This year the AFL celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Madden 10 is getting in on the action with its recently released AFL Legacy Pack. Retro unis for players and refs, a grainy sepia toned camera, new Madden Moments, and extra Achievements and Trophies are just waiting to be had for 560MS Points or $7 (although PS3 owners have a chance to get it for free right here).
For those of you who have no clue about the history of the AFL, all you need to know is that it was the 60's version of the USFL, except that it worked. The Bills, Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Jets, Titans, Patriots and Raiders were all original AFL franchises put together by owners who were frustrated with the NFL's slow expansion (in 1960 the NFL only had 12 teams). Eventually the AFL grew to 10 franchises (Miami and Cincy came aboard in the late 60's) and the victory by the Jets in Super Bowl III over the heavily favored Colts gave the league the legitimacy it had desperately needed.
Now, fifty years later, gamers get to see the 8 original AFL franchises in all their 1960's glory, for better or for worse. Just look at those unis above. That's the costume, err, I mean uniform of my beloved Denver Broncos. Look at those socks! Those guys should be guarding the pope, not playing football.
Fashion faux pas aside I dig the vibe of the AFL Legacy Pack. I enjoy the grainy presentation, the refs look hilarious in their retro outfits, and despite the fact that my Broncos have the WORST classic gear ever, I still have my team wear them anyway. I also really like earning an extra 150 Achievement Points. That said, for $7 I expected a little bit more.
The new DLC doesn't pack enough punch. Gamers are essentially just paying for a new uniform choice and a grainy picture, and only for 8 NFL teams. If EA really wanted to get retro, they'd give us classic stadiums, move the goalposts to the front of the end zone, and hire some dude to give fast talking play by play. Instead I'm left with Chris Collinsworth calling the game at Invesco Field at Mile High. If you're trying to send gamers back in time, go all out.
Gripes aside, I'm glad I downloaded the AFL Legacy Pack. Madden 10 is the best Madden since Eddie George graced the cover of the 2001 edition, so anything I can add to an already great title deserves a look. And as a Broncos fan since birth, this DLC hits a sweet spot for me. I find the throwback feel nostalgic. But if you're not an Achievement whore or are a fan of any of the other 24 NFL teams, the trip back to 1960 is probably one you don't want to take.
GamePro Score: For hardcore Madden and original AFL team fans only
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