So will Madden 08 play at 60fps online?
I finally slit my shrinkwrap and played 2K8 this afternoon. I'm glad I did! I'm not nearly as technical and demanding as some of you guys who play in leagues, so I was pleasantly surprised by the game.
Maybe I should thank you all for the lowered expectations with regard to visuals, but I like the game's look. The graphics really "pop" on my Samsung DLP with a pronounced 3D look that's accentuated by nice depth of field. The models are good and detailed if a little lean and I dig how uniforms get scuffed and dirtied as the game wears on. The sheer amount of activity on the sidelines is really refreshing. Other players, coaches, cameramen, cheerleaders, and event staff, all doing their thing amongst the coolers and working fans.
The game's a lot of fun to play, thanks to the tuned 2K5 engine and 60fps frame rate. Hits are sufficiently satisfying and the passing game seems more reliable than the old game. Animations are pretty true-to-life and brought a smile to my face several times.
It's also nice to be unshackled from the NFL and its stadiums and logos. The creativity and edginess that results is a great complement to the smashmouth football.
After playing two games, I immediately went to the NCAA 08 demo to compare. That game's lack of presentation was instantly noticeable. Maybe it's because it's a demo, but the players didn't actually go out onto the field for the coin toss and the game itself felt floatier, less impactful than 2K8. The visuals certainly weren't head and shoulders above APF as I expected them to be.
So I'm pretty happy with this new game and look forward to exploring its nuances in detail. I do hope the 30fps online play isn't a dealbreaker. It's a bit disappointing as even Madden for the PS2 plays silky smooth online, but we shall see.
I've got a new football game... RAWK!