All-Pro Football 2K8

"2k Moves The Chains With This Entry!!!!!"

Let me start by saying that I am a huge football fan and I buy and play all football games (xbox 360) every year, pretty much. Normally, Madden is my favorite. In any case you have to give each game an opportunity so that you can fairly evaluate pros and cons. After playing this game the past couple of weeks since it's release, here are my thoughts:

Graphics:9
I have read and heard many gamers saying that they think this game's graphics are not up to par. I couldn't disagree more. The graphics in this game are head and shoulders above the competition. I play on a 42" LCD HDTV. I'm quite sure that helps. But, one thing I felt stood out from square one is the size and scale of the players. Players are easily distinguishable on the field by their height and weight. Some players are fat. Some players are skinny. Some players are ripped. Some players are flabby. It shows. And one of the big problems I have had with football games prior to this release is that all of the players look like they are on steroids. So, in this regard, All Pro Football delivers a refreshing experience.

There are a few other highlights in the graphics department. For starters, you will quickly notice the player's uniforms getting dirty as the game progresses. This is very realistic as it makes you feel like you are putting in a hard day's work. You will also notice some things that I haven't seen in a while like nets behind the FG post and cheerleaders. Referees also make their way back onto the field with all penalties at their disposal (ie-ineligible receiver). They have been sorely missed as well. And my goodness, seeing the QBs throwing "wounded ducks" when they get happy feet, WRs pulling a hammy in the middle of a route, and intentional late hits, all make the game feel lifelike. Reporters, cameramen, coaches and benched players make the sidelines come alive.

Gameplay: 9
This is another area where the game really excels. The gang tackles are serious as defenders stack up on top of the offensive player. Breaking tackles is extremely fluid especially if you have a bigger HB. Routes are run beautifully by the decent WRs.

I have heard a number of concerns about the lack of a franchise mode, or real NFL teams, or players. However, I must admit that 2k has made it very possible for you to enjoy this game greatly without those things. For starters, much like most college games, the publisher cannot include NFL teams or players. But, you can easily recreate them yourself. Most of standout NFL players names are programmed in so the announcers will call them out during gameplay. Also, you can almost recreate the NFL uniforms with the extreme amount of customization that 2k has afforded us here.

Online 10
This is absolutely the strongest point of the game, in my opinion. Online lobby play is basically lag free. And there are always thousands of people online playing at any given time. Also, 2k is know for allowing gamers to create online leagues with websites provided by 2k. This is a serious feature for all the couch coaches of the world who would like to chase a championship trophy while competing with friends. 2k website also allow great amounts of customization. Gamers can literally do everything from the website except play the game. In other words, you have your own website provided free of charge for your league. Then you alter it to look any way you like. You can post threads as well as pictures, polls, stats, game recaps, etc. You can even draft your from the website. Very cool features for those adult gamers who do work and have little time to play. They can stay in the loop with the others until game time.

Innovation: 9
There are three things in this game that really push envelope.
1. The weather animations are very realistic. You will have a blast playing in the rain. Trust me.
2. The QB has been carefully toned down. You must play this game to truly understand this feature, but, it will stick out immediately in a positive way. Gone are the days of running back 20 yds and then bombing it 50 yds down the field on a fly pattern to your WR. That's is not going to work anymore. You must keep control of your QB and keep his body positioned properly if you want to throw the ball with any accuracy. This is a true revolution. I have lost som many games on the old drop back and then bomb it routine that it disgusted me. Let's just say that QBs like Michael Vick are not nearly as effective throwing on the run that way. Nicely done.
3. My personal favorite innovation is being able to create players including myself and then go and compete with them online. Yes, the day has finally come and it is here. Nothing better than looking from my PC at work at the league website I am in and seeing myself leading the league in reception yardage!!!

Rent or Buy?
This game is a MUST BUY for any footballer. It is well worth the $60 I paid. It is one of the most addicting games I have gotten my hands on in some time. And the more I play, the more little things I discover that make me appreciate it even more.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/07