XBox Live - ESPN 2K4 or Fever 2004?
08-08-03 | 05:54 PM
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From: Kingston, TN
XBox Live - ESPN 2K4 or Fever 2004?
Like the title says, opinions please.
My friend and I are going to finally buy Live. We are busy and really never have time to play, but Football fever is upon us and thus begs the question of which game.
We loved 2K on Dreamcast, but something went wrong as it progressed. We jumped back to Madden in 2003, but with no Live support we neeed to switch again (or at least to get online - Madden may be purchased later).
At first we were leaning toward Fever for the XSN, but after reading the reviews I am back thinking ESPN is the way to go.
Anyone with hands on feedback is appreciated. Any general discussion is also greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
For reference this is the thread on Madden vs. ESPN (Sega 2K4)
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=310200
My friend and I are going to finally buy Live. We are busy and really never have time to play, but Football fever is upon us and thus begs the question of which game.
We loved 2K on Dreamcast, but something went wrong as it progressed. We jumped back to Madden in 2003, but with no Live support we neeed to switch again (or at least to get online - Madden may be purchased later).
At first we were leaning toward Fever for the XSN, but after reading the reviews I am back thinking ESPN is the way to go.
Anyone with hands on feedback is appreciated. Any general discussion is also greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
For reference this is the thread on Madden vs. ESPN (Sega 2K4)
http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthr...hreadid=310200
08-08-03 | 06:29 PM
#2
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Fever has gotten some pretty mediocre reviews and I played last years version and it pretty much sucked. I don't see choosing it over ESPN just for XSN.
Get the better game IMO. I would think ESPN 2K4 would be the way to go.
Get the better game IMO. I would think ESPN 2K4 would be the way to go.
08-08-03 | 06:41 PM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
Fever 2004 all the way! The Read and Lead passing is supposed to highly addictive.
operationsports.com forums
OK, I've played about 10 games of the Fever 2004 Beta. Here are some of my impressions. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
The first thing I did was head out to the practice field to practice my "Read and Lead". It definitely took some time to figure it out, but after playing w/ it, I can definitely say that I wont be going back to single button mode.
I won't go into the specifics, as most of you have already read what the Producers are saying about it in the "XSN Sports" Forum.
I am playing on All-Pro, there are 4 difficulty levels. All-Fever being the strongest, which I haven't tried yet. The first few games, I used the single button passing. "Icon passing", hit the button on the reciever you want to throw to, just so I could see how well the AI was before I went into "Read and Lead" mode. The DB's react much quicker this year. I've seen a few different swat animations but have only seen one ball that was deflected and caught. Numerous times I've seen the ball go up in the air for a few seconds only to be dropped by another DB trying to pick it off. Maybe that is fixed on the Final or on the All-Fever mode. It would be nice to see some interceptions on those deflections at the line or on a crossing route, etc.
Running game seems tuned nicely. I was able to rush for a good 4 yds. per carry on average. I busted a nice 40 yarder w/ Hambrick one time. I used the Rams and had a nice 60 yard dash w/ Faulk earlier.
Defense is fun. You can set up the LB's to come up, play back, shift left or right. You can have your DB's come in to Bump, play loose, tight. You can also strafe and backpedal.
There are all sorts of new animations.
One thing before I forget. When you drop back to pass....randomly your QB will move out of the way of pressure by stepping up or to the side, without you having to do it. I've seen Vick actually duck from a flying lineman and fire in a completion when he came back up. It's done very nicely, it's saved me a few times
As for stats. Well, I'm hoping it's just the Beta, but the stats are NOT coming up very well. I simmed w/ 5 minute quarters and came up w/ really low numbers. I simmed 5 different dynasties as well just to be sure. Top rusher was Tomlinson or Faulk, but neither had more than 1300 yards. No rusher had more that 10 TD's. Passing wise, no QB passed for more than 20 TD's and no QB had a passer rating higher than 59. Except for the backups that threw a few passes during the season. Top receiver had 70 catches.
I tried simming at 8 minutes and the stats were somewhat better, but still disappointing. As there were anywhere from 2 to 4 2,000 yd. rushers and again no QB w/ a passer rating higher than 59. There were 5 QB's w/ almost 5,000 yards passing, probably a good 4 or 5 more w/ over 4000 yds passing.
