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]

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

I wish, that would have been the best base to build off. Big Ant own the code to it, though.

 

[Xtreme]

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.




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.




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.

In all actuality this release won't change the landscape (well derrr I hear you say) - the impact of which will probably be like AFL LIVE 2. But this rocks on many levels

1) it's a shot in the arm to the local industry.

2) Lion King circle of life moment in that Big Ant bagged the hell out of the Evo games.. but they themselves kicked an own goal with how AFL 23 and well most of their releases over the last few years were handled. In my own mind it's like the game has returned to haunt them once again .

I maintain that Evo 1 was pretty good both gameplay and visual/graphics wise. Yes the console versions left a lot to be desired. But the pc master race version was VERY good graphically imo it was almost Fifa/NBA 2K identical. The grass looked luscious in Evo 1 (granted Evo 2 every ground looked more fluro green/astro turf).

The twilight feature looked amazing quarter by quarter (funnily enough imo it looked the best at Metricon stadium).

The AI was hard to beat once they had a huge lead. I found this to be the case (re: give them a 10+ goal lead before half time and they were almost impossible to score against in the second half, especially if you were the away side).

The most realistic looking rain that I've seen in a video game. It actually did look like water was teaming down on the ground AND smudging the screen as it would just like on real life broadcasts (especially the 90s matches). I was annoyed when they patched it and made it rain less... but at least you could actually see the players afterwards .

Also Evo 1 was my most played game of the year (2017) only other game I played non stop was Injustice 2

Don't get me wrong 23 had good visuals too, although I didn't enjoy them for long putting everything on maximum made things like the player models, the LED Advertising on the stadiums - extra bright and shiny... which my eyes didn't like something I turned them down a bit, still looked nice just not on maximum/highest.

The way I see it is that 23 was a free hit for me as I did get it on pc for free (but I did buy the ps5 version many months later as everyone saw in the thread lol).

I enjoyed it enough that even when I've shelved it (the longest stretch of time being around finals time 23 and picked it back up December/January for a few games) I've still come back to it to a degree.

I just don't see myself spending $99.95 on AFL 26. If there's a sale at finals or after finals time, I MIGHT check it out. Although I'd be two faced if I did as I've previously said that I'd only buy it if it was $30 or less.


Would be good if they put it on game pass or PS+ catalogue for a month or so. Easier way to make a decision to buy it outright or not. Did this with Cricket 19, although with a plot twist - I got it on the Nintendo Switch lol (wanted a hand held cricket game and that was it)

 

[Dez!]

Game play was far better than AFL 23

Comparing turds to runny turds is still comparing s***.

 

[Xtreme]

Comparing turds to runny turds is still comparing s***.

But that's all we have. Not every game can be Aussie Rules Footy on the NES.

 

[FearTheBeard13]

We live in a time where the better footy game developers are based in a rugby state, about to re-release a game with probably 1/50th of the current developers budget/technology and still despite being 2 console generations behind is still a more fun game.

Your move Ross

 

[GoldbergsGold]

We live in a time where the better footy game developers are based in a rugby state, about to re-release a game with probably 1/50th of the current developers budget/technology and still despite being 2 console generations behind is still a more fun game.

Your move Ross

Glinda Games who are making Aussie Rules Evo 2 are based in Melbourne like Big Ant are inside the Barassi Line.

 

[Archer_11]

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.

Didn't know - thanks.

Is it Glinda that worked on Multiverse et al?

 

[BuddwaGOAT]

Done with the game, if anyone wants to buy my Pro Team Coins off me message me. Have just over 200k (PS5)

 

[Dez!]

It finally uses my back-up ruck, the only small issue is that never puts Gawn back in the ruck, he goes to FF while Petty and JVR become the rucks.

It cannot be that hard to have a proper functioning interchange.

 

[ShaunWDT]

It finally uses my back-up ruck, the only small issue is that never puts Gawn back in the ruck, he goes to FF while Petty and JVR become the rucks.

