Pro Jank Footy

It might not be the Aussie Rules simulation that people want, but Pro Jank Footy is an accessible sports game, that ended up making me appreciate some of the finer points of the real sport. Perfect for beginners that have no idea about this sport, or any sports for that matter.

It may not always play fair, and it certainly doesn't take itself seriously, but that's exactly what makes Pro Jank Footy such an entertaining surprise.

An absurd take on Australian Rules Football inspired by retro arcade sports games of the past, Pro Jank Footy never really finds its footing.

While I had high hopes that this wild and crazy take on sports could channel some old-school Mutant League vibes, I’m wishing perhaps they’d stopped the jank at mere amateur status…

Pro Jank Footy is far from the deepest experience out there, but it simply nails the spirit of the sport, along with a fresh burst of Aussie humour, so much so that it’s really hard not to enjoy on some level.

The true hilarity (and often frustration) comes if you play with mates in local VS. I suspect this fun would also apply to the future online mode, but I do wonder however how much lag will impact the experience. Or would it unintentionally enhance the jank!

Pro Jank Footy is a tremendous mess of a game, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. It boils down a complicated sport into its purest, fundamental arcade form before breaking it through a chaotic overloading of its simple systems. It's fun, it's hilarious, though its biggest flaw, if it even is one, is that it's best played with mates.

Pro Jank Footy is a blast in short bursts, especially when competing with friends and family. The wild possibilities escalate as more goals are kicked, creating moments of pure anarchy dabbled with nostalgia for anyone familiar with the sport in its best era. The victory on the scoreboard is never really the focus, for if you keep your sanity through a high scoring match you’re doing something right. This is an easy recommendation for anyone that enjoys AFL. For those enamoured by the style and the crazy combinations, definitely give this game a crack. I’ve followed the sport for 38 years, yet the powerups ensured all I knew quickly went flying out of the closest window.

Over-the-top roguelite arcade comedy sports game

I enjoyed Pro Jank Footy, but it isn’t the deepest sports game. Furthermore, the sense of randomness and the often challenging action make it a frustrating title. Despite this, I found it fun, comical, and enjoyable to play. Accordingly, I like it and recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox Store!