Compared to the PlayStation 3 version of the new AFL game AFL Live 2011, AFL on the Wii is a far more accurate and enjoyable experience which features all the bells and whistles of this definitive football game. From single games to competing in the hallowed Grand Final to 8-player multiplayer fun with commentary by Dennis Cometti and Brian Taylor, developers Wicked Witch have really pulled out all stops in terms of accuracy for this game.  It should also be noted that Wicked Witch did not develop the PS3, 360 or PC versions of AFL Live 2011, hence why this game got a better review.

Game Features

• Visceral Wii Remote™ motion controls.

• Over 50 licensed teams from the AFL, VFL, TAC Cup, and Under 18's competitions.

• Realistic stadia from around Australia.

• Ten year Career Manager Mode.

• Create and customise players and edit existing teams.

• Up to 8 player multiplayer.

• Broadcast style presentation with multiple replay's.

• Mini games to challenge friends or hone your skills.

• Gameplay features such as mini contests, specky's, smothers, handballs, kicks, evade, hip and shoulder and tackles.

• Expert commentary by Dennis Cometti and Brian Taylor.

Licensing... licensing... and more licensing! AFL on Wii is all about licensing and as this is an officially licensed product, you can expect to see all the players, sponsorships and even the various leagues such as VFL and even the TAC Cup for example. All the stadiums also mirror their real-world environments such as Ettihad Stadium at the Docklands or the MCG. There is even a editor included on the Wii version to tweak your teams and players in order to mirror the official season of the AFL. Want to change their looks or "Mii" your players, it's all possible on the Wii version. But what about the game?

Apart from living out your AFL fantasies such as getting the Gold Coast Suns (Bwahaha) to win the 2011 Grand Final or even the Brisbane Lions (snicker), AFL on the Nintendo Wii is actually one of the best conversions of AFL onto the console world. As opposed to the "high definition" graphics of the PS3, the game not only looks better on the Wii due to lower resolution but actually plays better. All the tactics have been added to the control system of this game from specky's to kicks and even tackles. It's pure AFL. The Wii version of AFL even contains some mini-games as opposed to the main game which does help break things up and are actually quite fun with friends.

Given that, the Wii version of the game gives the player or players an option of three different control options that include the Wiimote, Wiimote and Nunchuck or my favourite, the classic GameCube controller. No matter what configuration you choose, the developers have ensured that you will not be penalised for one configuration over the other. The mapping on the traditional Wii controllers work well without it being overtly complex, although there is a relatively steep learning curve to master the title. Unlike soccer, AFL requires use of both hands and feet and sometimes the melding of both seem a little clunky on the Wii but it's definitely getting there. I'm still having nightmares from the older AFL games that came out several years ago.

However most gamers will probably use the Wiimote and Nunchuck system which allows the player to use the analog stick on the controller to move the player with the Wiimote used for kicking and handballing. Like the PS3 version, AFL also supports a power metre and by holding down either A for kicking or B for handballing, it will increase how far the ball goes. Wicked Witch have also included a few motion sensor tactics, just to give the title that Wii feel. It's good that the game feels like a Wii game using this controller option and if you persist in mastering the title, the gameplay definitely improves with time.

If you have a GameCube controller, AFL on Wii has a real retro feel to it like those classic soccer games from last decade, not that the gameplay is dated mind you. Initially, I do suggest you try the training session for the AFL and read the manual in order to master the basics. With this in mind, playing it on easy is a little too effortless and I was running rampant over my opponents which was fun initially and did allow me to fine tune my AFL abilities on the Wii. But by increasing the difficultly, it does make the game more challenging.

The game does contain an aspect of management to the title which allows you to tweak your finances such as membership prices or seeing how much you are paying for your staff and players. After each game, you are given a summary of how well your team performed with a breakdown of costs. In terms of multiplayer, the game allows for up to 8-players to play in the campaign mode which is great if you have your mates over for some beers, not to mention the childlike but amusing mini-games. The only real downside to the game is that it is not as fluid as the more mainstream games like FIFA or NFL. The mechanics are a little clunky at times but hey... this is AFL we're talking about it and Wicked Witch have done a pretty impressive job.

Graphically, AFL is a decent looking game on the Wii and although it's a little Spartan at times, it's no way as noticeable as the PS3 version. From the likenesses on the characters to the fairly realistic player movement, everything comes together quite well on the Wii. I also love the lighting and weather effects which does add an element of realism to the title. The only letdown to the graphics is that every now and then, there will be some inconsistent player animations.

All the sound effects of real-world football have also been added into the game and my only gripe with the sound is the voice acting from Dennis Cometti and Brian Taylor which does sound a little contrived and forced with some incorrect commentary at times. However sometimes the commentators do come out with some great one-liners. The music unfortunately is very repetitive with Hunter & Collector's Holy Grail in the menu system. With so many cool aussie bands around, they really should have hired them to spice up the menu system.

In the end, AFL on the Wii is definitely THE AFL game to have and is considerable better than the PS3 version which we also reviewed. The gameplay seems more refined and fluid plus the Spartan graphics don't hamper the title as much as it does on the high-end console versions. With more AFL gameplay than you can poke a stick at, Wicked Witch have a winner on their hands and hopefully the next version will be even better!

Check it out Wii owners!