Multiplat AFL 26 - Releasing May 8th

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

A reminder before this game's alleged release.

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In the wise, wise words of Jasper Beardsley:

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Tru Blu re-releasing evolution 2 on the switch as a unlicensed AFL game

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/nintendo-switch/329834-aussie-rules-evolution-2

Big Ant have some stiff competition, now.

 

[Lazza2023]

Big Ant have some stiff competition, now.

Not really, looks like its only being released on the Switch 2.

 

[Treehill23]

I don’t mind this
I hope they continue to release new games and continue to improve gameplay
Even if it’s unlicensed, at least there’s competition (somewhat) and if BigAnt ever lose the license, we’re not without an AFL game

 

[Lesnish]

I don’t mind this
I hope they continue to release new games and continue to improve gameplay
Even if it’s unlicensed, at least there’s competition (somewhat) and if BigAnt ever lose the license, we’re not without an AFL game

It is literally nothing more than a gruby money grab. Looking at the fingers on the art shows that were so lazy they used AI to make it.
This no competition to anything nor do I think we will ever see another AFL game from Tru Blu after it.

I'd be amazed if anyone buys it.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Turned on my Xbox for a quick check for updates before I go to work, and there's an AFL 26 patch.

Just under 800MB.

 

[Xtreme]

It is literally nothing more than a gruby money grab. Looking at the fingers on the art shows that were so lazy they used AI to make it.
This no competition to anything nor do I think we will ever see another AFL game from Tru Blu after it.

I'd be amazed if anyone buys it.

Will be among the first lot of Switch 2 games that I buy whenever I decide to get the console

At least unlicensed Luke Bruest will look more Luke Bruest than the AFL 23 version

 

[Lesnish]

Will be among the first lot of Switch 23 games that I buy whenever I decide to get the console

At least unlicensed Luke Bruest will look more Luke Bruest than the AFL 23 version

Your money i suppose
I have thrown my money at endless shotty AFL games in my time.
This one doesn't even have red flags, it is just one giant red flag.

 

[Xtreme]

Your money i suppose
I have thrown my money at endless shotty AFL games in my time.
This one doesn't even have red flags, it is just one giant red flag.

Eh different things please different people.

I loved the Evolution 1 & 2 game play. Emulated so many real life passages of play while playing both. For me they were a lot of fun and I got plenty of mileage from them (including buying Evo 1 on multiple platforms AND likewise Evo 2 - including the Switch release!!).

I didn't mind AFL 23 (granted the issues were there!) heck I still put anywhere from 2 - 10 hours per fortnight into it. I haven't been suckered into getting AFL 26 as yet.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Doesn't even seem to be a Switch 2 release. Cover art suggests old Switch.

 

[Xtreme]

Doesn't even seem to be a Switch 2 release. Cover art suggests old Switch.

So.eone could resurrect Beam Software's Aussie Rules Footy on the NES and it would instantly be better than any AFL title released over the last 30 years!!

Actually that's a good idea, put it on Nintendo Switch Online service asap!!

 

[dondolla]

Not really, looks like its only being released on the Switch 2.

Didn’t they release evo2 on switch? I’m evo2’s biggest fan but I’m pretty sure on switch 1 it was unplayable. If it runs properly on switch 2 I’d have a look at it tbh.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

So.eone could resurrect Beam Software's Aussie Rules Footy on the NES and it would instantly be better than any AFL title released over the last 30 years!!

Actually that's a good idea, put it on Nintendo Switch Online service asap!!

AFL 99 to have pride of place in a retro compilation of obscure EA oddities

 

[Xtreme]

Didn’t they release evo2 on switch? I’m evo2’s biggest fan but I’m pretty sure on switch 1 it was unplayable. If it runs properly on switch 2 I’d have a look at it tbh.

Long loading times and to get a better frame rate you had to use COVID mode (re: turn off the crowd) it was still playable for me.

 

[Lesnish]

Eh different things please different people.

