While DoubleTap Software's Ted Ginn: Kick Return isn't the most accurate simulation of the role of said football player - you'll probably have to go to Madden for that - it does provide an interesting arcade-style take on the activity. Put simply, you draw the route for your returner to take up the field, picking up the ball and avoiding the defense as he darts for the end zone.
The Good
Ted Ginn: Kick Return is fairly easy to get into, with a simple one-touch control scheme that allows you to draw the path for your player. The game also provides a number of upgrades to unlock for him (including an "Elite Girdle" - worth a giggle) and improvements for the offensive line in general.
The Bad
As simple as the gameplay is, it doesn't really work all that well. You can't accurately change your route if you appear to be heading into a group of linesmen, and your offensive line doesn't really learn enough new tactics to effectively help you out. Furthermore, you can't command your player to take spins or jukes on the fly, as all this is handled automatically. You're just drawing the same old route - and it gets old quick.
The freemium model means you'll also have to pay real cash to get some of the better power-ups in the game - including Ginn himself. Furthermore, the presentation is flat. No, literally - the player models are cardboard cutouts and void of personality, and the field designs are bland. The player noises and announcing are pretty dull too, draining the atmosphere even further.
The Verdict
Fans of Ted Ginn - or those that admire punt returners - may be tempted to give this game a run-through, but Kick Return never really expands its role far enough to make it worthwhile. It's worth a try, then, but it won't stay with you in the long run.
The Good
Ted Ginn: Kick Return is fairly easy to get into, with a simple one-touch control scheme that allows you to draw the path for your player. The game also provides a number of upgrades to unlock for him (including an "Elite Girdle" - worth a giggle) and improvements for the offensive line in general.
The Bad
As simple as the gameplay is, it doesn't really work all that well. You can't accurately change your route if you appear to be heading into a group of linesmen, and your offensive line doesn't really learn enough new tactics to effectively help you out. Furthermore, you can't command your player to take spins or jukes on the fly, as all this is handled automatically. You're just drawing the same old route - and it gets old quick.
The freemium model means you'll also have to pay real cash to get some of the better power-ups in the game - including Ginn himself. Furthermore, the presentation is flat. No, literally - the player models are cardboard cutouts and void of personality, and the field designs are bland. The player noises and announcing are pretty dull too, draining the atmosphere even further.
The Verdict
Fans of Ted Ginn - or those that admire punt returners - may be tempted to give this game a run-through, but Kick Return never really expands its role far enough to make it worthwhile. It's worth a try, then, but it won't stay with you in the long run.
