Arena Football rushes retail

By Tim Surette, GameSpotPosted Feb 7, 2006 12:01 pm PT

EA's latest pigskin game focuses on other American football league; indoor action comes to PlayStation 2, Xbox.

For millions of sports fans across America, this past weekend was the end of the sports season. When the Pittsburgh Steelers hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL, buffalo wing-eating football fans shed a tear, as their beloved sport of choice ended another season.

However, in arenas across the country, another football league was just getting started. The Arena Football League kicked off its 20th year just a few weeks ago, and the sport, which is continually gaining popularity, is making its digital debut on current-generation consoles today.

Electronic Arts announced that Arena Football has shipped to stores across the country for the Xbox and PlayStation 2. This is the first AFL-branded game to hit the market since EA acquired the exclusive rights to make games based on the league (EA also owns the game-making rights to the National Football League and NCAA Football).

The game follows the AFL's rule book, and plays on a smaller, boxed-in field than its Madden NFL counterpart. Several position players play both sides of the line of scrimmage, and sure-handed players can take control of receivers and make up their own passing routes on the fly.

Arena Football was developed by EA's Orlando-based Tiburon studio, the same hands that create the popular Madden NFL Football games. For more on the E10+-rated game with the $29.99 price tag, check back later today for GameSpot's full review.

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jrhawk42
Posted Feb 7, 2006 4:47 pm PT

For those of use not near any major city AFL is the only pro football we get to see live. Can't wait to try this out.
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sluGGish_09
Posted Feb 7, 2006 4:42 pm PT

This is the perfect type of sport to be played in Kansas City... Thanks AFL for the team... To the guy who says im a Seahawk fan... Well considering The Seahawks have no wide recivers and the best Running back in the NFL, I dont see why i would like them... AFL is fast paced... Get used to it because with the gap between the Super Bowl and Training camp, U got to get some football in there... It cant be all basketball
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Khimarhi
Posted Feb 7, 2006 4:19 pm PT

AFL is a lot more fast paced to me then NFL I am going to definitely play this game
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Orasion_Seiz
Posted Feb 7, 2006 3:34 pm PT

seems interesting...
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aaronwilkins
Posted Feb 7, 2006 3:25 pm PT

If i'm an arena football fan, i'm a Seahawk fan? Wow, I guess being a winner as a fan of a team from the most overrated blue-collar city, Pittsburgh, makes you feel special...then ok ; )
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BruceLee16
Posted Feb 7, 2006 2:53 pm PT

im curious. I'll rent it =/
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Dantai
Posted Feb 7, 2006 2:39 pm PT

to the guy above me...BURRRN!
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cyprus646
Posted Feb 7, 2006 2:24 pm PT

People care about arena football? hmmmmmm i guess there SEAHAWKS fans...
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CheatRZ
Posted Feb 7, 2006 1:35 pm PT

they meant the first AFL game by EA.
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mumotuma_man
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:47 pm PT

Wait, AFL's first game? but I distinctly remember a game called Kurt Warners Arena Football for the PS1. I played it all the time, but i guess it was forgotten....whatever
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Donkeljohn
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:30 pm PT

I once knew someone who played Arena football. . .
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Ace_The_Ace
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:28 pm PT

I need to get this!
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TexEx03
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:27 pm PT

No doubt on the rush to retail crack! I was playing as Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee last night on Madden 360, and Bill Cohwer was standing on the 50 yard line during the whole game. Very nice. Arena rocks! War Austin Wranglers!!!!!!
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Netherscourge
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:19 pm PT

"RUSHES RETAIL" - that's probably true on so many levels knowing EA LOL
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CheatRZ
Posted Feb 7, 2006 12:09 pm PT

And it's about time, too. Once I hear that it's BC with the 360, I'm buying it.
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