I bet if somehow they could slap in a 6 or 7 minute quarters I'd see better results, but again, it's Beta and hopefully these things will be fixed.
Stadiums are drop dead gorgeous.
Ah yes, in Dynasty mode, after the season, when signing contracts. You can only set the # of years you want to sign your player. There is no back and forth type negotiations. You just get the option of 1 to 7 year deal and the player says what HE wants. You either sign him or release him and that is that!! No brainstorming or anything involved. BTW, there were QUITE A FEW surprises at the end of the season on Super Bowl Winners LOL.
I guess thats it for now, I'm going to hit the sack and answer questions tomorrow. Don't ask about editing players, because I have no earthly idea where to go to edit them. I looked everywhere, but I'm sure I just missed it. A lot of numbers are wrong, Bryant is wearing #14 for the Boys, Griese is still starting for the Broncos, even though Plummer is his backup. One other HUGE thing that NEEDS to be fixed, and I'm sure it will be is the fact that when starting a dynasty, you start w/ LAST YEARS SCHEDULE!! Argh. After the year you have THIS YEARS schedule, but still. This has to be addressed, as I'm sure it will be. Just pointing it out.
G'nite.
OK, I've played about 10 games of the Fever 2004 Beta. Here are some of my impressions. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
The first thing I did was head out to the practice field to practice my "Read and Lead". It definitely took some time to figure it out, but after playing w/ it, I can definitely say that I wont be going back to single button mode.
I won't go into the specifics, as most of you have already read what the Producers are saying about it in the "XSN Sports" Forum.
I am playing on All-Pro, there are 4 difficulty levels. All-Fever being the strongest, which I haven't tried yet. The first few games, I used the single button passing. "Icon passing", hit the button on the reciever you want to throw to, just so I could see how well the AI was before I went into "Read and Lead" mode. The DB's react much quicker this year. I've seen a few different swat animations but have only seen one ball that was deflected and caught. Numerous times I've seen the ball go up in the air for a few seconds only to be dropped by another DB trying to pick it off. Maybe that is fixed on the Final or on the All-Fever mode. It would be nice to see some interceptions on those deflections at the line or on a crossing route, etc.
Running game seems tuned nicely. I was able to rush for a good 4 yds. per carry on average. I busted a nice 40 yarder w/ Hambrick one time. I used the Rams and had a nice 60 yard dash w/ Faulk earlier.
Defense is fun. You can set up the LB's to come up, play back, shift left or right. You can have your DB's come in to Bump, play loose, tight. You can also strafe and backpedal.
There are all sorts of new animations.
One thing before I forget. When you drop back to pass....randomly your QB will move out of the way of pressure by stepping up or to the side, without you having to do it. I've seen Vick actually duck from a flying lineman and fire in a completion when he came back up. It's done very nicely, it's saved me a few times
As for stats. Well, I'm hoping it's just the Beta, but the stats are NOT coming up very well. I simmed w/ 5 minute quarters and came up w/ really low numbers. I simmed 5 different dynasties as well just to be sure. Top rusher was Tomlinson or Faulk, but neither had more than 1300 yards. No rusher had more that 10 TD's. Passing wise, no QB passed for more than 20 TD's and no QB had a passer rating higher than 59. Except for the backups that threw a few passes during the season. Top receiver had 70 catches.
I tried simming at 8 minutes and the stats were somewhat better, but still disappointing. As there were anywhere from 2 to 4 2,000 yd. rushers and again no QB w/ a passer rating higher than 59. There were 5 QB's w/ almost 5,000 yards passing, probably a good 4 or 5 more w/ over 4000 yds passing.
I bet if somehow they could slap in a 6 or 7 minute quarters I'd see better results, but again, it's Beta and hopefully these things will be fixed.
Stadiums are drop dead gorgeous.
Ah yes, in Dynasty mode, after the season, when signing contracts. You can only set the # of years you want to sign your player. There is no back and forth type negotiations. You just get the option of 1 to 7 year deal and the player says what HE wants. You either sign him or release him and that is that!! No brainstorming or anything involved. BTW, there were QUITE A FEW surprises at the end of the season on Super Bowl Winners LOL.
