Long Live NFL 2K

Specifically, ESPN NFL 2k5. I'm late to the party, but I'm working on getting my transfer kit and another copy of 2K5 from the internet so I can play updated rosters on my 360. I knew this sect of hardcore gamers existed (much like the freaks [read: excellent people] who create amazing rosters for the Fire Pro Wrestling series), but it's taken me a while to hop on the trolley.

After playing five games of All-Pro 2K8 today, I find myself wondering why I haven't done all of this sooner. Granted, I've poured hours of gameplay into Madden 09, which I don't regret. But, the 2K series nails the feeling of football so well. The physics of the Madden series are so wonky. Quarterbacking feels great with 2K, the running game makes more sense, the pass coverage is spot on, the AI can be forgiven for missteps compared to Madden's many AI follies, and the presentation of the 2K series is second to none.

My main issues with going forward with the 2K series as a long-term solution to my football cravings centered on roster issues and technical inferiority. I can now say (roster updates now a given, thanks again to the internet and the freaks who churn them out) that my roster issues are solved. My qualms with a game that is now more than four years old should involve graphical and gameplay insufficiency compared to newer titles.

I still find myself marveling over 2K5's prowess in those departments, though. It looks more like a game in action than newer Madden titles. It plays more like a real football game.

I can't, can't, can't say too many good things about the pinnacle of the series. Can't wait to get my hands on it again.

Granted, Madden's graphics have really pulled away from its four-year-old competition in many ways. The player models look better now. The grass is a lot better. There are more animations now.

I still maintain that the superior game is the one released in 2004.

In a perfect world, EA would buy Take-2 and release two NFL games every year: one 2K and one Madden.

Why not? They released Arena Football two years in a row.

Basically, I would shit and die.