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Translating the dynamic nature of football into a mobile game is no small feat. With the sheer number of elements in each play, mobile football games have often struggled due to the limitations of touchscreen controls. NFL Rivals doesn’t completely solve this issue, but it offers a solid attempt with its free-to-play, NFTs-optional design for both iOS and Android.
Simplified On-Field Gameplay
NFL Rivals takes a streamlined approach to football on the field. There’s no option to play defense, and the offensive plays are minimal. The AI teammates can be clunky, often failing to understand the basics of the game. When passing, you throw the ball to a general area, hoping your receiver makes a play—though they often seem oblivious. Strangely, your players can also tire after sprinting for over 60 yards, adding a peculiar challenge to the game.
While NFL Rivals doesn’t replicate a Madden-style simulation, the game is undeniably fun despite its design quirks. The cartoonish visuals and exaggerated player movements make each play entertaining, whether you’re completing a deep pass or powering through defenders.
The game’s passing mechanic—where you pull back and aim to select the throw’s direction, slowing down time in the process—quickly becomes intuitive. Plus, playing against stronger teams provides a rewarding challenge.
Games in NFL Rivals are short, lasting just a few minutes, with additional daily challenge modes that offer even faster gameplay options. This makes it an ideal pick-up-and-play mobile game. Without realizing it, I often found myself playing several consecutive matches, a testament to its engaging design.
NFT Integration and Team Building
The Ultimate Team-style metagame in NFL Rivals lets players build a roster, but the introduction of NFTs through the Polkadot-based Mythos Chain complicates things. Top-tier players can cost significant real-world money, sometimes hundreds of dollars, while loot boxes available for purchase seem steeply priced compared to other games.
The chance of landing an NFT that could be sold for a profit may entice some, but the game’s reliance on expensive packs discourages casual players. These NFTs are handled separately from the game itself, likely to comply with App Store guidelines.
Despite these challenges, the NFT aspect doesn’t diminish the core enjoyment of NFL Rivals. While I know I’ll never have the best team or compete with top players who invest money into the game, I’m content with slowly building my roster and unlocking occasional free packs. The game remains fun and accessible.
A Balanced Approach to Blockchain Gaming
NFL Rivals stands out as a Web3 game because it doesn’t allow blockchain elements to overshadow the core gameplay. Instead, the NFT integration feels secondary, letting the fun of the game come first. It’s one of the better touchscreen football games available today.
Conclusion: A Mobile NFL Game Worth Your Time
If you’re hoping to earn a fortune through playing, you’ll likely be disappointed, as is the case with most blockchain games in 2024. However, for those looking for a solid mobile NFL experience with optional NFT features, Mythical Games has successfully delivered with NFL Rivals. It’s a game that’s genuinely fun, and worth playing even if you never touch the blockchain side of things.
