First off, the game appears to have a solid foundation for such an early build. Mechanics are fundamental along with other areas of the game whicj naturally will evolve over time. It seems intentional that the âbaseâ of the game has been released with a view to flesh out content, gameplay/AI and features etc⌠some dot point to consider moving forward.
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Lighting (ray tracing) needs adjustment as it âwashes outâ texture mapping/shadows with high contrasts.
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Sound (music,UI, ) is ok but options to customise by an ability to import music through fanhub in particular compressed file format .ogg for example and share across platforms
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Sound fx ( in game) will most likely be improved but crowd chants, and player actions such as kicking, tackling, field chatter and ref calls to provide some ambience in important match ups ( Finals/GF, Top of table clash, rep matches)
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Fatigue must affect AI and user players negatively in all gameplay facets ( tackling (weakened or ill disciplined), getting on side, pass and kick accuracy/power, lack of ability to get into position for plays or defence etcâŚ)
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Gameplay/AI - alot of room for improvement which i think the dev team has plans for. Passing and AI player position seems to always pass directly behind instead of along backline movements with players not running onto the ball. Flat, deep, long short, to play maker are most likely options in mind for dev team. Set plays would be a nice inclusion with an ability to create set plays as well.
- Kicking : Good start, feels innovative but kicking should be significantly harder when under defensive pressure, fatigued, concussion/injury, environmental (away crowd, rain and wind and sun glare) should include usual suspects such as grubber, chip, up and under, cross, banana (modifier)
Running/Player movement: Looks ok but better responsiveness.
Tackling: Options for ball wrap (high) or legs tackle, ankle tap etc⌠select defence structure (wide, compressed, up and in, sliding)
Ruck/Mauls: Good beginnings with some glitches occurring âuse the ballâ. Pick and drive, release players to defensive line all will be included i feel.
Attack: Set plays, deep, flat, cross kick, shape with decoys that the lower defence rated teams or fatigued players will typically follow lead runners creating space to attack.
Cameras: Side (dynamic, low and high), Behind (low and High and blimp cam), Broadcast (default) broadcast tv (snaps between close up on rucks/mauls/stoppages then snaps to wider view when attack is about to play out but giving player time to select type of play before hand and assess defence line for weak points (fatigued player, spaces from defence structure etcâŚ)
ideas for player immersion: Locker room cam, make finals and rep matches a greater spectacle against the backdrop of the main round to round game. Commentary should be heightened with more âcolourâ, Pre Game, Players run out, ceremonial (anthems etcâŚ) Half time comments, full time wrap.
Customisation: Gameplay sliders is a must, Fanhub with ability to import music on top of what existing fanhub capabilities areâŚ
Promising start, i look forward to the evolution which i feel should be an improvement on AFL 23 which i am really impressed with.