The iPhone and iPod Touch has had a rough time when it comes to sports games. Many games that were developed for the platform either fell flat on their faces or were plagued with poor control schemes and limited content. So you can imagine my joy when a game like NFL 2010 installed onto my iPhone. This is one of the first sports games that I would describe as full-featured and a true sports experience. The game, distributed by Gameloft, is a shining example of what sports games can and should be on the iPhone.

The game is a single-player only game that offers 3 different modes of play. Players can enjoy an exhibition, season, or playoff gametype with all the detail that you would expect from an NFL sanctioned game. Choosing plays and running them is simple and touch'nswipe-based. After picking a play, the game utilizes a virtual joystick which I have mixed feelings about. Passing plays are executed by tapping on a player's shape. The more green the shape is, the better the chance of the catch.

The overall experience is smooth and fun. But that's not to say the app is without its flaws and poor choices. When running or on defense, the game will slow down the gameplay and give the player an option on what move they would like to perform. The feature feels a bit arcady and sometimes gets in the way of feeling like you are running the ball at all. Also, the game does not necessarily adhere to all the NFL rules such as dead ball rule, forcing a down if the players knee hits the ground.

Overall, the game is still one to be appreciated for bringing real sports gameplay to the iPhone. There are new features coming in the update including online and wifi multiplayer. It's pricetag may be slightly too high for what it offers but it is still a great example of sports done right.