OT: Xbox Football Game

helionaut

Not much going on with cards right now, so I was wondering if anyone on the boards plays videogames. I'm thinking about getting a football game for my Xbox, probably either Madden or that NCAA game. Maybe the ESPN game, since it's only $20 and I know I won't take advantage of all the features the other games have. My local Fry's has the Madden for $38, which looks like a good price anyway. I'm not on Xbox live or anything, I just want to pick a game that will let me unwind for an hour or so.

DaBigHurt

I don't play Madden nearly as much as I use to, but I did pick up this years version for the Xbox. Opted for the Xbox instead of PS2 because of superior graphics. Even though I picked up the Xbox S type controller, which is similiar to the PS2 controller, it's not the same. There are only 2 shoulder buttons on the Xbox as opposed to the 4 I'm used to on the PS2. $38 is extremely cheap for Madden 2005 and imo, well worth it, even if you may not play it that much. Game play is absolutely fabulous, the new animations for tackling is terrific and the game makes you earn your yardage on offense. In the past, the game was too offensive friendly, allowing unrealistic yardage to be racked up. They seem to have tuned up the defense in this edition to balance things.

ctsoxfan

Well, I'll tell you this - the new NFL 2K5 (Sega) is amazing also. I have an XBox, which I basically only use to play sports games occasionally on...and I bought both the new Madden and NFL2K5 a few weeks back. I have yet to unwrap Madden, when I have time to play, I play NFL2K5...

The graphics and presentation are amazing, with halftime and game end highlights presented by Chris Berman in ESPN fashion. There is a fairly deep dynasty mode, and lots of options to tinker with. The gameplay is awesome as well, the computer seems to learn your patterns and adjusts to you. I always thought Madden had the better, more realistic gameplay - but this year, I find the new Sega game hard to beat. Especially for $19.99.

Stone193

<< <i>Xbox Football Game >>


Helio
I pretty sure that Lothar and Kuhlmann both play regularly. Lothar has been busy with school and Chris K. hasn't been posting lately. But you could pm Lothar - and see if he is playing right now.

Mike

Axtell

I bought the ESPN for $20 because (a) it was $20 and (b) it was out 2 weeks earlier...put it through a pretty thorough workout, and I was impressed with what you get for $20.

That being said, Madden hands down is a far superior game. Better AI on defense (especially against the run), far more game options, and the training camp options really give you a way of learning the game without being in a game situation, and the preseason allows you to boost the stats of your players (really makes the multiple seasons better, where you can give stats boosts to your rookies).

I'd definitely recommend the Madden over ESPN. Not that ESPN is a bad game, but Madden just offers so much more. The voice acting on Madden is far superior too.

helionaut

Cool. Sounds like Madden is it, unless it's back up to $50. Then the ESPN game. Thanks for your opinions.

riccaboni

<< <i>That being said, Madden hands down is a far superior game. >>



How so? I feel Madden's graphics are stiff, the player models are worse, the running and cutting by the players is incredibly difficult to control. NFL2K5 is much more fluent as far as graphics and runs go.

NFL2K5, in my opinion, is a very far superior game, inside franchise mode, outside franchise mode, the Crib, and a much better buy at $20.

-Ian

Axtell

<< <i>

<< <i>That being said, Madden hands down is a far superior game. >>



How so? I feel Madden's graphics are stiff, the player models are worse, the running and cutting by the players is incredibly difficult to control. NFL2K5 is much more fluent as far as graphics and runs go.

NFL2K5, in my opinion, is a very far superior game, inside franchise mode, outside franchise mode, the Crib, and a much better buy at $20.

-Ian >>



The problems of the ESPN game didn't become that apparent to me until I got a chance to play Madden. I have played them both pretty extensively, and feel I have a pretty good grasp on what the ESPN game is lacking.

The biggest disappointment after comparing them side by side has to be the voice acting. On the ESPN game, you'll run into the same saying over and over and over in the same game...there is so much more variety and depth to the voice acting with Madden. Run defense on Madden is by far a lot better...meaning you aren't going to break off 70+ yard runs like I was doing consistently with ESPN...even on the more difficult levels. The game modes outside of the regular season are by far better on madden as well...you actually have a way of increasing your players stats from one season to the next...the salary cap management is a lot more realistic on madden, overall Madden is just a much better representation.

That being said, I am by no means slamming the ESPN game...it's a great game, and an amazing value at $20. However, choosing between them, hands down I go with Madden.

Lothar52

Stone is correct I play NCAA 05, Madden 05, and 2k5. I have found madden and ncaa to be more realistic...2k5 seems more like NFL Blitz with 11 players.....way too much stuff to let people score without having to use any strategy....i also hate how running outside with washington yields 20 yards a shot even against Eagles.

At any rate I am thinking of getting a Madden 2005 LEAGUE going...i got the premium pass thing....2 reason why I think PAYING for a league is better then just getting it free. One you got to be a serious player and really want the LEAGUE to go through and 2....You got to be a serious gamer and want the league to go through. NO MORE of this signing up for a league and then dropping out rendering the 32 man league not really complete. At any rate....its yet to be released.....

My gamer tag on ALL 3 games is Lothar52....message me and let me know your on the board....if your interested in joining a league or for a game let me know.

Loth

helionaut

I ended up getting ESPN. For the money, it's too good a deal, and I probably won't get deep enough into it to really appreciate or despise it. For example, I'm only 3 games into my first season in the franchise mode of All-Star Baseball 2004, which came out 18 months ago. In this game you can actually run, which I like. And it's good that the defensive AI seems to pick up as the game goes along. You can't call the same plays in the 4th quarter as in the 1st and expect to get anywhere. The problem with any game is that eventually you might be able to figure out a fool-proof play and winning becomes way too easy. I do not like how way too often my receivers either get held or just sort of forget to run their routes, though, nor do I like how the running consists of hitting a button as fast as possible, and some of the controls are confusing, but that's just me.

But I can recommend NBA Street Vol. 2. That's is quite a fun game with decent replay value, just $20 now. And did you know Best Buy sometimes drops prices on games to $5 to clear them out? I was able to pick up the Indiana Jones game last week for $5, and the guy said they do that on Mondays sometimes if there's a big game coming out that week. Pretty sweet.