Game Informer review= 8...solid score

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by JayBee74

Are the graphics that bad? How can you agree or disagree on a game you haven't played?

Then I'll say it again: great game play (from everything we've been hearing) minus next-gen graphics (ala MLB 2K7 for example), Natural Motion and a boatload of features, modes and options that were in NFL 2K5, equals a solid 8. I agree with the OP. Fair score, reflective of what is in and what is not in the game.

[VCdolphin]

Quote: Originally Posted by Siggy778

It seems that they would've given it a 9 if it had Franchise but I'm going to be playing it online 90 % of the time anyways so whatever.

A full point deduction for lack of Franchise mode? Okay, I can live with that. That means, as you pointed out, a solid 9 or 8.5 for the second reviewer.

Of course, these are just someones opinion. I'm usually more interested in the gameplay details that a review provides. I'll decide for myself how good or bad a game is -after some playtime.

[jmood88]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Then I'll say it again: great game play (from everything we've been hearing) minus next-gen graphics (ala MLB 2K7 for example), Natural Motion and a boatload of features, modes and options that were in NFL 2K5, equals a solid 8. I agree with the OP. Fair score, reflective of what is in and what is not in the game.

What "next-gen" graphics are you talking about? Everyone who has played it said that it looks great.

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by jmood88

What "next-gen" graphics are you talking about? Everyone who has played it said that it looks great.

Like I said: MLB 2K7-level graphics. Or GOW-level graphics. Or have you seen the almost photo-realistic look of Halo 3? One improvement certainly would be player models that don't look so cartooney. Realistic touches like improved skin textures, and hair that isn't cemented to their heads, would also help. Also, have you seen Dan Marino? Doesn't resemble him in the slightest. Faces at the very least should be near photo-realistic, if they're to be considered next-gen at all.

And of course with this topic: always in the eye of the beholder, LOL

[jmood88]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Like I said: MLB 2K7-level graphics. Or GOW-level graphics. Or have you seen the almost photo-realistic look of Halo 3? One improvement certainly would be player models that don't look so cartooney. Realistic touches like improved skin textures, and hair that isn't cemented to their heads, would also help. Also, have you seen Dan Marino? Doesn't resemble him in the slightest. Faces at the very least should be near photo-realistic, if they're to be considered next-gen at all. And of course with this topic: always in the eye of the beholder, LOL

Show me a sports game that looks like Gears of War. Other than the hair I don't know what you're talking about.

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by jmood88

Show me a sports game that looks like Gears of War. Other than the hair I don't know what you're talking about.

For the third time: MLB 2K7. Even NHL 07 was off the charts as far as graphical realism goes. That game LOOKS like an NHL hockey game in action. APF, no matter how much you squint, looks like a rendered, cartoon version of a football game.

Sounds like you don't REALLY want to know what I'm talking about. So let's call it IMO and leave it at that

[spankdatazz22]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Like I said: MLB 2K7-level graphics. Or GOW-level graphics. Or have you seen the almost photo-realistic look of Halo 3? One improvement certainly would be player models that don't look so cartooney. Realistic touches like improved skin textures, and hair that isn't cemented to their heads, would also help. And of course with this topic: always in the eye of the beholder, LOL

The three games you noted are all high bars though. I don't think things should be judged in strict black and white terms. Just focusing on the lack of "photo-realism" disregards the seeming improvements in the crowds, sidelines, overall atmosphere, etc.

Either way, I'm really not sure how the game will be scored - as I said before, while the game will get docked for not having a franchise mode, will reviewers be willing to give props to the game for being the only NG football title with online season mode (or whatever it's called)? Outside of franchise and perhaps minigames, what else is the game missing in terms of features that would be considered standard? I wouldn't expect 9s simply because this is the first game of the series and there's a lot of areas where the game can improve.

[MachoMyers]

I never played more than a single season of NFL 2k5 (played probably 8-10 single seasons with different teams, wasn't thrilled with the franchise mode) so a lack of a franchise mode for me is not a big deal. I think the appeal with this game is creating different teams, playing through a season, finding out what worked or didn't work for you and recreating another team. Offensive minded (passing, rushing) / Defensive minded (fast, big). I can easily see myself playing dozens of seasons with all different players.