A real football experience without the NFL, This proves that the NFL doesn't make football, football makes the NFL.
Advantages:
Reviewers complain about the character models and I did as well until I started playing the game and realized what 2k did. The character models really look like they have football pads on top of their body instead of the models looking like they are one with the equipment. The jerseys actually has texture that looks like a real jersey, and because of the player models you can actually picture the players without the equipment because of the way the body structure is built. On a ripped player you can see the biceps and triceps, the players head looks like it could actually match the body. True every player is not photo realistic but all in all I think that 2k did a nice job.
Building a team was very fun for me because I edited my squad until it felt just right. The stadiums are off the hook, i actually am still in the process of finding that right stadium for me because when a touchdown or first down is accomplished every stadium celebrates it differently. Player animations and the actual game of Offense and D, are perfectly integrated with the AI. I love playing the game of football on this engine. Offense react as it should (blocking, passing, etc.) I love the defensive rushing because this is the first game where you actually have to bull rush, spin, rip, everything possible to get to the quarterback. Often one move won't let you make it to a sack.
Negatives:
You've heard it before, not enough modes. I think that 2K wanted to do something different to appease there old fans but not necessarily create a foot hole in football if you know what I'm saying. This is evident from the lack of modes and the trade mark Crib. On the presentation side replays are still shown often and you still have a player of the game but I would have like to see suzie back down there giving the interviews and I would have like to see peter o. maybe give a sports centerisk review of the game. I think that 2k could have made up their own broadcasting center a really created a whole world around the fantasy league of football. The soundtrack is too short and it would be nice if you could add your own music like in their great title before.
conclusion:
all in all this game is wonderful it just felt like 2k wanted to give you something new and not something they were 100% behind. 2k is too creative I know that they could come up with a sports center like broadcast in game and build more modes and etc. It feels like they wanted to show the fans that they still want to make a football game for us but lack the license. I say with what you have done her you can expand upon. GTA create fake advertising boards and tooth paste and whatever why can't 2k create a world around this game. Make this league real to us, it can be done. The movie Any Given Sunday had all made up team and yet the audience still gets the feel of the NFL, it can be done. I hope that this title gets an update......it needs an 2k9 or 10 or whaterver because there is so much potential. I owned madden 08 I took it back because I hated the commentary and the presentation and the player animations the game doesn't feel real to me we need another all pro football but next time BRING EVERY THING YOU GOT 2K, FO REAL THIS TIME. FOOTBALL MAKES THE NFL NOT THE NFL MAKES FOOTBALL.