App Attack: A Big Football Game at a Little Cost

By Joe Buda

In this edition of App Attack, we look at a football game in the iPad. PocketSports Football HD provides an easy-to-use alternative to more costly football games.

Graphics: The graphics are pretty generic; all of the players on a team look alike, and will not be confused for higher end video games.  That being said, there is a coolness factor when tilting the iPad and watching the entire stadium tilt.

But the graphics do serve their purpose and there is just enough detail to make the game entertaining.  The stadiums feature mock ads from places like “Subwich” and “ESPM.”

Sound: The game features muffled voices as well as other standard football sounds.  The sounds do not really add or detract from the game; they are just there.

Playability: The game itself is very easy to learn.  It features the option of controlling the players via an on-screen virtual d-pad or use the iPad itself as the controller, by moving the player via the tilt and direction of the iPad.

Plays are easy to call, whether on offense or defense, and player control is user friendly, especially when passing.

The game features different modes of play, from warm up to standard game play.   There are small details here that I was not expecting – for instance, the games start with a coin toss, which is followed up by the decision to receive or defer the kickoff.

This game is full of options, including the length of quarters as well as whether to us the virtual d-pad or the entire iPad itself as the controller.

There are two drawbacks to this game that I found: it does not keep stats for play, only score, and it does not allow the player to call a timeout.

Summary: If you are expecting Madden 2012, then you will be disappointed.  However, if you are looking for a fun football game for the price, one with a variety of options and is easy enough to pick up and play, then this is the game for you.

The ease-of-use and overall gameplay propels this game above its 0.99 price and makes it a great value. When taking into account the options for gameplay, PocketSports Football HD is truly a big football game at a little cost.

Price: 0.99

Platform: iPad

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 bars