ESPN Football?

BrutuStrength · #1 (**permalink**) 07-27-2004, 09:43 AM

I guess this came out last week, and only costs like $20 this year. The graphics looked sharp on the commercial I saw, but I typically prefer the EA Sports football games for the way that they play.

I figure that it's probably worth $20, but I'm still preoccupied with NCAA 2005 for now. I'd really like to hear about the new ESPN game. Does anyone have the new ESPN game, and if so, would you mind giving us a little review of the game?

OSUBasketballJunkie · #2 (**permalink**) 07-27-2004, 10:12 AM

Let me say that first I am a big madden fan, always get madden, never played ESPN and I am still going to pick up madden in a few weeks, I guess what made me pick ESPN up was the price and the reviews I saw on the net (IGN.com, Gamespy.com)

I picked it up and here is my short review:

1. The espn presentation is very good, adds alot to the game, includes sideline reporting

2. The gameplay is pretty close to madden, it has a different feel but in my opinion its a shade below madden but very good, the tackling is excellent and the anminations are good

3. The franchise mode is deeper than madden, and its very challenging to resign players and draft picks.

4. The rosters are not completely updated, but with online capability you can get it updated.

It is the best 20 bucks I ever spent on a game and is worth more than that, I reccomend picking it up, just to hold you over for madden, but it is a very good game, I would give it a 9.2 out of 10.

Now, what do we do with Ricky Williams? hmmmm........

BrutuStrength · #3 (**permalink**) 07-27-2004, 10:50 AM

Thanks 44820. I'll probably pick it up, it's mostly just a matter of when. I always seem to get excited about this game, and then I get it and I'm disappointed. I liked the ESPN graphics last year, and this year's game looks even sharper. Does the game handle HDTV settings like their basketball game did?

I honestly don't know if I'll have time to play 3 football games w/ the wife and 2 small kids at home. the wife has been extremely generous in letting me play NCAA so much since I've had it.

Anyone else try the ESPN game yet?

BuckeyeNation27 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2004, 11:00 AM

i have it. i just dove right in without reading directions. so i didnt know any of the buttons or anything like that.....but it felt like i was cheating on a girlfriend.....and not even with a hot girl.

ill give it another shot though....if i can ever put ncaa down.

TheEasyReader · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2004, 05:18 AM

Bought it and probably trading it back in when Madden comes out.

I can't stand the stupid weekly training mode where you have to create a training program for your players and if you do it wrong your guys ratings decrease.

Also the STUPID trades from the Cpu in franchise mode is horrible. Eli Manning traded for Junior Seau is one of many silly trades. Strahan was on the trading block for a HB with a rating of 50 or higher.

And the injuries are ridiculous as well. I had Moss, Edge, Vick, Jimmy Smith, Ricky Williams, Travis Henry, Lee Evans, Staley and Brooks all injured for the season by week 7.

The off-season mode is horribly slow and nowhere as fun as NCAA or last years Maddens in my opinion. To have sit through all 45 days of freeagency and not have the option to skip ahead a few days is stupid. I am currently on minute 45 and only 28 days have passed.

Yea the presentation is top notch no doubt and the game play is somewhat decent but as a whole don't waste your cash if you plan on getting Madden.

Can't complain since it was only 20 bucks, I mean 20 bucks ain't even a full tank of gas or a decent lap dance for that matter....

BrutuStrength · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2004, 08:48 AM

Easy- Thanks. That's great feedback for me. I'm mostly a dynasty/franchise player, and those issues you've covered would cause me to become quite irate in a short period of time. I'll probably skip it altogether or rent it. Madden comes out next week, and I've already got NCAA, so I'm not craving an NFL game right now. I think I'll just wait the week.

Thanks for all of the feedback guys.

BuckStocksHere · #7 (**permalink**) 08-12-2004, 01:35 PM

Anyone have any other observations about this? Being married and having already dropped 50 on a "game", the 20 bills sounds good to me.

I have heard Madden is quite good.... I love franchise/dynasty stuff that is why I always get NCAA. I haven't owned a Madden title since the SEGA. They are quite awesome though.

ekeen · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2004, 06:00 AM

I picked it up last weekend and bought the strategy guide to go with it ($10). I am not a serious gamer but for 20 dollars it is by far the best bang I have gotten with my buck for an XBox game.