I guess thats it for now, I'm going to hit the sack and answer questions tomorrow. Don't ask about editing players, because I have no earthly idea where to go to edit them. I looked everywhere, but I'm sure I just missed it. A lot of numbers are wrong, Bryant is wearing #14 for the Boys, Griese is still starting for the Broncos, even though Plummer is his backup. One other HUGE thing that NEEDS to be fixed, and I'm sure it will be is the fact that when starting a dynasty, you start w/ LAST YEARS SCHEDULE!! Argh. After the year you have THIS YEARS schedule, but still. This has to be addressed, as I'm sure it will be. Just pointing it out.
G'nite.
08-08-03 | 06:59 PM
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not sure how reliable xbox2k is but here is the review they did. I got it off gamerankings.com
This is the 3rd year of Microsoft's own football series NFL Fever and it has grown by leaps and bounds since the first year. 2002's version had awesome graphics, but the defensive AI was horrible. You could throw the ball deep every time beating and then outrunning the secondary. In 2003 there was work on the AI and the defense overall got a lot better. It was harder to go deep, although there were still a few plays that would work almost every time, especially with short passes when the defense wasn't up on the line. There was also the great success of adding Xbox Live support, but with that came cheaters, plug pullers, and people who would start to download massive files on their computer to cause a connection problem. This brings us to this year, which will expand on everything mentioned above and a whole lot more.
When you first take a look at NFL Fever 2004 you would think it would be exactly the same as the last 2 versions graphics wise. Well, the only thing that will look the same is that QB from Tennessee Peyton Manning on the front of the box. The players have been totally redone, there are now over 60 player faces scanned so they will look exactly like their real life counterparts. There are more player animations, more facial expressions, and even more detail to lighting and player uniforms. I am also glad to report that the ugly menu system is gone. Instead of green it is orange and black which goes along with the Xbox Live colors and XSN.
Remember, this is a Microsoft game; they do not just make minor changes to their sports games each year like some company we know. There is a whole new range of options you can have for your player profile. There are now 3 ways of passing: the regular one button passing that has been used in the past 2 years versions of the game, trigger passing which gives you more control on how you throw the ball because of the pressure you put on the trigger, and the most realistic which is read and lead. Read and lead will let you determine exactly where you place the ball. So if there is broken coverage, or you need to get the ball to an exact spot to a guy who is covered well, you can! For people who are less knowledgeable in the football formations you can now view your plays in just pass and run categories, and there is also a recommended coach's call play. There is also a whole bunch of new options for hot routes, and for defense the linebackers have more options of cheating up or playing back to defend against the pass or run.
When it comes down to it, NFL Fever is played best when played online with Xbox Live. Microsoft is going to expand on those capabilities this year by adding XSN support. XSN, the Xbox Sports Network is a website online that you can create leagues, view standings, create tournaments, look up statistics, and a whole lot more. XSN is actually connected with Xbox Live so that when you play a league game it will update the scores, statistics, and standings online. So if you are planning on playing someone in your league in a couple of days, you can look at his profile on the XSN website and look at his tendencies, what types of plays he runs, etc. It is a sports gamers dream because it is just like the real sport where you look at teams scouting reports, study up on them, and practice against how you know they play. Each player will also be given a rating on XSN, whether they play the games on time, whether they play fair, etc. Which brings us to the cheaters that appeared on last year’s version. The developers of NFL Fever now have 1 year of observing how cheaters cheat, and they are on a mission to stop it from happening. We do not know the exact details, but we do know that they have a plan this year.
Overall, this years NFL Fever looks to be one of the best football games out there. Amped up graphics, new sound features, a sports gamers dream in XSN, and gameplay features that will help out with AI and a new passing system. NFL Fever is shaping up very well and we cannot wait to see more from this great series.
By Ben Berry, June 21, 2003
When you first take a look at NFL Fever 2004 you would think it would be exactly the same as the last 2 versions graphics wise. Well, the only thing that will look the same is that QB from Tennessee Peyton Manning on the front of the box. The players have been totally redone, there are now over 60 player faces scanned so they will look exactly like their real life counterparts. There are more player animations, more facial expressions, and even more detail to lighting and player uniforms. I am also glad to report that the ugly menu system is gone. Instead of green it is orange and black which goes along with the Xbox Live colors and XSN.
