Comments on: Review: Gaelic Games Football

By: P. Holmes

P. Holmes — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 19:37:29 +0000

That must be the kindest review for Gaelic Games Football I’ve heard or read from someone who has actually taken the time to sit down and play the game! 6 marks out of 10 implies that the game is competent in at least some aspects of gameplay, I’m sorry to say that GGF is devoid of almost anything that resembles a fun gaming experience; namely fluid play, good graphics, tight controls, a learning curve that rewards skillful play and a feeling that the player is actually involved in the action. The graphics are terrible, the commentary is laughable, the game has no atmosphere or personality. Controls are like what would be expected from an underwater gaelic game. The player animations for tackles are terrible, players don’t even look like they connect with the ball! Sound effects are limited to ape-like grunts, menu music is depressingly generic, like it was taken from “Bland Menu Music Volume 4″. In a nutshell the game is terrible, not even 50% complete in my opinion. A cynical release for the xmas market. Making the point that IR Gurus are only a small outfit would be justified if the game was released as shareware or a downloadable demo or for less than �20 but �60 for this piece of cack? Buying this game only encourages this desecration of our beloved national sport, pray in the future that some devolopment studio with human programmers instead of monkeys with keyboards make an attempt at a proper GAA game! Leave it on the shelf and buy Pro Evo instead, an example of how a sports sim should be done.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 23:40:11 +0000

I definetely think your review is better than the game, too slow and too hard to kick the ball whilst someone is tackling you. Dissapointing, however, I agree that it is the first effort and maybe the ’06 version (if there will be one) will attempt to improve on these areas. Incidentally you got it spot on when you said drunken GAA fans would enjoy. This is when we have enjoyed it the most (banana and cup of tea et all)…

By: maca

maca — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 12:23:42 +0000

lol
I don’t play until herself goes to bed cos I know she’d wreck my head otherwise.

By: Domhnall

Domhnall — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 12:20:18 +0000

I struggled a bit too when I first started on intermediate, it takes a wee bit of time to get used to the harder tackling in particular.
I lost the AI Final last night with Kerry beating Leitrim 0-9 to 0-8. I was cruising at 0-6 to 0-1 until the girlfriend started complaining about missing the TV and from there I seemed to lose my concentration and the Kingdom took over, lucky that kind of thing never happens in the real Croker.

By: maca

maca — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 16:25:48 +0000

You’re obviously better than me at it. I started on Junior level (with Longford) which is too easy, in two seasons the worst result was a draw against Kerry, i won everything else easily. But i’ve had trouble in intermediate level, I haven’t mastered the tackling (or avoiding tackles) yet. More practice needed.

By: Domhnall

Domhnall — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 16:03:01 +0000

Ive won the All-Ireland with Tyrone at Intermediate and am now in the AI semi’s with Leitrim at the same level so Ill be stepping up to Senior after this. From what Ive seen so far the opposition seem to be faster and also stronger in the tackle at senior level.

Hopefully if IR Gurus put out updates of the game in coming years they will listen to the feedback and make a few changes, the potential is there for a really excellent game.

No plans for a Hurling (or Shinty!) game I suppose?

By: maca

maca — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:55:04 +0000

Thanks Domhnall, I hope to update the review soon now that i’ve played it a bit more. I want to mention the difference between the skill levels, junior->senior. What level are you playing at?

By: Domhnall

Domhnall — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:50:34 +0000

I think your review is close to being spot on. The game has its flaws but after getting used to it Im really enjoying it and Id recommend it to any game playing GAA fans, hours of fun!
Most reviewers were way too hard on the game IMO, once you change the camera view and get used to the controls its really pretty good.

By: maca

maca — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:18:15 +0000

Chris, I got it for UK�30, it's the same on Amazon, but I think you will pick it up cheap enough in Dublin (assuming you're in Ireland).

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:10:28 +0000

Very thorough review. I want to buy one for my son this Christmas, I�ve been looking on ebay�whats the going rate for this game do you know? After your review I will be intending to purchase it for as little as possible but unfortunately it is a must in the Christmas stocking! Cheers