RaychelSnr's Blog
It's happening. Right now.
March Madness truly describes anything that goes on in this month involving a bracket.
The second version of the Greatest Sports Game Ever Tournament is now down to it's final eight games, and we are guaranteed a new and fresh championship matchup since both NFL 2K5 and College Hoops 2K8 went down in the Sweet 16.
Unthinkable. Shocking.
Ever since the first Greatest Sports Game Ever Tournament, both of those games have been the cornerstone upon which all arguments have been built on OS.
"If only Madden had 2K5's presentation."
"If only someone would make a College Hoops game that could stand up to 2K8."
But now? Now they've been defeated by MLB '10: The Show and WWF No Mercy. Both are, themselves, worthy games no doubt. But it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that both 2K5 and 2K8 would be at least in the Final Four. But they're not, and it makes me wonder why games truly become great in the first place.
Let's consider both of the aforementioned games. It's blasphemy to say this on OS I know, but both games had serious flaws. College Hoops 2K8 received a (deservingly) low review score on OS because the initial game simply didn't play that well. Over time that improved, but the gameplay is still nowhere near say, NBA 2K11. What CH 2K8 has going for it is an incredible Legacy Mode that is still tough to top by anyone in this genre.
Rewind even further to NFL 2K5. People forget there was an intense debate in 2004 about which game had the best gameplay, and the clear consensus amongst critics seemed to be Madden NFL 2005 actually sported the better gameplay but 2K5 won in terms of presentation and intangibles. In hindsight, I'm not sure if that was true, but it's worth considering that 2K5's true standout feature was it's presentation.
But we can get into this with any old title. The gameplay tends to be the element to bring you in, but the presentation and modes seems to always define how long of a legacy a game can leave in your heart. Tecmo Super Bowl was an easy, easy game. The gameplay was simplistic. But the presentation and all of the game's flair are what made people really fall in love with the game.
There are exceptions, but I do tend to believe that the games which truly leave a lasting mark on our minds do so because they not only do gameplay right, but they do it all in a way that's unique enough to leave a memory.
Gameplay is important, don't let me minimize it. But I tend to believe that for a game to become a lasting classic -- it has to present the sport it's presenting in a way where people will remember it.
As for me? I'm going to go back and try to flip a coin to decide upon how my vote will be cast in these upcoming Elite Eight Matchups in the Greatest Sports Game Ever Tournament.
# 17
Chibi @ Mar 24
I picked up CHoops 2k8 again because I'm always drawn to the game at conference tourney time, and it amazes me how much the weekly shows and especially the selection show add to the feeling that the things your team is doing actually matter in the context of their universe. That plus the abundance of stats, box scores, polls/ratings, and scouting reports add so much depth to the game experience. I can't believe how rewarding Legacy mode still is half a decade after the game came out.
# 18
bigsmallwood @ Mar 24
2k5 nor CH2K8 are overrated...both are great games with flaws of their time. If both were still being made today, I am quite sure we would have been treated to the same quality of an NBA 2K11. And I am sure the issues those games have would have been addressed at this point. Presentation helps to make a game! #2K5forever Are both games dated at this point? Yes they are. However they are all we have to hold on to...until one of the other games steps up to the plate and delivers!!!
# 19
tril @ Mar 25
Jersey...
IMO, 2k mechanics, and gameplay always feel better than EA.
its also personal preference. At this point both companies are extablished, and it does come down to one or the other. its like a coke vs pepsi thing now.
presenation is part of the equation but there is definetly more at play here.
IMO, 2k mechanics, and gameplay always feel better than EA.
its also personal preference. At this point both companies are extablished, and it does come down to one or the other. its like a coke vs pepsi thing now.
presenation is part of the equation but there is definetly more at play here.
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The development of dynamic commentary that evolves throughout your season is the biggest breakthrough. It makes every game you play feel fresh. Additions such as halftime shows & adverts during your game for forthcoming fixtures are nice little distractions that collectively work well to create a real world broadcast environment.
Sadly EA haven't really embraced this part of sports gaming & whereas years ago EA were one of the best in this area they are now often heavily criticised. The NHL & Madden games stand out as particularly bad. For me personally NHL is one of the worst games out there in terms of recreating the game we watch on TV. With stale commentary, lack of stat overlays & a repetitive, emotionless cut scenes this game, which has only seen moderate changes in the last few years, is now starting to feel very tired. This despite the well accepted fact that this game has some great gameplay.
We now know just what is possible in terms of presentation in games which makes it even more frustrating when a top tier game is released while completely neglecting this aspect of the sport it is simulating.