As is true of many sports games, charts are used in Arena Football to portray the multitude of facts and figures generated by its teams and players. The statistics involve simple math as percentages and ample data is presented. Hand eye coordination is central when the player’s team is in a game and the game player must control the actions of their team in real time on the field. Reading is also a part of the game. Loading screens contain tips and hints that are presented written, and core rules for Arena Football are provided in written form, which is important because of the significant rule differences between the National Football League and the Arena Football League. Mastering the differences between the rules of the NFL and the AFL is a mental exercise unto itself. On a sports history note, EA Sports included about 39 unlockable historic teams in addition to the actual teams from the 2006 season, though historic teams do not have play rosters.

This is the first arena football game developed to simulation standards, and while much is based upon video games written for the National Football League, the rules, teams and players are different, so it is a worthy accomplishment by developer EA Sports to have brought this game to market. There is a different atmosphere to indoor professional sporting events, AFL games included, and EA Sports has captured much of the unique intensity of arena football part of its game. Creativity by the gamer is encouraged, because Arena Football permits the gamer to create players which can be made to their chosen specifications and there are numerous options dealing with appearance, equipment and attributes. Team layout is customizable if the gamer desires to change rosters or release/sign or trade players. Arena Football contains an informative tutorial that explains the rules of arena football and how to play the Arena Football game, itself. Arena Football contains arenas based upon actual arenas from the AFL. Music is made by musicians contracted by EA to create a special soundtrack especially for the game. Music contained in the game is from both real recording artists as well as original music composed especially for the game.

Business skills are thin as there is only one season mode. But one can still trade, release, or sign new players while still staying under the salary cap. Free agents must be convinced of their deal as they will turn down offers which are too low.

Single Player:

Single player has only a couple game modes which are season, exhibition, and practice. This severely limits the depth of the game but nonetheless the game is enjoyable. Graphics are good but slightly cartoonish. Other players and coaches react to you when one runs into them they fall down or react in some manner. When tired or after being hit very hard your players will become slower and not as useful as they once were. Also there are cut scenes where the coach talks to the players and sometimes has funny things to say. Taunts are also present and sometimes feature the use of bad language.

Multiplayer:

In multiplayer two players can play on the same team if they wanted to, online this is not so as it is only one-on-one match ups. Online is usually harder as your opponents are much more skilled. Bluffing and Mercy could be used but it would not do much use. There is live chat online so game experience may change during online play. Online there are tournaments, quick match and optimatch (choose settings and the server tries to find a game to fit those requirements).

Problem solving is interesting because of the many options available with which to complete a certain task. The many different actions that are going on need quick decision making and solving the problem of defeating the opposing team’s offense or defense. Strategy is also present as coming into each game one may have a new plan of attack which will do better against your opponent. Tactics are also important as you must decide what you must do next and what decisions to make while being pressured by defenders and other players.

Fans and critics have received Arena Football favorably but not overwhelmingly. There is a realization that this is the first year for Arena Football, and if Electronic Arts sticks with the franchise that what is a good game in its inaugural year can become a great game. Fans of arena football in general seem to rate the game higher than mere video gamers.

Much in the "Madden" tradition, EA Sports have brought real rules, real teams and real rosters to Arena Football, and done a good job. A few liberties appear to have been taken with the game physics, with an occasional unnatural appearing tackle that involve players with excessive hang time, but on the whole, inertia is not overly abused.

Extra credit is due to the diversity of race seen in the game and also available when creating a player. Humor is also present as the coach’s remarks to players and the player’s taunts are often very funny.

Difficulty settings- Rookie, Pro, all-Pro, all-AFL. Most options are able to be altered and penalties can be turned off altogether.