If you were ever in any doubt about the iPhone’s ability to thwart handheld consoles at their own game, you need to play Real Football 2009. We’ve been prodding its D-pad all weekend, and may never pick up a DS or PSP again.
Created by mobile gamesmasters Gameloft, it’s a proper 3D football sim for the iPhone, but where other mobile footy games struggle to get the adrenaline pumping, Real Football 09 manages it every time.
The key is in the controls. Instead of jabbing at buttons, there’s an on-screen D-pad and two buttons but they don’t just react to prods and pokes. Gestures are the key to success in Real Football, with circular motions, swipes, double taps and tap-and-holds all coming into play.
On-screen the action is gorgeous. Everything’s in full 3D complete with changeable weather effects, 21 stadiums and 198 different teams.
We have to admit to being ambivalent towards football here at Electricpig, but Gameloft has changed that, at least when it comes to the iPhone.
And the best news? The next update will deliver head-to-head play over Wi-Fi. PSP, we hardly knew you.
Out now | £6 | Gameloft (available through iTunes)
