8.6 /10 1 Votes
Release date(s) AU: 2 July 2009 Series AFL Publisher Tru Blu Entertainment | 4.3/5 Emuparadise Initial release date 2 July 2009 Developer Wicked Witch Software Platform Nintendo DS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mode(s) Single-player
Multiplayer Genres Adventure game, Platform game Similar AFL games, Wicked Witch Software games, Adventure games | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AFL Mascot Manor is a mascot sports game. Developed by Wicked Witch Software for Nintendo DS based on the Australian Football League's project of the same name. It was released in July 2009 and was released early at some EB stores. As part of the marketing of the game the publisher announced a competition on the games official site where participants can win a place at the games launch and a Nintendo DSi.
Contents
Production
The games focus more on the mythology of the League's Mascots than on the sport itself. The central component of the game is the adventure the players Mascot will experience in the themed worlds. As such, it is aimed at the younger fans of AFL.
Mascot Manor is the sister title of Mascot Mania for the NRL. Managing Director of Wicked Witch Software, Daniel Visser, says that while the games share style and genre they both have several unique worlds, trading card sets and mini games and of course each leagues sports game to unlock.
Gameplay
The game brings AFL teams mascots to life in an action adventure. There are 48 levels, 16 playable characters and numerous mini-games including an unlockable mini-game of Australian Rules Football. Each team has its own themed world, with three levels, including one boss arena. All the team mascots come with their own powers which you use to defeat the enemies. Abilities include fiery fists & ground smash. Your character will face other teams mascots in 'boss battles'. Players can also collect and trade AFL playing cards wirelessly in the game. As well as collectable cards, gold can be found around the game world to purchase the cards from an ingame shop. The cards are used to unlock players for the minigame.
Critical response
The first reviews for the game have been positive. Cyber Shack gave it a 4 to 4.5 out of 5 and Aussie Nintendo gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Just Kidding, a gaming magazine targeted at school age children reviewed Mascot Manor, saying the game hits the mark and giving it 4 out of 5.