NFL2K rises from the ashes
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Jan 31st 2007 at 10:35AM }
If you're someone who absolutely despises EA, chances are it has something to do with NFL2K. Just over two years ago, Electronic Arts bought exclusive rights to the NFL license, effectively killing it's only competition, NFL2K. The fact that NFL2K was consistently rated as high (or higher) than EA's Madden may have had something to do with that, not to mention SEGA's ballsy move of lowering NFL2K5's price to $20, which led to it outselling Madden for the first time. EA wouldn't have any of that, so they did what they do best and bought out the competition.Now, 2 years later, NFL2K is coming back, though not in the way many would have hoped. 2K Sports has announced that NFL2K is returning as All-Pro Football 2K8. Gamespot has posted a lengthy interview with 2K Sports' Greg Thomas, though he doesn't give away many details. No gameplay details have been announced, except that 2K Sports is out to make the best football game it can. Without the NFL license, many are suggesting that the game will feature old football legends, but 2K Sports isn't talking. At any rate, NFL2K is coming back, and that is bound to make plenty of sports fans happy. The game is expected to hit this summer.
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ron @ Jan 31st 2007 10:44AM
This is the best news I've heard in a LONG time! NFL2K5 is easily the best football game, if not sports game, ever made and I can't wait for the return of 2K. I no longer have to settle for Madden, and competition is better for every sports gamer. It's gonna be interesting to see how quickly the NFL "reevaluates" the benefits of its exclusivity deal with EA. Of course Madden isn't going anywhere and will sell boatloads, but the league will still want its name on the best football product out there.
Pyronite @ Jan 31st 2007 10:56AM
Oh man...
I too love the 2K football games (well, at least 2k5... I have no experience with the others). There are so many things in it right that Madden continually gets wrong year after year.
At the very least, making this "All-Pro" game will keep the 2k series up to date as far as engine and gameplay is concerned and allow a better re-entrance into the NFL series when Madden loses its contract.
I wonder how they're gonna milk this one every year, though? Seems like they're definitely going to have to focus on gameplay upgrades rather than simple roster updates, because there probably won't be much. (That could be good, though!)
Modeps @ Jan 31st 2007 11:00AM
It's been rumored for a long time but I'm glad they finally confirmed it. Madden is a poor excuse for a football game.
fob2000 @ Jan 31st 2007 11:02AM
I love the 2K series ever since I first played NFL2K on my Dreamcast. That was still my favorite game because I could play as the Dallas Cowboys and watch Troy, Emmitt, and Michael play (even though they were hurt in real life during the season and the team wasn't that good).
The game play was great (I hate Madden's gameplay and style), but the fact remains that I could play as my favorite players and team, something that All-Pro 2K8 will NOT have. I'll probably rent the game for nostalgic purposes, but without an NFL and NFLPA licenses, it won't be the same experience.
In other words, I HATE YOU EA!!!!
Jake Good @ Jan 31st 2007 11:17AM
And we all remember the days when Madden 64 didn't have a NFL License... might have been too rough for them to handle ;)
J.Goodwin @ Jan 31st 2007 11:20AM
Definitely good news for people who play football games (which isn't me).
Jonah Falcon @ Jan 31st 2007 11:36AM
The way it's worded seems like it'll be fictional players and teams. Good. I really don't like the idea of an NFL Legends game, especially since you can't have franchise mode in that case.
josh @ Jan 31st 2007 11:37AM
I cannot wait to give this a try. Madden's 360 showings have been HORRENDOUS.
Josh @ Jan 31st 2007 12:18PM
Madden 07' wasn't that bad. I'll admit that NFL2K5 was much better but I don't think that it'll be the same w/o the NFL license. I can't wait until EA expires on the license so competition will resurface...if that ever happens.
Seiggy @ Jan 31st 2007 1:08PM
maybe this will pressure the NFL into canceling EA's contract due to poor sales if this outsells Madden 08' or at least maybe it will put some pressure on EA to make a decent football game for a change
Kevin @ Jan 31st 2007 1:38PM
I am happy to see it coming back as well. The legends would be ok, but I look back to the good old days of "baseball stars." How would it be to see a next gen football game similar to baseball stars. Players you can name, upgrade, etc. Not a big fan of the other football game this is out, and madden is just always lacking, welcome back 2k, you have been missed.
Matt @ Jan 31st 2007 1:46PM
Yeah, this is good for all of us. The worst thing that could have ever happened to Madden was the fact that there's no longer any motivation to improve. Just update the graphics a little and update the rosters. I'm on board for an alternative to Madden.
karlito @ Jan 31st 2007 1:49PM
Awesome i'm going to buy this as soon as it comes out
Rio Rancher @ Jan 31st 2007 2:24PM
I could care less about the NFL roster. Just a bunch of over glorified hoodlums, babies, and bloated egos. Welcome back 2K!
Steve
MadMup @ Jan 31st 2007 3:36PM
I will buy this game within two seconds of it being released. I have missed the 2K series immensely, and rather than buy Madden "just because," I've just gone without.
Tab @ Jan 31st 2007 7:30PM
What if the players were identical to the current players (with the exception of exact replication of their faces, but body build could be near identical), but just had different names and what if there is a built-in editor that allows you to rename the players?
And, what if you could create your own teams and logos, jerseys, etc..?
In theory, you could have the ability to create the entire NFL by yourself without 2kSports ever "including" the authentic logos, names, etc... I would speculate all you would need is some sort of HDD to store your "creations". Isn't it possible to have a HDD on the 360? ;)
Interesting theory, isn't it?