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NFL 2K4
- July 30, 2003 15:06 PM PST
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NFL 2K4 is looking like a Super Bowl contender.
Major MovesNFL 2K4 is making another run at football greatness for the Xbox and the PS2 this year. Like everyone else, it?s gunning for EA Sports? Madden NFL powerhouse, but even with aggressive retooling, 2K4 isn?t about to change its personality.
2K fans should, however, be ready for at least one radical change. In a bid to make the game more accessible to the masses, the joystick-controlled play-calling system will be gone. Instead, NFL 2K4, like Madden, will sport a menu-oriented playbook interface that displays formations and three plays at a time.
2K4 also puts on a new game face by making more extensive use of the ESPN license (a deal made too late last year to fully implement into 2K3). The game will resemble ESPN?s Sunday football broadcasts by adding picture-in-picture replays, half-time highlights of games in progress, and on-the-fly, full-screen profiles of players who make big plays. (Look for ESPN to use 2K4 to illustrate plays in its TV broadcasts, too!)
Charge!
Gameplay is always 2K?s strong point, and this year?s edition looks better than ever. For instance, rapid finger taps will increase a ballcarrier?s speed, or you can hold the Run button to charge up for special moves like a shoulder charge. You can chain special moves, too.
Among other intriguing gameplay tweaks is the ability to sub personnel packages with a single button press, such as swapping a halfback with a fullback. On defense, you can adjust the line rush pattern at the line of scrimmage. Also, every formation has its own set of audibles.
Franchise mode is going to be more user friendly, too. Last year, 2K introduced an imaginative interface that actually placed you in a general manager?s chair. This year, you?ll even receive in-game e-mail messages to help you make decisions. Additionally, you get a report card at the end of every season?and the owner just might fire you! Game over, man! With all that on its roster, NFL 2K4 is definitely preparing to put on some moves in its bid for video-game football?s top spot.