I loved the Evolution 1 & 2 game play. Emulated so many real life passages of play while playing both. For me they were a lot of fun and I got plenty of mileage from them (including buying Evo 1 on multiple platforms AND likewise Evo 2 - including the Switch release!!).

I didn't mind AFL 23 (granted the issues were there!) heck I still put anywhere from 2 - 10 hours per fortnight into it. I haven't been suckered into getting AFL 26 as yet.

Ironicly enough the one you haven't been suckered into is probably the best of the lot.
I definitely was and still am a critic of BAs conduct and the quality of 23.
But that aside, beyond early issues 26 is quite enjoyable and playable more to the point

 

[dondolla]

Long loading times and to get a better frame rate you had to use COVID mode (re: turn off the crowd) it was still playable for me.

Did they put out the 2021 dlc?

 

[Xtreme]

Ironicly enough the one you haven't been suckered into is probably the best of the lot.
I definitely was and still am a critic of BAs conduct and the quality of 23.
But that aside, beyond early issues 26 is quite enjoyable and playable more to the point

From what I've seen and the amount of negative commentary on it I'm sceptical. There's room to grow and 23 was good enough that I still enjoy belting Geelong/Sydney/Essendon as Hawthorn... so I guess you never know what the future holds. Personally would want to see substantial improvement.

I enjoyed the cricket games but am glad I only got to play Cricket 24 via Game Pass and PS+. It hasn't evolved much since Cricket 19 (but has gotten worse with bugs lol).

FWIW Tiebreak Tennis has some annoyances but the fun moments are still fun

 

[Treehill23]

From what I've seen and the amount of negative commentary on it I'm sceptical. There's room to grow and 23 was good enough that I still enjoy belting Geelong/Sydney/Essendon as Hawthorn... so I guess you never know what the future holds. Personally would want to see substantial improvement.

I enjoyed the cricket games but am glad I only got to play Cricket 24 via Game Pass and PS+. It hasn't evolved much since Cricket 19 (but has gotten worse with bugs lol).

FWIW Tiebreak Tennis has some annoyances but the fun moments are still fun

I don’t think we’ll ever see a world where majority of footy fans enjoy the AFL games. There will always be negative commentary around it because people don’t realise we ain’t ever gonna get a FIFA or 2K level of game. I’d say it’s more down to the individual and what you define as enjoyable. Some people prefer Evo 2, others like myself prefer 26 and keep in mind I absolutely did not enjoy 23 lol

 

[Lesnish]

From what I've seen and the amount of negative commentary on it I'm sceptical. There's room to grow and 23 was good enough that I still enjoy belting Geelong/Sydney/Essendon as Hawthorn... so I guess you never know what the future holds. Personally would want to see substantial improvement.

I enjoyed the cricket games but am glad I only got to play Cricket 24 via Game Pass and PS+. It hasn't evolved much since Cricket 19 (but has gotten worse with bugs lol).

FWIW Tiebreak Tennis has some annoyances but the fun moments are still fun

I think if they muted Ross and brought out 26 first up and 23 never existed we would be having another conversation. Unfortunately they have tarnished their relationships with this community, so it is hard wanting to support it.

But as someone who hated 23, I find 26s gameplay quite enjoyable and management mode makes repeat playing enjoyable also.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

I think if they muted Ross and brought out 26 first up and 23 never existed we would be having another conversation. Unfortunately they have tarnished their relationships with this community, so it is hard wanting to support it.

But as someone who hated 23, I find 26s gameplay quite enjoyable and management mode makes repeat playing enjoyable also.

Yep if Ross acted like a normal person, and if 23 launched the way it ended up (ie much closer to what was promised, we're still waiting for the minigames...) it'll be like living in a world without lawyers as imagined by Lionel Hutz.

AFL 29 might the the one that convinces Quivorir to jump on board!

 

[Xtreme]

I think if they muted Ross and brought out 26 first up and 23 never existed we would be having another conversation. Unfortunately they have tarnished their relationships with this community, so it is hard wanting to support it.

