Sports games have long been my favorite console fare.  Now, they just might turn into my iPhone obsession too, as well-done sports titles have started to make their way into the handset.

The latest of the bunch is NFL 2010, the first fully-licensed 3D football game for the iPhone.  While already available on a number of mobile platforms, the app adds particular graphics and control enhancements for the iPhone version, along with the  wealth of things it already manages so well.

Since it's licensed, you get to play with real NFL teams and athletes, all of them rendered with near-smooth 3D graphics.  Anyone who's played with random dudes on random teams know just how much that realism adds into the fun of a game.

While it's not about to rival Madden 2010 on the Xbox 360 anytime soon, NFL 2010 plays gorgeously.  It's very reminiscent of console titles from just a few years ago, in terms of the quality of gameplay.  Of course, the absence of a physical controller means some caveats were made, such as contextual buttons suddenly appearing during particular plays (e.g. when your running back is about to be tackled).  It's not a bad way to play, but could take some getting used to.  Special props have to go for the enormous playbook, which offers plenty of options for most any type of in-game situation.

The most obvious downside for this particular title is the lack of any multi-player option.  That's right, you're basically relegated to playing alone, which is not the best way (by a long mile) to enjoy a sports game.  With a season mode available, however, it offers some amount of long-term playability.

NFL 2010 is a great game and a good purchase for the $4.99 price.  Of course, given that Madden 2010 is also on the way for the iPhone, you might want to hold on to that money for a bit and see what EA comes up with.

Via Pocket Gamer