It cannot be that hard to have a proper functioning interchange.

Has always infuriated me that something that is basic coding has never worked as intended.

 

[dondolla]

It finally uses my back-up ruck, the only small issue is that never puts Gawn back in the ruck, he goes to FF while Petty and JVR become the rucks.

It cannot be that hard to have a proper functioning interchange.

I’m pretty sure you need to have your main ruck set as a backup as well. It says in the settings that it’s the backup but I think you just need the R for the AI to put them in the ruck even if they start in the ruck.

 

[T2B_]

Is it wrong that I almost feel like getting Aussie Rules Evolution 2 just to spite BA?

I still have Evo 2 on PC, but then portable generic Evo on Switch could be a bit of fun now and then I spose.

 

[Grechy]

I’ve posted on their main forums but they haven’t updated the lists from the mid season draft. Only care about their gambling mode. Full priced game and can’t get updated lists.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Is it wrong that I almost feel like getting Aussie Rules Evolution 2 just to spite BA?

I still have Evo 2 on PC, but then portable generic Evo on Switch could be a bit of fun now and then I spose.

They maybe testing the waters rereleasing an unlicensed version of Evo 2 onto the Switch to see if people want an alternative footy series, with possibly Evo 3 in the future. They've upgraded from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, superior to whatever Big Ant are using. BA can't even generate shadows properly, it's still the same shadows that are all too dark just like 23 and they don't have a blurry outline like real shadows do.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Didn't know - thanks.

Is it Glinda that worked on Multiverse et al?

It's not listed on their site.

 

[dondolla]

They maybe testing the waters rereleasing an unlicensed version of Evo 2 onto the Switch to see if people want an alternative footy series, with possibly Evo 3 in the future. They've upgraded from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, superior to whatever Big Ant are using. BA can't even generate shadows properly, it's still the same shadows that are all too dark just like 23 and they don't have a blurry outline like real shadows do.

Could they share the license like EA and 2K did with the NBA? At least some competition might motivate BA to upgrade from awful to not very good.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Could they share the license like EA and 2K did with the NBA? At least some competition might motivate BA to upgrade from awful to not very good.

I don't think they wanna even attempt to really change anything, because they could totally and easily break it again. 26 is basically just 23 with 26 slapped on it with some extra modes and I think the user commands were fixed, that's about it. The fundamental mechanics did not change at all likely due to fear they'd break it and it's easy/cheap to barely mod 23 and slap a new year on a rerelease. All the huds and bad sharp edged overly dark shadows and low opacity/hard to see wind animation graphic are exactly the same from 23. They didn't even try to change it with superficial aesthetics. I think if Glinda Games make Evo 3, they'd have an easier time changing things around from Evo 2 because they use Unreal Engine.

 

[Freo16]

I don't think they wanna even attempt to really change anything, because they could totally and easily break it again. 26 is basically just 23 with 26 slapped on it with some extra modes and I think the user commands were fixed, that's about it. The fundamental mechanics did not change at all likely due to fear they'd break it and it's easy/cheap to barely mod 23 and slap a new year on a rerelease. All the huds and bad sharp edged overly dark shadows and low opacity/hard to see wind animation graphic are exactly the same from 23. They didn't even try to change it with superficial aesthetics. I think if Glinda Games make Evo 3, they'd have an easier time changing things around from Evo 2 because they use Unreal Engine.

If you think 26 is the same as 23 then you clearly haven’t played it.

The gameplay and lighting are much improved.

 

[Archer_11]

I don't think they wanna even attempt to really change anything, because they could totally and easily break it again. 26 is basically just 23 with 26 slapped on it with some extra modes and I think the user commands were fixed, that's about it. The fundamental mechanics did not change at all likely due to fear they'd break it and it's easy/cheap to barely mod 23 and slap a new year on a rerelease. All the huds and bad sharp edged overly dark shadows and low opacity/hard to see wind animation graphic are exactly the same from 23. They didn't even try to change it with superficial aesthetics. I think if Glinda Games make Evo 3, they'd have an easier time changing things around from Evo 2 because they use Unreal Engine.