But as someone who hated 23, I find 26s gameplay quite enjoyable and management mode makes repeat playing enjoyable also.

More comments like that might sway me into giving it a go! Funny thing is that the management mode stuff ups in 23 didn't stop me from playing the game. I avoided management mode after the negative feedback.

And outside of a few single seasons as Hawthorn, then follow up seasons as Brisbane, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, North Melbourne etc..... my game play has come from play now mode.

And everyone knows I'm a fan of repeat playing . I still even do full 20 minute quarters (last attempt was a few weeks ago!). Waste of time ? Perhaps but at the end of the day any video gaming could be a waste of time to most people.

I see it as a challenge to kick a higher score + be more accurate in front of goals. The same way others try to beat their frogger, pac-man high scores.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

It's just Evo 2 rereleased after all. They rereleased Rugby Challenge 4, but apparently kept updating it doing fan suggestions, was hoping they'd do that with this rerelease.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

I don’t mind this
I hope they continue to release new games and continue to improve gameplay
Even if it’s unlicensed, at least there’s competition (somewhat) and if BigAnt ever lose the license, we’re not without an AFL game

I wonder if at one stage they're going to do an Evolution 3 unlicensed alongside Big Ant's AFL games.

 

[A Tiger 4 lyf]

Would’ve been hilarious if it was big ants AFL Live game they were doing this with

 

[Archer_11]

I don’t mind this
I hope they continue to release new games and continue to improve gameplay
Even if it’s unlicensed, at least there’s competition (somewhat) and if BigAnt ever lose the license, we’re not without an AFL game

I wonder if at one stage they're going to do an Evolution 3 unlicensed alongside Big Ant's AFL games.

I don't think WW will be doing much coding for AFL anytime soon - they seem to be supporting development for IP owned elsewhere for the most part. It's not even clear what they do for those other games exactly, beyond an overall appearance of returning to their roots. e.g. mobile + bland kid friendly gaming.

Eh different things please different people.

I loved the Evolution 1 & 2 game play. Emulated so many real life passages of play while playing both. For me they were a lot of fun and I got plenty of mileage from them (including buying Evo 1 on multiple platforms AND likewise Evo 2 - including the Switch release!!).

I didn't mind AFL 23 (granted the issues were there!) heck I still put anywhere from 2 - 10 hours per fortnight into it. I haven't been suckered into getting AFL 26 as yet.

I continue to be shocked and amused that anyone would pitch in for Evo 1. Were there different versions of the game? I had to jog my memory and all I found was ABC Spawn Point(!!) giving it 2 out of 5. Generous imo but of course each to their own.

From what I've seen and the amount of negative commentary on it I'm sceptical. There's room to grow and 23 was good enough that I still enjoy belting Geelong/Sydney/Essendon as Hawthorn... so I guess you never know what the future holds. Personally would want to see substantial improvement.

Depending what you're looking for 26 is somewhere between a reheat of 23 with some new animations and a sequel that smashes 23 out the park, giving us the game we thought we were getting two years ago.

I only really care about gameplay and right now the high point for me is that the way you tackle is juuuuust starting to be an important part of gameplay. HTB is rare but you can steer the oppo towards the boundary where they can get pinged for insufficient intent upon disposal. Hey it's progress. Also on balance the gameplay does feel a bit fairer and more skill based overall, in part subjective but I do think that the times you are a bystander witnessing your own defeat is happening less often overall. Goals on the run has been nerfed a little and set shots from 50 are now harder.

It's your time and money but if you didn't loathe 23 with a passion then it's worth a spin imo. Would love to know what you think.

~~~~~~~

Can I just say, the idea that WW is getting a final gasp via the switch is freaking hilarious. Great that it's happened, and more power to the Evo faithful, but the platform the revival has occurred on will never stop being funny.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

I don't think WW will be doing much coding for AFL anytime soon - they seem to be supporting development for IP owned elsewhere for the most part.

Aussie Rules Evo 2 is developed by Wicked Witch's successor Glinda Games, Wicked Witch is a workshop thing owned by a different company, now.