Things A Game Must Have...

[DavonBrown]

What are some things a football game must have in order to become a must buy?
Also what are some small things that would help the game hold your interest?

[Cryolemon]

Vital:

• NFL rules
• Up to 32 teams
• A good Franchise simulation engine (i.e there shouldn't be 4 RBs over 2k yards)
• A robust player / team editor
• Forza / BB logo editor

Would be nice:

• College rules option (including 4 years of eligibility for Dynasty mode, etc.)
• Ability to include more than one league in a franchise mode (a-la OOTP)
• Up to 120+ teams per league
• Editable playbooks
• A rich fictional default league (again, like the ABA you get with OOTP)

Unlikely to be possible, but worth mentioning:

• Arena football and CFL Rules
• Custom rules
• A BB style physics engine, meshed with a 2k style animation system
• Fight Night style face editor
• A play editor like Maximum Football.

[elgreazy1]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cryolemon

Vital:[*]A BB style physics engine, meshed with a 2k style animation system[/list]

***drooolzzzz***

You know, I wish something like this could be done but instead of focusing on "realistic" character models, I'd really like a highly stylized version of players so they don't have to be photo-realistic but merely characters of them.

APF was borderline along these lines, but I'd like them to push it further. Look at games like Blitz (original), Madden Wii, etc at the exaggerated models. Why can't WR's be tall & lanky, RB's built like cinderblocks with legs, DL & OL who look like the Hulk, etc? Pair that with the terrific animations of 2K's engine - ex: pull off a double-charge move (ie: Shoulder Charge) and watch the explosive animation that occurs with the flashing aura, exaggerated move, and wicked sound-effects - and a more advanced physics system and you got yourself a nice, clean product.

The best part about going this route is that the developers could simply create a fictional league with "characters" that could be drafted, signed, etc and forsake the NFL license - PLEASE don't bring that fight to this post. Imagine getting to know certain players, then receiving expansion packs via DLC or unlocking them with Achievements/Trophies for more players, stadiums, coaches, teams, etc. This would extend the shelf life of the game as well seeing as a yearly cycle wouldn't be necessary seeing as the game would continue to have add-on's.

[raiders81tim]

All pro with upgraded graphics and fixed defensive AI.

[DavonBrown]

Thanks guys. I ask because I'm an aspiring game developer and I want my first big game to be a football game.

[LingeringRegime]

A halftime show that showcases not only your highlights from your current game, but also shows some highlights from around the league.

[elgreazy1]

Quote: Originally Posted by DEFTFUNDAMENTALZ

A halftime show that showcases not only your highlights from your current game, but also shows some highlights from around the league.

I always thought this would have been an amazing tie-on for Online Leagues. Like somewhere in the leagues menu there is a weekly wrap up - much like ESPN 2K5 had - where you can load up the video and the talking heads would go over highlights.

[SportsGuy53]

How about a game the has the editing of FB Pro98, the presentation of 2k5, the grafics of madden11 and the gameplay of APF2k8....