If you think 26 is the same as 23 then you clearly haven’t played it.

The gameplay and lighting are much improved.

I think you're both right.

The bones of the game are still 23 however BA have added a lot and there is still a pulse in the franchise imo. Perhaps the most encouraging part is the patches for 26 seems to be slow walking it towards better gameplay every few weeks.

Things introduced that improve the game:-

• new game modes (of course)
• fast breaks
• fatigue
• manual handpassing (that appears to be a work in progress but still)
• on the run goal scoring nerfed
• hip and shoulder (v1)
• better player selection
• set shots from 50 finally difficult
• improved collision detection (I tried to run through a pack the other day and couldn't, had to pinch myself)
• tackling a little more skill based (although insufficient intent appears to be nerfed this week which I'm not loving)
• more infringements and fantastic injury animations (ok just one that I've seen but the future is bright)

And on the flip side of course new bugs and gameplay quirks that need attention.

26 is great and it's also deserving of criticism. If marking is your strong point then the gameplay is an awful lot like 23. Fortunately I suck at it and I'm enjoying the more frantic gameplay when it hits the deck.

The holy grail is contested gameplay that is in equal measure tough, fair, chaotic and skill based. Fewer canned animations and more players throwing themselves at the ball more often. Hopefully one day we get there.

 

[melbournemartin]

 

[dondolla]

View attachment 2347403

Whoever wrote this must be in this thread. Career mode, tight controls, smarter AI. BA could never!

 

[Dez!]

F*** me it just gets stupider.

Gawn injured.

Selected Fullarton and Petty as my rucks.

Fullarton taken out of the ruck and Petty in, Fullarton never returns until I put him back in and then they put Harry Sharp in the ruck.

Mid-season draft, selected 2 players.

Go into team selection menu and both are injured despite just being drafted.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

I think you're both right.

The bones of the game are still 23 however BA have added a lot and there is still a pulse in the franchise imo. Perhaps the most encouraging part is the patches for 26 seems to be slow walking it towards better gameplay every few weeks.

Things introduced that improve the game:-

• new game modes (of course)
• fast breaks
• fatigue
• manual handpassing (that appears to be a work in progress but still)
• on the run goal scoring nerfed
• hip and shoulder (v1)
• better player selection
• set shots from 50 finally difficult
• improved collision detection (I tried to run through a pack the other day and couldn't, had to pinch myself)
• tackling a little more skill based (although insufficient intent appears to be nerfed this week which I'm not loving)
• more infringements and fantastic injury animations (ok just one that I've seen but the future is bright)

And on the flip side of course new bugs and gameplay quirks that need attention.

26 is great and it's also deserving of criticism. If marking is your strong point then the gameplay is an awful lot like 23. Fortunately I suck at it and I'm enjoying the more frantic gameplay when it hits the deck.

The holy grail is contested gameplay that is in equal measure tough, fair, chaotic and skill based. Fewer canned animations and more players throwing themselves at the ball more often. Hopefully one day we get there.

But the main weak mechanics like marking and tackling are basically the same. With tackling, you can't even block an opponent ball carrier from releasing the ball if you have teammates around because they just stand around or run away since there's no 1v2/3/4 tackling. BA criticized WW for doing "the bare minimum" but BA go on to do less than that.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Mid-season draft, selected 2 players.

Go into team selection menu and both are injured despite just being drafted.

Eagles did that this year, drafted Newton with our second pick when he was injured.

But that's par for the course for us recently

 

[Freo16]

But the main weak mechanics like marking and tackling are basically the same. With tackling, you can't even block an opponent ball carrier from releasing the ball if you have teammates around because they just stand around or run away since there's no 1v2/3/4 tackling. BA criticized WW for doing "the bare minimum" but BA go on to do less than that.

What are you talking about, marking is completely different and very much improved, again you’d know this if you had actually played the game.