or all you NFL 2K5 and football fans out there – this is the game you hoped it would be. It’s the continuation of the Visual Concepts football tradition featuring bar-setting gameplay, graphics, and intensity. In the time since 2K5, the developer has implemented some clear improvements, but it also failed to solve continuing nagging problems. In all, it pushes the rivalry with Madden forward and is a title you shouldn’t have reservations picking up.
Building your team with three tiers of NFL legends is brilliant. Even though I never fooled around with a depth chart or signed a free agent, I loved the team that I built. Your identity with your created team is strengthened by the fact that your non-superstar players aren’t scrubs, so the gameplay doesn’t get lopsided. For their part, the star players are done pretty well. Each showed some characteristics, even if they weren’t perfect. For instance, Randall Cunningham isn’t fast, but he will take off on you. The advantages of a well-built team are evident. Put a non-star tackle against Chris Doleman, and you’ll feel the heat off the edge.
You’ll notice better gameplay from 2K5, such as improved defensive back coverage. You’ll also see some unfortunate hiccups, such as predictable and less aggressive CPU AI and a lack of smoothness when playing defense. The new animations produce some amazing football moments such as jarring hits, great play from the offensive/defensive lines, and cool wobbly throws when a QB gets hit. Unfortunately, the QB also has trouble getting rid of the ball sometimes, which is very frustrating when someone’s bearing down on you.
As much as I thought not having the NFL license was going to be a problem, it was the reverse: I wanted to know more about the game’s league, but this title doesn’t deliver. With no franchise mode, Crib, or many amenities apart from nice stadiums, it’s the lack of connection with the league itself, not the fact that the NFL is missing, that is a letdown. Bolster this aspect and make some gameplay tweaks, and All-Pro Football will threaten Madden’s NFL more than the XFL ever did.