Get ready for the future of footy with AFL 26. Feel every hit, hear every roar, and live every moment with unmatched authenticity and intensity. From the first bounce to the final siren, the action is fast, fierce, and true to the game. With lifelike gameplay, roaring crowds, expert commentary, and all the drama of real AFL, you’re not just watching the game — you’re in it. This is footy, redefine…
AFL 26 is a significant improvement over AFL 23, with better graphics, smoother gameplay, and enhanced player animations.
The new set shot mechanic and bump system add depth to gameplay, making it feel more realistic and engaging.
The game has potential for future updates to address bugs and improve overall experience, with many players expressing enjoyment despite current issues.
The game suffers from numerous bugs and crashes, making it frustrating and sometimes unplayable, especially in modes like player career.
AI behavior is often poor, leading to issues like players freezing or getting stuck in loops, which detracts from the overall experience.
Many players feel the game is not worth its price due to its current state, with some describing it as a minor update rather than a new release.
gameplay
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
81%
11%
Gameplay in the latest AFL title has received mixed reviews, with some players praising the new set shot mechanics and improved animations, while others criticize persistent bugs, crashes, and clunky controls that detract from the overall experience. Many users noted that the AI behavior can be erratic, leading to frustrating moments during matches, and despite some positive visual updates, the gameplay feels similar to previous iterations with significant issues that need addressing. Overall, while there are promising elements, the gameplay experience is marred by technical problems and a lack of polish.
“I actually really love the set shot mechanics; I couldn't think of a better way to do it, very happy with that!”
“The gameplay feels fluid and responsive, with noticeably improved player animations and stadium atmosphere.”
“The gameplay feels so much smoother, the player models look better—everything's improved!”
“Since installation, AFL 26 has crashed multiple times and suffers from numerous bugs that significantly impact the gameplay experience.”
“The gameplay feels essentially the same as the previous game with some new animations, yet the bugs make the game feel far too easy, regardless of the AI difficulty.”
“As per usual, gameplay is extremely clunky and feels automated to the point where it doesn't feel like you make decisions with the ball.”
graphics
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
61%
17%
The graphics in the game have received mixed feedback, with some players praising the stunning visuals and smoother performance compared to AFL 23, while others feel that the graphics are too familiar and not significantly improved. Despite some complaints, a portion of the audience is indifferent to the graphics, prioritizing gameplay over visual fidelity. Overall, while there are notable updates, many reviewers express a desire for more substantial graphical advancements.
“I've played 100+ hours of AFL 23 and this game is so much better; the graphics are stunning, everything is so much smoother than 23, and everything sounds amazing.”
“Graphics are better, and I can see what they have tried to do.”
“Yes, the new visuals and squad updates are nice quality of life changes compared to AFL 23.”
“I can't understand why they haven't just re-released their 2011 game with updated visuals.”
“Graphics are the same as 23.”
“I could deal with PS2 graphics if the game actually flowed.”
stability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with many users reporting it as buggy and unplayable at launch. While some see slight improvements compared to previous titles, the overall consensus is that the game is still plagued by significant issues that detract from the experience. Players express frustration over the recurring pattern of releasing games with unresolved bugs.
“Buggy and completely unplayable; gave it a go but just had an awful time.”
“It will be a very good game, just not yet as it's too buggy.”
“I feel it is an improvement over the last trash they released, but man is it buggy.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
Users report significant issues with the music aspect of the game, highlighting frequent crashes that occur during songs, particularly in manager mode and at critical moments like the end of a game. These technical problems detract from the overall experience, with players expressing frustration over the instability.
“My game crashes every time the players sing the song in manager mode. Please fix.”
“Crashed in the 4th quarter and has even crashed during the song at the end of the game.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviewers highlight the game's atmosphere as immersive, noting the fluid and responsive gameplay complemented by enhanced player animations and a vibrant stadium environment. This combination significantly enriches the overall experience.
“The gameplay feels fluid and responsive, with noticeably improved player animations and stadium atmosphere.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate a strong dissatisfaction with the monetization practices of the game, with users feeling that it prioritizes profit over quality and innovation. Critics express frustration over the perceived lack of improvement in the game engine and label the experience as a "cash grab."
“Hello, this is my first review. You have taken my money and are ruining the AFL game landscape. Please consider that Wicked Witch is a far more capable studio than your cash grab. The fact that the game engine is the same as AFL Live makes me sick.”