The game is only about six weeks away and development on the title is wrapping up quickly. Being the only official game of the AFL means that this game includes all the teams, players, venues and competitions from the 2006 season. Now that the MCG has been finished we'll finally get to see it in all it's glory. In terms of numbers, the game will include over six hundred players and all of the eight main premiership stadiums will make an appearance, although they won't go by their official name.
Long shot!
In terms of gameplay options the game includes all the modes you would expect including the Wizard Cup (along with the official rules) and the Premiership season. A finals option will also be available if you just want to skip straight in. Training will be included, but there won't be any mini games which is a little bit disappointing. A mode will also be available where you can jump into pre-set historical moments and relive those classic memories. However, the main single player mode will be the career mode, which lets you play through multiplayer seasons, with full draft and trading. This means that you're able to customise your team and build the ultimate premiership team.
The main change to the game appears to be the player and team development. It's now possible to notice a star player on the field and pass the ball off to them quickly (ala FIFA World Cup). At the end of the season you can draft players and trade them, which should make it a little more entertaining. It's also possible to take the role of the coach, but we're not sure how this will work out yet. If there turns out to be a coaching mode that is deep then it could be the highlight of the entire package.
AFL Premiership 2006 is once again supported by the Eyetoy so you can scan your own picture in the game and become a player on field. It was a novel addition in the previous title but it's always good to put your face in the game; just make sure it's not for a team like Essendon. The game will include the AFL tribunal so you can get in-game reports and suspensions.
And another long shot.
The commentary has always been a disappointment in the AFL titles and it seems like IR Gurus are listening. Twice as much commentary has been recorded by Dennis Cometti, Dermott Brereton, and Christi Malthouse. Hopefully the commentary doesn't become repetitive after ten minutes and the commentators speak a little louder. If you like playing online then you're going to have to stick to AFL Premiership 2005, because according to the official site the game will support the multi-tap for up to four players but neglects to mention net play, which feels like a serious backstep for the series.
Currently the game is set for release around the middle of July. It will retail for a little less than the RRP of a full priced title. We're still a little wary if IR Gurus can turn the title around in nine months though. From what we've heard their Gaelic title is quite impressive, so here's hoping they can deliver on AFL Premiership 2006 or we'll be waiting another year for the successor.
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