Introduction

AFL Live 2, the much-anticipated sequel in the sporting saga of Australian rules football, hits the PS3 with promises of more action, more teams, and, for the first time in history, the chance to actually fend off your dad's bad jokes while tackling. Released on September 12, 2013, this game isn't just a new entry in the AFL series; it's a full-blown AFL revolution that could make you question why you ever bothered with real-life exercise.

Gameplay

Diving headfirst into the gameplay, AFL Live 2 introduces a career mode that stretches across a whopping 15 years. Just imagine! You can manage players and teams from the TAC Cup and VFL into the grand glittery world of the AFL. What more could you want? Training, sponsorships, the tribunal, emails-because what's a video game without a little corporate email chaos? The game features over 60 teams so varied that even your crazy uncle who claims to support all of them will have a team to choose from. Players have a newfound control over their teams, and if your skills are anything like mine, you'd better expect a lot of shouting at your screen as you fumble and tumble your way through the league.

Graphics

On the graphics front, AFL Live 2 isn't exactly breaking the boundaries of visual realism, yet it captivates with a charm reminiscent of friendly neighborhood footy matches (or at least the kind you see on TV during a general sporting afternoon). The players look decent enough, the gameplay is smooth (most of the time), and the stadiums manage to stay somewhat faithful to their real-life counterparts. Thankfully, pub brawls are kept to a minimum. You won't be left feeling like you've stepped back in time to the stone age of sports games, but it certainly won't shake the ground beneath your feet with its visual grandeur either.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AFL Live 2 may not elegantly dance between the raindrops of sports gaming glory, it certainly delivers on many fronts-especially for those who bleed AFL colours. The 15-year career mode, along with the buxom list of teams and the chance to relive your glory days from the couch, will keep players occupied for a good long while. Just be wary-the more you play, the greater the risk of awakening your inner armchair coach and providing unsolicited advice to your pals during the next match. Overall, this game deserves a 6 out of 10. It's fun, it's exciting, and it's perfect for those days when leaving the couch simply seems too monumental of a task.

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