AFL set for exclusive 2006 season on PS2

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[b]AFL set for exclusive 2006 season on PS2[/b]

Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and Aussie developer IR Gurus Interactive have announced that they are currently hard at work bringing the latest installment of the AFL game franchise exclusively to PS2.

The development team on AFL 2006 is working on dramatic improvements to their previous AFL game by increasing features, including, adding new game modes including online play, improving graphics with updated polygon detailed player models and adopting new development tools. A more lifelike player resemblance has been enabled with the use of DigiMask, and work has been completed to improve game animations and player artificial intelligence.

AFL 2006 will take advantage of a new PlayStation 2 technology called DigiMask, allowing gamers to take a picture of their face with an EyeToy camera and then have it inserted in to the game as a 3D model. For those who have dreamed of lining up for a grand final amongst the greats, this is their chance.

\"This deal provides IR Gurus with committed support to assist in the development, marketing and distribution of a premium sports title that will appeal to both fans of PlayStation 2 and fans of the AFL game,\" stated Michael Ephraim, Managing Director SCE Aust / NZ.

Mike Fegan, CEO of Melbourne based studio IR Gurus Interactive said, \"Carrying the official game license of the AFL, official agreements with all teams and players and our latest publishing agreement with SCE Aust. has allowed our team to focus on enhancing the game. A great new feature is the implementation of network and online play, allowing players to participate co-operatively or head-to-head online; an entirely new feature for the AFL game. We have also made significant gameplay and graphical improvements ensuring we give PlayStation 2 gamers a realistic and exciting AFL experience.\"

Commenting on the collaboration of SCE Aust. and IR Gurus Interactive, Andrew Demetriou, CEO of the AFL expressed his delight, \"The AFL is Australia\'s number one spectator sport and we are excited to partner with Sony and IR Gurus as we aim to assist the efforts of these companies in the production of Australias number one sports simulation game.\"

In response to a game preview Mr Demetriou was amazed by the new technology allowing \'face mapping\' and stated, \"Every young supporter and many older ones, have imagined themselves matching up with their heroes and winning a big game. Soon, anyone playing the new AFL 2006 will be able take to the field.\"

The continued support of the AFL has allowed IR Gurus Interactive to develop a game that closely reflects the action of the AFL Season. Even the new rule changes have been incorporated to the Wizard Cup, heritage jumpers are available for all 16 teams and game behavior monitored by an in-built AFL Tribunal designed to distribute reports and suspensions.

AFL 2006 will be available in Winter 2005.

[url=\"http://au.playstation.com/news/afl2006_announced.jhtml\"]Source[/url][/b]