Introduction

G'day mates! Grab your footy and settle down because we're diving into the chaos that is 'AFL 26'. Yes, the latest installment in the AFL video game series, developed by Big Ant Studios and published by Nacon, hit shelves on May 8, 2025. If only my heart had a countdown until its release (spoiler: it doesn't). Unfortunately, I lost my enthusiasm that day due to some poor reception on Steam. But hey, it's on the Switch 2 now, so let's take a look at whether it's worth donning your guernsey to play.

Gameplay

Prepare for an AFL match that's a mix of organised chaos and moments of brilliance, much like an actual game. AFL 26 has attempted to beef up its gameplay mechanics since its predecessor. The controls are straightforward which allows even the most inexperienced player to kick around a virtual ball. Players can master an array of skills including handballing, kicking, and tackling. But don't get too excited; when the aesthetics try to look flashy, sometimes the execution hits a snag, leaving you trying to figure out whether you scored or if you accidentally threw the ball out of bounds during a heated match. AI sometimes plays like it's still stuck in a practice drill rather than a high-stakes game. Defensive players will awkwardly watch as attackers waltz past as if they're on a leisurely Sunday stroll. Multiplayer has its pulsating appeal though, allowing mates to join in on the footy fun (and the friendly banter that follows every missed score). Just be sure to invest in a good pillow for when you inevitably throw the controller down in frustration.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, the game's aesthetics can be as unpredictable as a rogue kick from a novice player. While Big Ant Studios borrowed some good ideas from predecessors to give AFL 26 a cleaner look, the textures and animations can be about as smooth as my last attempt at a handball, which consisted of accidentally launching it into the stands. The crowd's reactions are as lifelike as my younger sister pretending to care during family game night, and every failed score will have you questioning the quality of your switch controller. Definitely aim for the visuals to improve when it transitions to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware; the potential is here, but mostly hidden behind shoddy execution. The animations of players will leave you either in fits of laughter or hiding behind the couch. At moments, they look like they're either gliding over the ground or stuck in some kind of tango with the enemy players, depending on which direction the wind is blowing.

Conclusion

So, where does this leave us? AFL 26 attempts to step up its game but often trips over its own shoelaces (likely while trying to score a goal). It does offer a nostalgic dive into Australian rules football, yet many bugs and AI blunders can overshadow the real enjoyment. The graphics are a mixed bag-a bit rough around the edges but occasionally sprinkled with gold. I'd rate it at a solid 5 out of 10. It's like sipping a flat beer that's still cold: not great but not entirely regrettable. When it hits the Switch 2, it could flourish with the right fixes, but until then, it's best to kick the footy with a mate rather than sit alone for hours in frustration. Here's hoping for a patch or two because like any good coach would say, "You can always improve."