All-Pro Football 2K8

"APF 2K8 is superb!!!"

After playing half a dozen games into my season and about 25 online games, I have to say that this is the best football game I have played in a very,very long time. Is it missing a franchise mode? Yes, but after playing online I have to tell you...it doesn't need one. Online league and tournaments are plentiful and you can play a full season with other players week by week.

The animations are incredible and very lifelike. When a player makes his cuts, you can actually see the player's weight shift as he plants his foot. The gameplay is closest to real-life football I have ever seen. It may not have the NFL license, but it has it where it counts...ON THE FIELD.

Graphics: 9

I really don't know why people are complaining about the graphics. Get a HDTV and you'll see just how incredible the graphics are. You can actually see the tiny holes in the mesh on the jerseys. Players uniforms and helmets get scuffed up during the game also. The stadiums are a work of art...very imaginative and fun to play in. The only negative in this dept is that the field does not degrade and wear down during the game. Hopefully, that will be in next year.

Gameplay: 10

What can I say. Gameplay is tighter than a drum. I cannot stop playing this game. I have a stack of games to get to...Gears of War...GRAW2...Forza 2...Shadowrun...all of them, put aside for this gem. The gameplay is FUN...isn't that what matters.

Sound: 9

Dan Stevens and Peter O' Keefe return to glory. Some of it is recycled from NFL 2K5, but for the most part, it is fantastic. Loud hits and tackles round out the auditory experience.

Replay Value: 10

Incredible replay value with online leagues that are different every time you play. Even if you don't go online, the season mode is plenty to get you busy.

I have to say I have not had this much fun playing football since Tecmo Super Bowl 3 on the Super Nintendo (ahhhh memories). I'll tell you what makes this game so special...it is the identification that you have with your players. I mean you really have to think about how you will put your teams together (you can make about 10 seperate teams at the same time to compete online). Players are now ability-rated, instead of number rated like Madden.

I am sure you've noticed that I did not bash Madden once during this review. I'm not a 2K fanboy, but I know quality when I see it. Madden is for the masses and that's fine (its kind of like the Pirates of the Carribbean movie...its appeals to a lot of people). All Pro Football 2K8 is like Pulp Fiction (an indie movie that, from word of mouth, became a cult classic). All Pro Football 2K8 will also become a classic. Great job, 2K Sports...now excuse me while my defense tries to come up with a way to stop that monster back known as EARL CAMPBELL. If you've played All-Pro, you know what I mean.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/07