Remember, this is a Microsoft game; they do not just make minor changes to their sports games each year like some company we know. There is a whole new range of options you can have for your player profile. There are now 3 ways of passing: the regular one button passing that has been used in the past 2 years versions of the game, trigger passing which gives you more control on how you throw the ball because of the pressure you put on the trigger, and the most realistic which is read and lead. Read and lead will let you determine exactly where you place the ball. So if there is broken coverage, or you need to get the ball to an exact spot to a guy who is covered well, you can! For people who are less knowledgeable in the football formations you can now view your plays in just pass and run categories, and there is also a recommended coach's call play. There is also a whole bunch of new options for hot routes, and for defense the linebackers have more options of cheating up or playing back to defend against the pass or run.
When it comes down to it, NFL Fever is played best when played online with Xbox Live. Microsoft is going to expand on those capabilities this year by adding XSN support. XSN, the Xbox Sports Network is a website online that you can create leagues, view standings, create tournaments, look up statistics, and a whole lot more. XSN is actually connected with Xbox Live so that when you play a league game it will update the scores, statistics, and standings online. So if you are planning on playing someone in your league in a couple of days, you can look at his profile on the XSN website and look at his tendencies, what types of plays he runs, etc. It is a sports gamers dream because it is just like the real sport where you look at teams scouting reports, study up on them, and practice against how you know they play. Each player will also be given a rating on XSN, whether they play the games on time, whether they play fair, etc. Which brings us to the cheaters that appeared on last year’s version. The developers of NFL Fever now have 1 year of observing how cheaters cheat, and they are on a mission to stop it from happening. We do not know the exact details, but we do know that they have a plan this year.
Overall, this years NFL Fever looks to be one of the best football games out there. Amped up graphics, new sound features, a sports gamers dream in XSN, and gameplay features that will help out with AI and a new passing system. NFL Fever is shaping up very well and we cannot wait to see more from this great series.
By Ben Berry, June 21, 2003
08-08-03 | 07:18 PM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
An Interesting development:
In addition, Microsoft has revealed that those who purchase NFL Fever 2004--and Xbox Live games released after it--will be offered two free months of Xbox Live service
08-08-03 | 10:55 PM
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From: NYC...no longer! Collegeville, PA
If ESPN has enough additions over NFL2K3 to warrant a purchase, that's the one I'm getting. And I'm not entirely sold on the FPF mode, so it has to be in the presentation, graphics, enhanced gameplay, etc. Otherwise, I may just keep NFL2K3 for online and buy Madden this year.
Jeremy
Jeremy
08-12-03 | 02:22 PM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
"Fever" [austin powers]it's my bag baby[/austin powers]
1. I like the faster game speed that Fever has. I played the demo from the last OXM and it plays slower than dirt.
2. I wanna play in XSN Leagues, the whole automatic scores and stats update is gonna rock! I played last year in a bunch of manually created leagues and am ready to get that started again. On a side note: If you find good people to play with online, you'll have a blast no matter what football game you pick.
3. I think that the Read and lead passing is gonna be wicked cool, and that you'll see it in every football game next year.
1. I like the faster game speed that Fever has. I played the demo from the last OXM and it plays slower than dirt.
2. I wanna play in XSN Leagues, the whole automatic scores and stats update is gonna rock! I played last year in a bunch of manually created leagues and am ready to get that started again. On a side note: If you find good people to play with online, you'll have a blast no matter what football game you pick.
3. I think that the Read and lead passing is gonna be wicked cool, and that you'll see it in every football game next year.
08-12-03 | 02:25 PM
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From: Houston
Originally posted by jrutz
If ESPN Otherwise, I may just keep NFL2K3 for online and buy Madden this year.
Jeremy
If ESPN Otherwise, I may just keep NFL2K3 for online and buy Madden this year.
Jeremy
08-13-03 | 01:40 PM
#13
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EGM's comparison said the only reason for anyone got get Fever was if they were really interested in the MSN.
They basically said the game didn't suck, but was far below ESPN and Madden and that XSN was the only reason to bother with it.
I'd personally go for ESPN. I'd rather play the better game, than have a better online system. I mean the fun is in playing the game, and the tournaments, standings, etc. wouldn't be enough for me to go with the subpar game.
They basically said the game didn't suck, but was far below ESPN and Madden and that XSN was the only reason to bother with it.
I'd personally go for ESPN. I'd rather play the better game, than have a better online system. I mean the fun is in playing the game, and the tournaments, standings, etc. wouldn't be enough for me to go with the subpar game.
