GridIron Live Football Game Rushes onto Facebook

Jocks who've been waiting for a serious sports game to arrive on Facebook, the wait might be over. A new football game called GridIron Live has launched, promising to deliver a social sports game that's more action-oriented than, say, Mafia Wars or Pet Society.

"We see GridIron Live as a new generation of applications for Facebook Platform that borrow sophisticated elements from traditional gaming to give the player higher-quality, unforgettable experiences," says Challenge Games VP Jeff Petry.

The premise of the game is simple -- custom create your own football team and act as their coach -- calling offensive and defensive plays -- and leading your team to victory. The game can be played solo (against a computer-controlled opponent) or challenge other friends to a gridiron showdown.

GridIron follows the popular Facebook gaming model -- it's free to play, but you have an option to buy virtual currency and spend it on Free Agents, Player Packs, such as an All-Pro Linebackers Player Package for 30 coins; new plays and energy, which will allow your team to stay on the field longer than normal.

Our in-house football fans were dubious at first -- but the live game seemed to change their minds, a little anyway. Give GridIron a try and let us know if this game is headed for the Facebook Game Hall of Fame.

Find out how to set up your GridIron Live team after the jump >>