Analyzing Commentary in Sports Games

[RaychelSnr]

Operation Sports' Richard Chavez has penned an article discussing how important commentary really is for sports games. Check out the article here.

Quote:

"High fly ball into right field, she is gone!" Those are the famous words spoken by legendary commentator Vin Scully. Those words made one of the biggest home runs hit in World Series history memorable to every baseball fan. There is no doubt, even without the commentary, Kirk Gibson's shot off of Dennis Eckersley would be remembered today and replayed numerous times every October. But there is something about the calmness as the bat connects, the excitement as the ball leaves the park, and the silence as Gibson rounds the bases. The entire moment was handled perfectly by Scully."

[yamabushi]

While it is a peripheral issue and its hard to get on somebody for not going all out like ‘The Show’, a good commentary does enhance the enjoyment and immersion. And frankly how hard is it to get a couple guys in the studio for a week or 2?

As for trotting out the ‘big’ names, well, I find it highly doubtful a guy the likes of Chris Collinsworth is going to put much time or energy into a ‘video game’.

[labguy]

This article ties in with one the other day about the need for developers to get the details (mentioning hit streaks, career achievements, game milestones,etc). A deep inventory of commentary that mixes play by play, with stories, player strength and weakness analysis and other aspects just makes a game better. People often complain about uniform problems and lack of refs and I know some people get frustrated by all these complaints, but these too fall under details. A game as big as Madden with the resources EA has should make a great game each year (INCLUDING the details). When you are the lone ship in the harbor (thanks to the exclusive NFL deal) then you open yourself up for the constant barrage of backlash because people don't have options. There is no other NFL title to compare Madden to, so really the bar is set to each individual's expectations. I think most people will admit EA has failed to meet their expectations the last few years. I know they have failed to meet mine and I consider most of mine reasonable.....again considering the resources EA has for a major title such as Madden.

[DaveDQ]

Good read. I love the addition of solid relevant commentary in sports games. So far, I'd say my most enjoyable has been FIFA 08.

[CMH]

Hey, now, Richard didn't write this.