Now that we have some solid impressions...

[drae2]

Quote: Originally Posted by dQbell

Come on man, it's not that cut and dry. You have a guy that wants to take advantage of the choice in games, but because one doesn't offer franchise mode, it's tough for him to decide. I'm a big online player, so the idea of running a structured league, where we are responsible for building our teams and competing with some of the greatest players to play the game is exciting. But, for others, the lack of franchise is frustrating. The playability of this game is going to be better than the competition's (in terms of actual gameplay). I believe what's going to happen is: 1) People are going to be reminded of how frustrating it is that the NFL went exclusive. 2) People are going to wish the game had a little more on the offline side of things. Most importantly, this game is going to be alot of fun for the customization crowd. Sure, it lacks certain specific customizations, but just wait and see all of the posts and topics pertaining to creating the perfect team. So, to say, "just don't buy it" is not a logical solution for someone who wants to enjoy the great playability of the game but struggle with some of its missing features.

I understand his pain, because I play mostly offline too. But we've known
about the no franchise mode for a while now, yet people keep harping on it. We have to either accept this fact or move on.

[drae2]

Quote: Originally Posted by Timmay

I'll wait for some reviews. I really like 2k5 - but it's unplayable due to absolutely terrible defensive AI... If this game can fix that, and add a few new things, I'd be very happy with it.

Have you ever tried sliders?

[MC Fatigue]

Quote: Originally Posted by drae2

Have you ever tried sliders?

I've tried just about every single slider set on this board, as well as my own, as well as boosting up defensive ratings big time.

That doesn't stop defensive players from swiping at the ball, and going for INT when they have no chance, thus leaving the receiving wide open for touch downs.

It's a huge problem in this game. Not to mention - routes that lead your player to the corners - if the defensive player is playing backed up a bit, it's almost a 100% success rate for a catch.

It drives me nuts. I dislike having to completely alter my play to get any sort of realism out of a game.

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by TJdaSportsGuy

To say you're in the minority would be a tremendous understatement. You do realize it would be possible for 2K to combine concepts if they ever were to get back the NFL license, don't you? Why not have an "All Pro Mode", where you put together your legends team and play against other legends teams, and make that a feature of a new 2K NFL title down the road? Couldn't that be possible?

Exactly.

Quote: Originally Posted by Timmay

I'll wait for some reviews. I really like 2k5 - but it's unplayable due to absolutely terrible defensive AI... If this game can fix that, and add a few new things, I'd be very happy with it.

While I wouldn't call the game unplayable.. I agree with your assessment of DB A.I. But I can't recall a game where this wasn't a problem as well...

[JRod]

Quote: Originally Posted by drae2

Have you ever tried sliders?

Sliders never fixed that problem.

[DaveDQ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

I had mentioned this a while ago and it didn't really go anywhere. I think people are ultimately going to like this title but they still will be-moan the fact that the game doesn't have the NFL license. As much as they say they will enjoy playing with Legends, it's really going to hit after you watch a really damn good NFL game that week, go to play some videogame football, then realize you can't recreate it with the same players... and that's going to damper things in the long run.

Absolutely. In fact, that's what made me pop Madden back in after the Superbowl. You get the itching to play with the present day teams, and APF just won't be able to cover that.

Aaron mentioned this in his preview (or in response to one of the preview questions). APF may have the upperhand in gameplay, but the drop off to MAdden is going to be worth it for some because they'll be getting their MAdden fix.