Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

AFL Premiership 2006 delivers a fast-paced, full-contact simulation that faithfully replicates the ebb and flow of an elite Australian Football League match. From the opening bounce to the final siren, players will find themselves making split-second decisions on handballs, marks and tackles. The controls strike a balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for seasoned AFL enthusiasts, with intuitive buttons for kicking, handballing and shepherding opponents.

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The game offers a variety of modes to keep you engaged. Quick Match lets you jump straight into the action with any of the 16 officially licensed AFL teams, while Single Match allows you to set up custom showdowns at your favorite venue. Season Mode immerses you in a full-year campaign, complete with post-season trade and draft decisions, while Training Mode and Missions Mode sharpen your skills and test your tactical nous. In Mission Mode, you can even rewrite history by replaying iconic matches and steering them toward alternate outcomes.

Player and team development have received significant enhancements in this edition. You’ll manage rookie progression, negotiate trades and draft picks, and make strategic decisions like resting key players or adjusting training regimens. The inclusion of tribunal reports and post-match commentary adds another layer of authenticity, forcing you to weigh the risk of aggressive plays against the possibility of suspension or fines.

Graphics

The visual presentation of AFL Premiership 2006 captures the unique atmosphere of Australia’s most popular sport. All eight major stadiums—from the MCG in Melbourne to Subiaco in Perth—are meticulously recreated, complete with accurate field markings, sponsor hoardings and crowd behavior. Lighting effects shift realistically as day turns to dusk, and weather variations can influence traction and ball handling.

On-field player models benefit from detailed textures and smooth animations that bring over 600 athletes to life. Individual player stats influence running styles, kicking accuracy and tackling aggression, so the standout stars of the real AFL look and play like the stars you know. For the ultimate personal touch, Digimask and EyeToy support allow you to import your own face onto a player’s head, making every match feel uniquely yours.

User interface elements and menus are cleanly arranged, prioritizing quick access to team line-ups, stats and match settings. During live play, unobtrusive overlays display score updates, match timers and tribunal notifications, ensuring you stay informed without cluttering the screen. Frame rates remain stable even during four-player multiplayer bouts, thanks to optimized code for the PS2 hardware.

Story

While AFL Premiership 2006 isn’t a story-driven title in the traditional sense, it weaves compelling narratives through its Mission Mode and Season campaigns. Each historic match you replay comes with context—critical plays, controversial umpiring decisions and real-life rivalries—allowing you to rewrite the script and create your own sporting legend.

Commentary by Dennis Cometti, Dermott Brereton and Christi Malthouse injects personality into every contest, reacting dynamically to game events and changing fortunes. Their banter and expert insight make comebacks feel triumphant and underdog victories genuinely uplifting. Tribunal segments after the whistle add drama, as you weigh hearing the match review or appealing a suspension, each choice carrying narrative weight for your club’s future.

If you dive into Season Mode, you’ll find an unfolding saga of draft nights, trade rumors and finals glory chases. Off-field decisions—like extending a star player’s contract or reshuffling your coaching staff—shape the trajectory of your club and deepen your emotional investment. This blend of on-field spectacle and off-field strategy delivers a rich, if unconventional, storytelling experience.

Overall Experience

AFL Premiership 2006 stands out as the definitive Australian Football League simulation on PS2. Its comprehensive roster of 16 teams and 600+ players, accurate stadium recreations and robust gameplay modes cater to both hardcore fans and newcomers seeking an authentic sports experience. The addition of Digimask/EyeToy support, four-player multiplayer and enhanced team management tools ensure high replay value.

Sound design and commentary contribute significantly to immersion, with crisp stadium atmospheres and dialogue that reacts contextually to key moments. The learning curve may be steep for those unfamiliar with AFL rules, but the Training Mode provides a sandbox to master skills before hitting competitive Season battles or high-stakes historic Missions.

Ultimately, AFL Premiership 2006 offers a polished, feature-rich package that captures the spirit of Australian Football. Whether you’re aiming to relive classic matches, guide a young club to premiership success or simply enjoy a convincing virtual version of the game, this title delivers on its promise. For fans looking to bring the roar of the crowd and the thrill of the contest into their living room, it’s a must-play.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10