NFL 2K |
Dreamcast |
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Review by Will Matson |
Sega |
Football |
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Graphics: 8 |
Sound: 8 |
Gameplay: 8 |
Overall: 9 |
![]() The graphics look good in this first game but obviously are not up to snuff with the later editions/versions. The animation isn't as good in this initial entry, there are quite a few frames missing. An example of this is with most tackles, in which the missing frames are blatant. In this game, a lot of times, a tackle takes place and the person who gets hit goes down in the very next frame. I'm not making this up, one frame he is standing as he is hit, the very next frame he is flat on the ground, it does look pretty sloppy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this ruins the game, I am just spoiled from playing the two later games before "tackling" this one. The sounds aren't much different from previous versions except for some minor points. The sound effects aren't as good as in later games, there is a bit of a lack of crisp, realism. The commentary is very clear, like in the later versions, but the phrases and accuracy are not as sharp.
Unlike the later games, the kickoff arrow does not move during kickoffs, punts or field goals. This serves to make field goals much easier than in the later editions. Another missing feature is the ability to control or move your player after a down/play is completed, which you are able to do in the later games. This means that the more aggressive readers/gamers aren't able to perform a "late hit" on an opposing player. The AI is about the same quality as in the later games, I am surprised Sega Sports/Visual Concepts never really increased the challenge of the game (not that I mind, I am still trying to master the pro and all-pro levels in these 3 games as this review goes to press). The passing is much tougher in this one than in the later games, although the running game is about the same as the later entries. The gameplay is a little bit slower, overall. The final point worth mentioning is the tackles/hits. The hits look more like wrestling moves or hockey/body checks as opposed to tackles so there is a bit of a lack of realism and an arcade feel here, even though the game itself isn't an "arcade" football game but more of a simulation.
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