PocketSports Football by Solus Games serves as a model for complete football game apps for the iPhone. The advanced game play of the app compensates for a cheap-looking visual design that that is reminiscent of PlayStation One. If you're willing to spend a few bucks more and would prefer playing as your favorite professional players, I recommend NFL 2010, PocketSports Football's licensed competitor.

PocketSports Football stands out from most other football game apps because it focuses on game-play innovation. Most football game apps, like JIRBO’s iFootball or Blitz Football Pro, are entertaining but incorporate only field-goal kicking or quarterback challenges for the sake of setting high scores. PocketSports Football is a more ambitious game. The full version costs $4.99. A free version is available, but lacks League Play, which is by far the most fun.

To get into the action, players can chose one, two, or three-minute quarters. They also can pick one of two control modes to move the player. Tilt control, which I found to be mildly frustrating at first, links the ball-carrier’s movement in the direction the device is titled. As a long-time gamer, I prefer using “touch control” mode, which uses a joystick-like directional pad that is more familiar and is easier to handle. Pregame warm-ups allow users to practice field goals and familiarize themselves with controls. 

The offensive and defensive playbooks are underdeveloped -- with only 16 plays each  -- not including computer-performed punting. PocketSports Football does not have an in-game save option, a feature the season-long League Play version desperately needs.