08-13-03 | 03:00 PM
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Accordng to IGN's Preview this game is pretty special, and not as in special ed. This has the making of a great game IMO and I can't wait to get Fever.
08-13-03 | 03:29 PM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
Hey S}{ammer, here's two Fever vids about the Fever's read and lead passing.
Check em out.
http://www.nlgaming.com/games/1968/m...dchalktalk.wmv
http://www.nlgaming.com/games/1968/movies/readlead.wmv
http://www.football-gaming.com/LBRul...ntsfalcons.mpg
The last one's a 102 megs of saints vs flacons.
Check em out.
http://www.nlgaming.com/games/1968/m...dchalktalk.wmv
http://www.nlgaming.com/games/1968/movies/readlead.wmv
http://www.football-gaming.com/LBRul...ntsfalcons.mpg
The last one's a 102 megs of saints vs flacons.
08-15-03 | 08:50 AM
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Previews always make games look good. If sites/magazines bash games in previews, they won't get beta copies of games to preview. Plus it wouldn't be good journalistic integrity to judge a game that's still in progress.
A good example is Enter the Matrix. EGM did a big cover story preview article on it and made it sound like it could be an awesome game. Then when they reviewed it got a 3.5, 3.5 6.0.
I'm not saying the same will happen with fever, but IGN could still end up giving it a mediocre reviews regardless of their preview.
A good example is Enter the Matrix. EGM did a big cover story preview article on it and made it sound like it could be an awesome game. Then when they reviewed it got a 3.5, 3.5 6.0.
I'm not saying the same will happen with fever, but IGN could still end up giving it a mediocre reviews regardless of their preview.
08-15-03 | 08:55 AM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
Originally posted by DJ_Longfellow
Hmmm, I never thought I would say it...but Fever is looking pretty good. Now what to choose...ESPN or Fever...hmmmmm
What are the release dates for both?
Hmmm, I never thought I would say it...but Fever is looking pretty good. Now what to choose...ESPN or Fever...hmmmmm
What are the release dates for both?
ESPN - Sept 2
08-17-03 | 02:06 PM
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Well, thanks for all the opinions. I hope the discussion has helped people out. We finally decided to set aside a weekend and rent both games - When ESPN comes out. We will just go with what we are more comfortable with. We are still leaning toward ESPN, but Fever is still a great possibility. Since we both have Madden 2003 - probably wait till a price drop on Madden 2004 (gotta pick it up - Titans are terrible in 2003).
08-25-03 | 12:56 PM
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From: Austin, Texas XboxLIVE Gamertag: Golucky Timezone: Central (CST)
A sweet review with pics, of the new XSNsports website! http://www.sports-gaming.com/feature...ts/index.shtml
Last edited by goLUCKY; 08-25-03 at 03:24 PM.
08-25-03 | 01:54 PM
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Personally, I think it would be very tough to pick Fever over ESPN. Sega's effort looks stunning, with nothing but praise heaped on it so far, as they've knocked out all the 2k3 problems so many took them to task for.
Since we've had links and quotes from Fever (p)reviews already, go here for movies and Q&A about the release copy of ESPN NFL...
http://www.football-gaming.com/forum...=ST&f=4&t=825&
Since we've had links and quotes from Fever (p)reviews already, go here for movies and Q&A about the release copy of ESPN NFL...
http://www.football-gaming.com/forum...=ST&f=4&t=825&
08-25-03 | 04:19 PM
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Originally posted by mr.snowmizer
Personally, I think it would be very tough to pick Fever over ESPN. Sega's effort looks stunning, with nothing but praise heaped on it so far, as they've knocked out all the 2k3 problems so many took them to task for.
Since we've had links and quotes from Fever (p)reviews already, go here for movies and Q&A about the release copy of ESPN NFL...
http://www.football-gaming.com/forum...=ST&f=4&t=825&
Personally, I think it would be very tough to pick Fever over ESPN. Sega's effort looks stunning, with nothing but praise heaped on it so far, as they've knocked out all the 2k3 problems so many took them to task for.
Since we've had links and quotes from Fever (p)reviews already, go here for movies and Q&A about the release copy of ESPN NFL...
http://www.football-gaming.com/forum...=ST&f=4&t=825&