurately known. The introduction of the Home Team is usually accompanied with fireworks, loud rock music, and fan pandemonium...all of which are present in this game. Beyond that, the game looks like a Madden game, until you hit your opponent over the wall or make a monster hit on a wideout. Sometimes during the game, the game will split to your coach pumping up (or breaking down) one of your players. These coaches are far from, how would you put it...oh yeah, pretty, but do not worry, it is still better than some other games.

Sound - 8
For some reason, EA decided to wait until this game to make a decent soundtrack for one of their sports game. Fans cringe every year when EA releases it soundtracks for certain games, but this soundtrack makes up for a lot of that. With over 20 different songs and music tracks to customize you list with, this soundtrack takes the cake. The sounds of in-game banter are crisp and clean as well. The rock music playing during the game makes you feel like you are being immersed into the game itself.

Gameplay - 8
Think Madden...then think rushed Madden...then think rushed Madden with eight-players, huge hits, and monster passes and you got the gameplay of this game. EA did an excellent job capturing the essence of this fast-paced sport. That being said, you may not understand the concept of the Jack and Mac Linebacker or what happens if a missed field goal try hits the net. No worry, as EA has included an 'Arena 101' movie that shows you the basics you need to know to understand Arena in its basic entirety. The one major grip given from Arena fans is that, in the beginning, there are only 18 teams to choose from. This list grows as you complete certain challenges (pass the ball for 30 yds or more or intercept 2 passes with one player). This list includes past teams, but still no af2 (Arena Football 2) teams. Not to worry as EA has added the create-a-team option so you create the Spokane Shock or the Arkansas Twisters. The addition of a season mode, online play, practice mode, and (of course) an option to hop right into the game make playing this game a joy. The ability to play as the Wide Receiver, which is a change from many football games, makes this game fun and adds its won twist to football games.

Controls - 6
With all good things must come a set back...and for this game it is the controls (mostly). There is most noticeably a learning curve when it comes to controlling a player on the field. The buttons are placed in a way that aggravates even the most seasoned gamer. The Spin/Juke button (the SAME button) is pressure sensitive, so instead of juking you might spin...or maybe not, as spins are very rare even when you smash the button all the way down. You will get very frustrated the first 10 minutes of the game, but once you get them down, you will be flattening linemen and running routes like a pro.

Replay Value - 9
Because of the fastness of this game, you can play a few games in the amount of time it would have taken you to play a game of Madden or NCAA. This adds A LOT to the replay value. The ability to pick up and play is very good and the season mode is deep enough to keep you interested until ArenaBowl XL.

Rent or Buy - BUY
Why do I say buy? What makes me jump to this conclusion so quickly? The fact that the games is now $20 brand new! Even if you don't like it, a 20 is easier to spend than a 50 and, if for some odd reason you don't like it, you won't feel cheated. If you have never played Arena before in your life, I would suggest looking into the league before buying, but if you rent it, you might spend more than $20 just renting it...it would just be easier to buy.

Closing Comments
Arena Football is a young sport, some 20-odd years young, and yet is one of the fastest growing sports in this country. AFL games have been known to have higher audiences than the NBA and NHL. With markets growing every year, a strong developmental league, and the ability to reach those fans who live in smaller markets, it seem Arena Football is doing things right...and so did EA by making this game. So if you want excitement, drama, and games where the final score is 70-68...EA Sports Arena Football is for you!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/21/06