Superbowl may have just been over, but when it comes to gaming on the iPhone, its Superbowl everyday with Skyworks Interactives football simulation games. I was given the chance to review both titles, QB Pass Attack Football and X’s & O’s Football. I’ll tell you, both games are simply addictive!
Let’s first look at QB Pass Attack Football. Upon launch, the game’s simple menu lets you choose to either play a Classic or Progressive game. Classic mode tasks the player to score as many points as you can within 60 seconds by throwing the football through the scoring holes. The closer receiver nets you 7 points, while the other receiver further downhill scores 30 points.
Next is Progressive mode, which I spent most of my time in. In this mode, you are required to score as many points possible thru four 60-seconds quarters. Each pass is counted as a down. An onscreen display at the top of the screen marks your progress down the field as you go for each throw. If you come up short, its back to your own 20 yard line. Hit the further receiver when the scoring hole is lit and you earn an instant touchdown.
Game mechanics are simple, pick a football from the bin and flick your finger to throw the ball. The speed of your throw is determined by how fast your flick is. What’s so special about the game is its full use of the accelerometer. Once the ball is in flight, tilt your iPhone/iPod touch left or right to control its direction. Tilting up and down affects the height of the throw. Sounds simple, but I’d say practise makes perfect.
Of note is, each iPhone’s aceelerometer is made differently – I find myself having to tilt left most of the time on my iPod touch to straighten a throw that is skewing to the right. Adding an option to calibrate the accelerometer would be helpful. Music wise, the game features three engaging themed soundtracks which can be chosen in the options screen. I’d love to see an additional random track feature so I don’t have to listen to the same music buzzing over and over again. Graphics wise, the game is as authentic as the ones in the arcades.
Next up is X’s & O’s Football. Fight your way down the field scoring as many touchdowns as you can, in four 60-seconds quarters. You are given the major task of being the coach, quarterback and receiver.
As the coach, choose your play from the book and set your receivers to run a variety of passing routes such as the curl, deep out and post. Next, play as the quarterback setting up your players in position, hiking the ball and then choosing your receiver. You need to time your pass carefully to get it right into the hands of your receiver. Once the receiver has the ball, its your turn to control his speed as he runs downfield for a touchdown. The accelerometer comes into play again as you tilt your device up and down to affect the direction and left or right to affect the speed.
X’s & O’s Football provides simple gameplay but hard mastery. I find myself being confused by the system the first few moments of play. A few practising and mistake sessions later, I find myself getting the hang of it and timing my throws correctly. I have managed to score a touchdown once so far.
Looks-wise, the game has crisp looking colorful graphics. The game doesn’t feature and music tracks, but the sound effects and atmosphere of a football stadium makes up it. Again, since the accelerometer is used in the game, it would help if there’s a calibration option.
Get QB Pass Attack Football and X’s & O’s Football from the iTunes Store at only $1.99 each. Both games benefited from the designs of legendary game maker Garry Kitchen, so you’d be sure that the games are of great quality.
QB Pass Attack Football – Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps
X’s & O’s Football – Rating: 4.0/5.0 Taps
App Data
App Name: QB Pass Attack Football v1.0 | Developer: Skyworks Interactive, Inc. | Purchase via: iTunes App Store @ $1.99 | Released: Jan 25, 2009 | Reviewed on: iPod touch
App Name: X’s & O’s Football v1.0 | Developer: Skyworks Interactive, Inc. | Purchase via: iTunes App Store @ $1.99 | Released: Jan 25, 2009 | Reviewed on: iPod touch
