More often than not, sports quiz iPhone apps have been a bust. The lack of questions always seems to be an issue, and many times the iPhone apps are simply boring, so they offer next to no replay value.
But it finally looks like developers have found a formula that works. Late August saw the release of World Cup Trivia Challenge, an iPhone app in which you attempt to guide your team to the World Cup by answering trivia questions, and earlier this month there was a similar release called NFL Trivia Matchup.
The $2.99 app is similar to its soccer counterpart in that in blends game play with trivia. On offense, you select whether you want to attempt a run, short pass or long pass, while on defense you choose between run defense, pass defense and blitzing. The play’s success is based not only on your trivia knowledge, but that of your opponent’s – a computer foe or another human player – as well.
This guessing game is almost as important as the trivia itself. If your opponent is running and you’re looking for a pass, even if they miss their question, there’s a chance they can gain a couple of yards. It’s not as fun as Madden, but it does manage to give you some kind of goal and will keep you entertained.
NFL Trivia Matchup boasts more than 2,000 questions, a pretty impressive number. It is also officially licensed by the league, so there are real teams and logos included. This is really a small addition, but I have to admit it does make the app seem more professional.
The only thing I was disappointed in is that, unlike in World Cup Trivia Challenge, you are only able to play a single game. Instead of guiding your team through a season or to the Super Bowl, you goal is to earn achievements such as scoring six times in a game and answering 10 consecutive questions.
That small complaint aside, NFL Trivia Matchup is a fresh take on the genre and far superior to any other football quiz apps. It will set you back about $3, but when you consider the number of questions included and the NFL license that’s a very fair price.
