Thoughts on best next gen football game?

[Redwolf]

Finally have a next gen console (got an xbox 360 at Christmas) and now a new Widescreen 52" HD TV. I am a PC Football veteran and still play fbro'98 as well as the odd Madden title (2006 PC atm + NCAA '07 on ps2) from time to time. I am very disappointed at what seems like is a total loss for a decent next gen football title. I got NCAA 2012 shortly after Christmas and am disappointed at the offering. I hear that Madden 2012 is a let down too.

So here is my question: What is the best next gen football game, in your opinion, that fits the criteria below?:

It has to have a franchise/multi-season mode. It plays a solid game on the field -it doesn't have to be perfect, but no predetermination of results, nor overly easy/difficult. Results are relatively realistic. League must maintain integrity/skill balance over the long term (none of that every player/every team great after a few seasons - or the opposite - every team lousy after a few seasons). Reasonably intelligent AI drafting and AI player signings (if it has them). Some version of coach mode - where a player doesn't have to control his players via game pad on field. No major gameplay flaws.

Do any exist at all??????

[jyoung]

If you only play games for their franchise/multiseason mode, then you're out of luck, because the two best football games this generation (All Pro Football 2K8 and Backbreaker: Vengeance) don't have one.

If you absolutely have to have franchise mode, then go for NFL Head Coach 09. I'd vote it for third-best football game this generation.

[shadowman]

Head Coach 09 is way better than Backbreaker or All Pro Football 2K8.

[Mrgravyard49]

Isnt head coach just another madden or EA game..
What about 2k5?

[shadowman]

Head Coach is much more indepth than Madden. There is a lot more strategy involved in Head Coach. Madden is more of an arcade game.

[jyoung]

Head Coach was made by a completely separate team from Madden.

Not surprisingly, it's way better than anything Madden has done this generation.

[mestevo]

NCAA 2012 is the best football game I've played this generation. Previously it was whichever was the current Madden, but this year for whatever reason stuck with NCAA and haven't played much Madden.

[PaleVermilion]

Using that criteria there are no good games this generation. However, if you're able to get out of the franchise mindset I recommend APF2k8. I recently went back to it myself after trying new football game the last three years. Every Madden (10-12) I bought and sold within 2 weeks. NCAA 10 and 11 I enjoyed more, but a lot of that was because of team builder and Road to Glory mode. But all of those games I got tired of because of the super LB/lack of proper trajectory on passes.

So basically, if your #1 criteria is the best on the field gameplay experience, I recommend APF2k8.

If you care more about the franchise/off the field stuff, get Head Coach.

Just my thoughts.