AFL Finals Fever

The Good
AFL Finals Fever made number three on the Australian charts and it is evident why. With full player lists, statistics and a fantastic graphic display, it was the first fully licensed AFL game. It has been followed by games such as AFL '98 and '99, with others scheduled to come out later. It was the initiator of such programs and for that it must be commended. It has great gameplay and, admittedly, is one of the easier sports games that I've played.

The Bad
There isn't much to dislike about AFL Finals Fever. Unlike the name suggests, you can actually play a full premiership season (your choice of how many rounds it involves) with a finals series on top of that. It would be reasonably difficult to find a copy in Australian software retailers nowadays, but each time I play it after an absence I once again find myself addicted. Sometimes the gameplay can be dodgy (e.g. kicking the ball backwards unintentionally, ball rebounding following a goal) but otherwise it is fine.

The Bottom Line
This can be a very EASY game to play. There are a few hints that will guarantee you success. Firstly, don't waste your time - I only play three minute quarters in rookie mode and can still end up with scores of 400+. Although playing twenty minute quarters might appeal to some diehard fans, it will be a waste of time and if you're half-good you will end up with a ridiculous score.

Make sure you use the diagonal keys to your full advantage. When you receive the ball from the centre bounce, run backwards in a diagonal direction for a while to increase the gap between you and the other team's chasing pack. Once you have made a considerable gap, you can turn and run in the opposite direction. You should be able to run a considerable distance without being tackled.

Let the computer do it for you. There is no point in selecting the closest player to the ball unless you have mastered the keys; the computer will pinpoint a player and tackle him without your control. It is more accurate and an easier way of enforcing turnovers.

Jump into the yellow circle. When a player takes a mark, receives a kickout or there is a boundary throwin, there will be a yellow circle which cannot be entered placed around him. By holding onto the jump key (defaulted as spacebar) make a direct beeline towards the ball. If you are accurate, which isn't hard, you will receive a cheap ball.

Place your fast people in the centre. It doesn't matter if they have fantastic kicking skills or giant hands for marking, the only real requirement in this game is speed. It will enable you to run away from players faster and you will always have an advantage when the ball is in dispute. A speed rating of over 80 is generally considered fast enough; explore your players before deciding which ones to implant into the centre.

Low resolution also tends to be easier than high resolution, especially on slower computers.

This game is a must-buy for any true AFL fan, even if it is a fair way outdated. If you can somehow manage to get your hands on a copy, buy it, as it will probably be quite cheap and obviously enjoyable. -TR