System: PS3, X360
Dev: Visual Concepts
Pub: 2K Games
Release: July 16, 2007
Players: 1-4 (8 Online)
ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
Review by Jonathan Marx

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The controls are outstanding. It is really easy to call and filter plays. Calling audibles and hurry up offenses at the line and after the play are intuitive and make time management a snap. Calling out hot routes and sending a man into motion is also very easy. You're going to love how the game plays. It will only take you a few games and practices to get your muscle memory in sync.

The graphics are a bit of a drop off. They're not bad, they're just not great. Players always look like they're chewing something. They're like cows ruminating over their cud. This is especially apparent while customizing your team, and creating star players of your own. The end result of player creation is great because you can create the integral pieces needed to fill in the gaps on the field. However, trying to customize their faces is a chore, and getting players to actually look different is not very easy. Other than skin color and equipment packages, brows, eyes, noses, cheeks, and the like are very similar from player to player. They can be changed via a slider bar, but really it's tough to make them look different while still seeming normal. The on-field views and graphics are solid and by no means hinder gameplay. All in all, the graphics are acceptable, but they are not the reason for buying this game.

In conclusion, this is a great game. There are so many elements to this title that will knock your socks off. It is not the true NFL simulator that is Madden, but it is an awesome football game that plays better than the competition in many regards. If you're looking for one football game for your collection this year then you probably won't choose this one, and that's a shame. If you can get past the unlicensed factor then you will be pleasantly surprised with a great game. If you're willing to splurge on two football games this year, then be sure and pick up All-Pro Football 2K8. The online element is more than worth the price of admission. This game will be a title you'll come back to over and over again. Creating the best star studded team you can and then pitting it against the world's best online gamers is an experience that shouldn't be missed. Give the team at 2K Sports a try and let them give the boys at EA a run for their money. You won't regret it!

By Jonathan Marx
Freelance Writer

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