On the eve of our finally being able to see gameplay videos of 2K5, I wanted to give HUGE props to VC for something that goes practically unnoticed during the course of gameplay... the referees.
I'm guessing others have noticed this before, but man, did VC do a great job with the referees. Do this: let the game play itself (I was playing Dolphins at Titans, daytime, 7min qtrs), and watch how the referees head track, follow a play, position themselves as the play occurs... it's almost on par with the OL/DL line play; it's (for lack of a better word)... beautiful.
In fact, it almost seems as though the referees move better than the players, in terms of directional movement. They don't turn in 8 directions. They strafe. They turn their hips in the proper manner when following plays. When following a play while stationary, they turn in increments - they DON'T PIVOT. I got a big kick just watching the refs on different plays. Granted, they're running slower than the players on the field. But the effect of how the referees move in relation to the game is amazing. That VC could incorporate this type of subtle detail to improve upon the overall effect is why they deserve such praise. And I haven't even mentioned the sidelines...
Just for kicks, I dusted off my copy of Madden 2004 to see if this was something that was common in each game (I'll BURN the game or use it in some high school gravity experiment before I trade it in to Electronics Boutique for the measly sum of $5). I tried using the same conditions. First of all, you don't get the ability to select any of the refs during replays - you sort of have to "follow" them w/the camera. It's almost comical how out of the play they are. There's no head tracking, and at times they're facing the complete opposite of the direction of the play. The thing is (as anyone that's played Madden would know) it seems the only time the ref comes into play is when he gets in the way of a pass play. It happens so often in Madden you'd think Tiburon inserted this kind of thing to give "realism" to the gameplay. Of course, since so many people hate it, it needs to be removed.
It wasn't my intention to bash Madden in this thread, but seeing that this morning made me want to give props to VC for creating a game with so many football subleties that can easily be taken for granted. Thanks again VC, for a great 2k4 - stuff like this makes me anticipate 2K5 all the more...
I'm guessing others have noticed this before, but man, did VC do a great job with the referees. Do this: let the game play itself (I was playing Dolphins at Titans, daytime, 7min qtrs), and watch how the referees head track, follow a play, position themselves as the play occurs... it's almost on par with the OL/DL line play; it's (for lack of a better word)... beautiful.
In fact, it almost seems as though the referees move better than the players, in terms of directional movement. They don't turn in 8 directions. They strafe. They turn their hips in the proper manner when following plays. When following a play while stationary, they turn in increments - they DON'T PIVOT. I got a big kick just watching the refs on different plays. Granted, they're running slower than the players on the field. But the effect of how the referees move in relation to the game is amazing. That VC could incorporate this type of subtle detail to improve upon the overall effect is why they deserve such praise. And I haven't even mentioned the sidelines...
Just for kicks, I dusted off my copy of Madden 2004 to see if this was something that was common in each game (I'll BURN the game or use it in some high school gravity experiment before I trade it in to Electronics Boutique for the measly sum of $5). I tried using the same conditions. First of all, you don't get the ability to select any of the refs during replays - you sort of have to "follow" them w/the camera. It's almost comical how out of the play they are. There's no head tracking, and at times they're facing the complete opposite of the direction of the play. The thing is (as anyone that's played Madden would know) it seems the only time the ref comes into play is when he gets in the way of a pass play. It happens so often in Madden you'd think Tiburon inserted this kind of thing to give "realism" to the gameplay. Of course, since so many people hate it, it needs to be removed.
It wasn't my intention to bash Madden in this thread, but seeing that this morning made me want to give props to VC for creating a game with so many football subleties that can easily be taken for granted. Thanks again VC, for a great 2k4 - stuff like this makes me anticipate 2K5 all the more...
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