Differences

[joyosects]

I'm on a limited budget for the next 2 months. Is this game that much greater than 2k4 where I should splurge and get it now anyway (I can, it's just going to cramp my budget) or is it not that different of a game?

[MizzouRah]

I'm VERY early into the new version, but MOST DEFINITLY it's better than 2k4 for me already. I love all the new stuff Jim's added in this version.

[Kodos]

I'd just like to compliment your fantastic user name.

[Front Office Midget]

Single-player never really interested me much in 2k4, and I never got more than 30 years into a career.

I've found 2k7 worth the purchase so far, granted I've only run a few seasons. The main improvements for me are in the offseason, where it seems that the AI keeps its top players much better than ever before. I recall in 2k4 and before that there were always 80+ rated players in free agency, and I haven't seen one yet. There seems to be an issue with the AI releasing too many players pre-FA, but it isn't a huge issue to me yet (in my mind I'm just imagining that these are GMs in the early years of the league who don't know how to manage a football team... and hoping it gets fixed by a patch early in my career :)).

The draft is very much improved now, the lack of current/future ratings makes it more realistic in that your scout doesn't have a definitive rating for all these rookie players, but you can also get a grasp on more players through interviewing. I like how the computer is drafting, except I haven't looked at it too much. It seems to be drafting players it interviewed or expects to be good, rather than just the next player down the list, which is good.

You can look for the thread, "Holy CRAP, this gameplanning AI is dynamic!" for a better explanation, but the AI gameplans are definitely more diverse now. Teams with a strong QB and weak RB or vice-versa are playing like it. Teams with strong zone defenses are playing the zone more often. Some teams blitz a lot more than others. I'm seeing more teams over 450 points than I did in 2k4.

Finally, I can't even explain how much I love the player cards now. In my 3-person 2k4 league with my friends, we consider Ray McKenzie to be the inaugural great QB in the league, but looking at his player card you wouldn't understand why we consider him so legendary. He played 3 years, and won 2 Super Bowls, throwing 4 TDs in each. On 2k7, you would be able to look at his playoff stats and be amazed, and this really adds a dimension to players who are like Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Also, the transaction/injury history on the player cards really help you grasp that player's career.

So yeah, I would say it's worth it. I think most will probably say it's worth it.

[Bonegavel]

I know Jim doesn't work like this, but I would love to see an FOF2K_ every year with the sorts of improvements that I've seen over 2K4.

This and put TCY on the same code base (with obvious changes where needed - draft v. recruit) and release that every year too. At the very least, stagger the games every other year.

You can only ask the man to patch and support a single purchase for so long.

[Front Office Midget]

FOF2k4 and 2k7 were the furthest two releases apart, correct? Prior to that, there was a Gindin game released every year from 98-2003 (if you count the EA Games as separate releases).

[Bonegavel]

FOF2k4 and 2k7 were the furthest two releases apart, correct? Prior to that, there was a Gindin game released every year from 98-2003 (if you count the EA Games as separate releases).

What I meant is, Jim won't just slap paint on FOF2K7 for next year and release it only to find out it is a roster upgrade. The other years the game was far smaller and could be done quicker. I think Jim is in the phase where stuff will be trickling out much slower.

[Raiders Army]

Not to be a killjoy, but at this point the new game is fun but probably not worth the upgrade. Once all of the major bugs are worked out I'd get it. Jim might fix the FA bug before the new year, but I believe he mentioned something about doing one more patch fix before the new year and one came out last week. As a fast-simmer single-player, I don't see much added to this iteration without the bugs gone. Not as much as FOF 2k4 was to FOF4.

That being said, I think it depends on your play style and your expectations. If you are primarily a single player I would hold off. If you're in a MP league you might want to upgrade. If you expect the game to be radically different then hold off until it doesn't cramp your budget. If you want some good bells and whistles to the game get it. If you are already invested in a single-player franchise and are attached to the history, hold off. If you're ready for a new franchise then buy it.


Edit--My two cents.

[aran]

Single Player is so much more enjoyable for me in the new version. The AI has been much improved on many fronts: gamplanning and roster management in particular. New statistical areas are nice, but the milestone window and transaction/injurly log window on play cards are really a wonderful UI additions that make the game a bit more immersive.

It's worth a buy. :)

[JeffW]

I'm on a limited budget for the next 2 months. Is this game that much greater than 2k4 where I should splurge and get it now anyway (I can, it's just going to cramp my budget) or is it not that different of a game?

It's still pretty much the same game. A lot of the feel has changed because of scout error, but other than that the most substantial changes are in game planning options.

I think on the whole I prefer 2k4 a bit, but I have to switch to 2k7 for multiplayer play.

What will you have to give up if you buy FOF now? Answering that will help you make a decision.

[willem]

This game has made the biggest leap in SP enjoyability and AI challenge from subsequent versions than any I've purchased Jim's games (fof2). Fof2k4 was a nice leap forward for multi-player and such, but the AI mirrored its predecessor more or less.

[Bonegavel]

The interviewing made this purchase worth it for me. Finally a connection with the draftees that I didn't have before. Looking forward to see how Jim adds to this in the coming releases.

other things I like

The playoff stats are very nice.
It's harder to find good talent in the FA pool.
AI does a better job of keeping their good playersoverall, I seem to have a better handle on things in this version even though I am performing poorly.

I just wish I could leave the AI handle my depth charts but still allow me to lock in a few players that I want to see play.

Just for reference: I'm a 10,000 foot player (I don't dive into the minutiae all that often). I tend to spend my time on the draft ( I use all my interviews ) but then sim the entire season leaving the decisions up to my coaches.