"I didn't like this game initally, but now I do."

I have bought previous AFL games by Acclaim, so when I heard that Sony were going to bring out an AFL game, I never questioned getting it. So when I saw it for $40 off, with a 30-day return policy, I bought it. Initially, I was disappointed and was ready to take it back, but I am keeping it now.

Things different with this game to the last two are gameplay, graphics, engine, season mode and the inclusion of draft and trading.

Gameplay:Still has easy, normal and hard options. Haven't tried hard, but normal is difficult when you don't know the controls. Easy is still a little too easy, especially in season.

Lining up for goal is harder. I haven't figured out how to kick from 50 out on a set shot. There is a metre which appears to control accuracy, and you move the stick left or right to line up. If you don't get it right you miss the shot or kick a behind. One problem is you have to kick on the run straight in front to get a goal a lot of the time.

The controls are harder. Sony have changed the controls since the last two games. (e.g. "X" is now used for kick, not "triangle"). This makes it a lot harder. Best to play on "easy" until you are used to the controls.

Graphics: are better, especially arenas,.There is greater detail gone into the arenas, and the lighting is better. The rain looks good too. It would have been nice to include Tasmania and Canberra as arenas.Graphics aren't as good when it comes to players. Bald players have hair, and vice-versa, and players look nothing like their real selves. So if this type of thing bothers you, be warned.

Season: has some new innovations. Firstly, there is a trading and draft period. this gives extra interest in the game. I liked the fact that when I simulated season with my team (Geelong), It gave me Jeff Farmer from Fremantle in the draft. What a get!

Season falls down in that you can only select one team to play with. I liked in the previous games where all 16 teams were available to be selected at the same time. I have played whole seasons doing this. The positive though, is that after each season, the game generates a random fixture, giving the game longevity.This is great as iI don't like playing season after season with the same fixture.Additionally, your players age and retire and change from season to season, so you can gauge your team's performance for many years.Also, injuries and suspensions cause you to re-jig your team, which creates the prospect of having to work out "team balance" with only your available players, creating added interest. So, I'll pick Geelong in season, and see if they can defend their premiership won on "AFL P.E.".

The engine in the game seems to have changed. It makes the game move faster, which can catch you out if you're not aware. But like most things in this game, it takes getting used to.

If you have Eye-Toy, you can now be part of the game. Just follow the instructions, and you can transpose an image of your face onto your favourite player's head. Now you can live your dream of kicking a goal after the siren and winning the game for your team.

Rent Or Buy: Rent initially, to get used to the controls and see what features the game has. When you get the hang of it, buy, and experience all the thrills of sending a team through the ups and downs of multiple seasons.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/12/05