NFL 2K Gameplay

As we found out with some PC games, gorgeous graphics aren't everything. A game has to be playable and fun. The gameplay is a good mix between a pure simulation and an arcade game. The PowerVR chip helps the action clip along at 60fps, so you don't get any of the slow down that you see in PC games. This is not NFL Blitz, however, so you can still react and create plays for your players. What I liked most about the game play was the amount of control that you get. You can lead your receiver or throw the ball short by maneuvering the analog stick on the joypad. Tapping the pass button throws a floater, and holding the button down gives you a John Elway, finger breaking, bullet pass.

Illegal Procedure, 5 yards

Don't forget who your receivers are

Plays can be chosen using the VMU or on screen. When the plays are displayed on the TV, you see the plays superimposed on the playing field so you can see exactly where a certain player will be. Selecting plays via the VMU is an option helps when you don't want your opponent to see the onsides kick you're planning. You can also program your own custom plays and save them on the VMU. This extra amount of customizability doesn't come without a cost, however, as NFL 2K requires all the storage space of a single VMU.

The only criticism I have for football games in general is the complexity of their control. All the buttons on the joypad need to be used. This isn't so bad if you only play NFL 2K, but if you play NFL Blitz and other games, on both PC and Console platforms, it gets a bit confusing. :) You can customize your controls though.

Tight man coverage - take off running!

Longwell to kickoff

As compared to other football games on the market, I think the Dreamcast has a real winner. Just after playing NFL 2K, I saw NFL Gameday on the Playstation, and the graphics looked very dated. It is not as fast or smooth, and you could tell that it is a game. For most of you, NFL 2K will be the closest you will ever get to professional football. It could even substitute for the rained out games, although it really can't make a team like the Rams beat the Packers, I tried. If you like football, this is a game you should get.