Thoughts on best next gen football game?

[Redwolf]

Finally have a next gen console (got an xbox 360 at Christmas) and now a new Widescreen 52" HD TV. I am a PC Football veteran and still play fbro'98 as well as the odd Madden title (2006 PC atm + NCAA '07 on ps2) from time to time. I am very disappointed at what seems like is a total loss for a decent next gen football title. I got NCAA 2012 shortly after Christmas and am disappointed at the offering. I hear that Madden 2012 is a let down too.

So here is my question: What is the best next gen football game, in your opinion, that fits the criteria below?:

It has to have a franchise/multi-season mode. It plays a solid game on the field -it doesn't have to be perfect, but no predetermination of results, nor overly easy/difficult. Results are relatively realistic. League must maintain integrity/skill balance over the long term (none of that every player/every team great after a few seasons - or the opposite - every team lousy after a few seasons). Reasonably intelligent AI drafting and AI player signings (if it has them). Some version of coach mode - where a player doesn't have to control his players via game pad on field. No major gameplay flaws.

Do any exist at all??????

[jyoung]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

If you only play games for their franchise/multiseason mode, then you're out of luck, because the two best football games this generation (All Pro Football 2K8 and Backbreaker: Vengeance) don't have one.

If you absolutely have to have franchise mode, then go for NFL Head Coach 09. I'd vote it for third-best football game this generation.

[shadowman]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Head Coach 09 is way better than Backbreaker or All Pro Football 2K8.

[Mrgravyard49]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Isnt head coach just another madden or EA game..
What about 2k5?

[shadowman]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Head Coach is much more indepth than Madden. There is a lot more strategy involved in Head Coach. Madden is more of an arcade game.

[jyoung]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Head Coach was made by a completely separate team from Madden.

Not surprisingly, it's way better than anything Madden has done this generation.

[mestevo]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

NCAA 2012 is the best football game I've played this generation. Previously it was whichever was the current Madden, but this year for whatever reason stuck with NCAA and haven't played much Madden.

[PaleVermilion]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Using that criteria there are no good games this generation. However, if you're able to get out of the franchise mindset I recommend APF2k8. I recently went back to it myself after trying new football game the last three years. Every Madden (10-12) I bought and sold within 2 weeks. NCAA 10 and 11 I enjoyed more, but a lot of that was because of team builder and Road to Glory mode. But all of those games I got tired of because of the super LB/lack of proper trajectory on passes.

So basically, if your #1 criteria is the best on the field gameplay experience, I recommend APF2k8.

If you care more about the franchise/off the field stuff, get Head Coach.

Just my thoughts.

[Redwolf]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen.

After doing lots of reading and researching, I have come to the following conclusions:

On-field gameplay: APF2k8
Off-field franchise/GM: HC '09
...and if I take my above requirements and also throw in the ability to watch some of the AI vs. AI matches too, guess I am left with: NCAA '11
...will likely buy two of those three.

Dam shame there isn't an offering that has the entire package I am looking for!

[Mrgravyard49]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Redwolf, Get the apf 2k8.. You have the xbox and there is a hex editor out there so you can change the teams.. for on field play it truly is the Best! I have it for my Ps3 and wish I had the xbox..

[MooseMacHans]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Dam shame there isn't an offering that has the entire package I am looking for! [/QUOTE]

I have also turned to 360 and feel the same. I like Backbreaker the most because it seems the AI plays a fair game. There is no cheat engine wich just takes your game away and/or boost the AI players to super humans.
For strategy and simulation it is not the best, but the on the field action just makes my adrenaline boil unlike any other virtual football.

Redwolf, I remember downloading your stuff from Football Freaks. You did this league where was Montana Rams? I played that in Madden 08, Thanks!

[Redwolf]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Redwolf, I remember downloading your stuff from Football Freaks. You did this league where was Montana Rams? I played that in Madden 08, Thanks!

Yes, that was me. You are welcome! I also did a ton of slider development work for Madden '02-'08 PC coach/gm mode that most people know me by.

[beecravey7]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

If only APF 2k8 had a **** franchise mode. It is still the best playing football game and I've seen things happen in APF 2k8 that simulate real life that I haven't seen in many other football games if any. I think madden 12 is a fun game if you can find the right slider set for you. I used one from this site and tweaked it some and it is working well for me. The LB swatting definitely hurts the gameplay tho. I agree with whoever said NCAA 11 was worth playing. I have been thinking about buying that game again.

[Redwolf]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

Grabbed APF2k8 for only $4 and also picked up a new copy of NCAA '11 (which is probably the best overall fit for me, all things considered).

Thank you for the replies.

[K0ZZ]

Re: Thoughts on best next gen football game?

APF was too easily exploited. Honestly there isn't any good sim games out there this generation. It's been very disappointing for football gaming.