AFL Live 2011 - 10 Reasons Why It's Awesome
MMGN recently visited Big Ant Studios in Melbourne for a AFL Live 2011 Preview. We saw the game in action and loved it, but for those of you not keen on reading our 10,000 word preview, we've summed up the preview into ten points below.
Deep, Accessible Gameplay
There is a distinctive focus on depth when it comes to the core gameplay in AFL Live 2011. You can most certainly play the game using the basics – pass, handball, mark – but modifiers allow you to punch, spoil and fend off, amongst other things, using a variety of buttons. This gives the experience undeniable depth, something previous AFL games just didn’t have. The basics can be enjoyed, but to master AFL Live 2011, you’ll have to master the deeper controls, all of which are quite accessible and fun.
Full Licensing
AFL Live 2011 is not some cheap Aussie Rules Football title. Big Ant has ensured that every player and team logo is included. Team guernseys are also accurate and up-to-date for the upcoming 2011 AFL season, which is great.
Balanced Customization
Not only can you create your own future superstar in AFL Live 2011, but you can also start up your own team and choose from a number of pre-loaded logos. A salary cap is also implemented for new teams at $7 million, making for a balanced creative suite. As you create a player and edit their attributes, their salary is dependent on their rating, making it impossible to load your team with superstars. This also means that created teams can be taken online.
Stadiums that look REAL
Previous AFL games have failed to capture the look and feel of major stadiums. However, developer Big Ant has spent considerable time ensuring the stadiums in AFL Live 2011 look accurate and real. Playing a game on the MCG in AFL Live 2011 is a wonderful feeling, as it’s the best and most accurate way the sacred ground has looked in a video game.
Improved AI
As opposed to simply standing still like in previous AFL games, the AI in AFL Live 2011 moves and positions itself based on the progression of the ball. This means your teammates move into space and that you can drag opposing players towards you to free up a teammate. Furthermore, the AI tackles, marks, kicks and defends far more effectively and realistically than in previous games.
Slick Presentation
One of the first things you’ll notice when starting up AFL Live 2011 is how great the presentation is. Everything from the menus to the soundtrack and even player models all look great. The game also looks great in motion during a match.
Online Multiplayer
Online multiplayer sounds like a treat in AFL Live 2011. You’ll be able to invite mates into a match and play with up to 8 players online. You can also play with created players and teams online. The XP system also sounds quite deep, rewarding you not only for victory, but also for achievements in-game.
Customized Competitions
All of the major AFL leagues are included in AFL Live 2011, but you can also create your own league and Finals series using your most liked teams. So, if you’re not prepared to play through an entire AFL home and away series, you can create your own league and play for the AFL premiership on your own accord.
State-Of-Origin
The fans want it but the AFL seems to hate it. Thankfully, Big Ant has listened to the fans and included the Victoria and All-Star State sides, as well as the Indigenous All-Stars.
Future DLC
Big Ant is keeping a lid on things at the moment, but one can only assume that DLC will be on the way. With an online component available from day one, future roster updates and perhaps even patches will ensure the game stays relevant until the next iteration in 2012 or 2013.
What are you looking forward to most in AFL Live 2011?