Is it Time to Stick a Fork in the NHL 2K Series?

[Jamin23]

It's never good for any game to stop being made no matter how good or bad it is.

[videobastard]

Quote: Originally Posted by bcgudely

They're not being picked apart by EA. They're being picked apart by 2K's own terrible management.

Its a combination of both. EA has definately helped make 2K games dissapear sooner then later. In regards to hockey EA put in analog controls, secured gary thorne for presentation, had better graphics, had better features and online stability. Some people even calling it the MLB the show of hockey. It was a no win situation for 2k regardless.

[CaptainZombie]

I'm not a fan of hockey, but do enjoy hockey games in general. I didn't buy any this year, but this is bad news for many reasons stated here by others. I dislike one company making sports games.........there is no competition.

The list just keeps getting short for 2KSports:

-NFL2K5 - due to NFL deal.
-APF2K8 - a shame this wasn't made into a every other year release.
-Don King Prizefighter Boxing - yet another game with potential if it were released every other year.
-CH2K8 - (didn't really play it), met its death due to low sales.

Going to be next:
-MLB2K series - I know 2K9 was an improvement, but boy was it still lacking in many areas.


One thing that hurts 2K imo besides gameplay issues in some of their sports games, they tried too hard to innovate with control schemes that have caused some complaints. I also dislike their horrible menus in their sports games......NBA2K10 was actually a first year where they were decent, but could have been better.

Where will this leave Top Spin and The Bigs?

[buzzguy]

Sad to read. I was a big 2K hockey fan from the DC days, up until 2K5. 2K4 and 2K5 are 2 of my favorite hockey sims around!
The magic just seemed to disappear when the new console generation kicked-off, and the games really haven't been as captivating as before.
Hopefully EA keeps pumping-out decent hockey sims, cuz you never know what a lack of competition can do (ie. Madden).

[kerosene31]

Quote: Originally Posted by videobastard

Its a combination of both. EA has definately helped make 2K games dissapear sooner then later. In regards to hockey EA put in analog controls, secured gary thorne for presentation, had better graphics, had better features and online stability. Some people even calling it the MLB the show of hockey. It was a no win situation for 2k regardless.

I don't agree. While it would (will) take 2k a long time to take over the top hockey game, there's a niche market there who wants something different.

While I am a fan of NHL10 overall, the way EA sports makes games can sometimes be too "sterile". It is hard to describe exactly. Alternate sports games like 2k hockey are a refreshing break from EA, especially offline.

While NHL 10 gets all the critical acclaim (some deserved), just look at the NHL 10 forum here and people totally frustrated by the game.

I literally smashed a controller in anger (not kidding) at NHL 10 when your CPU teammates do something horrible.

I don't want to turn this into a 1 vs other thread (seems kind of pointless), but my point is there are some of us who have room for a 2nd hockey game that offers something different and refreshing. Hockey season is very long, and there is more than enough room for 2 games.

2k killed themselves with their lack or interaction with the community. We got an update anytime one of the NHL dev team members had to use the bathroom, while nobody had any clue what kind of game 2k was making.

[metallicatz]

The "competition" argument is a double-edged sword. Having competition in "The Show" certainly hasn't pushed its MLB2K series in the right direction. Their NHL2K product has also been in decline even with competition. Madden had no competition this year, and yet they turned out a game that many fans and critics have called the best pro football game ever made. Look at the Tony Hawk franchise, competition hasn't helped them. Having competition has not been proven to push quality with the involved parties. People using this argument are still stuck in the last gen football wars.......ancient history at this point.

[spit_bubble]

Quote: Originally Posted by koshi

Bring back College Hoops!

Or better yet, bring back All Pro Football. If Backbreaker can do full customization, so can APF.

[videobastard]

Quote: Originally Posted by kerosene31

I don't agree. While it would (will) take 2k a long time to take over the top hockey game, there's a niche market there who wants something different.

Thats not the point i was making. Im stating that EA helped put the nail in the coffin. Regardless of what 2K did or did not do EA did with their product. If your competitor continues to improve and take away sales while you decline it just makes it a quicker death.