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Ricky |
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-by
Dave Gray
Let's
face it: there's at least a small chance
that the Fins will choke another one off in December. Despite having
all of the tools necessary on paper, there seems to be some kind of
intangible that keeps them from achieving their potential. There is
one good thing about being paper champions, though; It's great for
video games.
That's
right, while the Dolphins back into the playoffs just to lose in the
first round, or worse yet, miss the postseason altogether, you can
find solace in leading your team of e-Fins to the promised land. But
one question remains, which video football game is right for you?
In an effort to help out those who've yet to purchase one of this
year's offerings, or those interested in picking up a second choice,
here's a guide covering the two most popular NFL video games on the
market, and what you can expect from your cyber-Fins in each.
Madden 2004
 (XBOX,
PS2, GC)
Returning for it's 14th season, EA Sports' Madden franchise is
looking to crush the competition in sales once again, selling over
2 million units in just 3 weeks. Fans of previous Madden games will
feel comfortable with this year's version, as it offers much of the
same in graphics and gameplay with a few standout deliverables:
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Playmaker
Controls
With the use of the right thumbstick (or C-stick for Gamecube),
players now have the ability to change plays as they happen. In
addition to audibles from the line, there's the option to make adjustments
after the snap, like calling for a blocker, cutting off a receiver's
route, and switching direction. While difficult to use at first,
it really gives the feeling that you're controlling a team, rather
than a player.
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Owner
Mode
In
addition to the traditional season mode, owner mode allows players
to control the team, from on-the-field play to offseason moves,
as before. But, in addition, owner mode puts the player in control
of ticket prices, stadium renovations, concessions, and more. If
you're a buff for the business side of football, this might be an
option for you.
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Online
Play
(PS2 only)
There have been some interesting additions to online play for Madden
2004. Opponents can now talk trash while playing, via a USB headset
accessory. Also, downloadable rosters will be available, to reflect
changes in skill points throughout the season.
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Madden
2004 - Miami Dolphins
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Unit
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Rating
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Rank
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Offense
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85
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13th
(6-way tie)
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Defense
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91
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1st
(tied with Bucs)
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Overall
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88
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1st
(tied with Bucs)
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ESPN NFL
Football (XBOX,
PS2)
Formerly the NFL 2K series, SEGA's NFL ESPN Football is battling
it out with Madden 2004 for video football supremacy. What started
out as an online football game for the SEGA Dreamcast has become
a multiplatform contender, making huge leaps of improvement each
year. ...and this year is no different, as the development team
at Visual Concepts have added quite a few enhancements to what many
believe was already the best on the market:
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ESPN
Presentation
ESPN NFL Football didn't get a name change for nothing. As soon
as you turn on the game, you'll see why. As you play, you'll feel
like you're watching a game of Sunday Night Football. Cameras
follow coaches on the sidelines, cheering and disgruntled fans,
cheerleaders, and players on the bench, celebrating after big
plays. Each game has an ESPN Countdown, with Chris Berman, as
well as a halftime break, with hot-at-the-half selections. After
the week has been completed, the Swami runs off the highlights
and scores of the week on NFL Primetime.
- First Person
Football
In
a ambitious move, ESPN NFL Football has added a first-person mode
of play. This isn't simply a camera option; the entire game feels
and plays differently, from perspective, to sounds, to gameplay.
You'll run out through the tunnel, looking through the facemask
of your NFL counterpart, and join the huddle as you call plays.
As the quarterback, you'll hear the taunts of opposing linemen,
and have to see the field to make completions. As you pass or hand
the ball off, time is slowed down, giving you the chance to switch
to the ballcarrier or receiver. While it can be disorienting at
times, First Person Football makes you feel like you're actually
out there on the field.
- Improved
Play Selection / Audibles
Those
familiar with the 2K series will notice that the play-calling system
has conformed to the more popular, Madden-style model. Also, audibles
are now easier to select from the line. In addition to changing
an entire play from the line, players can now take advantage of
holes in coverage by changing the route of one or more players,
using a simple and effective system called Hot Routes. The defense
can make adjustments from the line in a similar fashion.
- Crib Mode
You
start with an empty house, a "crib" if you will. Then,
as you progress and complete goals, you unlock a plethora of goodies,
from home furnishings, to videos, audio tracks, trophies, team collectibles,
mini-games, and secret players. You then can furnish your crib any
way you see fit with the different items you've acquired along the
way. ...or stop in for a mini-game of flick football, NFL trivia,
or air-hockey.
- Online Play
Both
versions of ESPN NFL Football have online play with voice chat and
downloadable rosters. PS2 users will also have online leagues available
through the SEGA website, which will track team records, injuries,
and stats for you an your competitors.
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ESPN
NFL Football - Miami Dolphins
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Unit
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Rating
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Rank
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Offense
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86
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15th
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Defense
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96
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2nd
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Overall
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91
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2nd
(tied with Bucs)
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Simulations
I've taken the liberty of simulating a full NFL season from each game
to see where the Dolphins would fare. Of course these simulations
aren't an exact science, but it can't be a worse predictor than most
of us; we normally think the Fins will actually advance in the playoffs.
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Season
Simulations *
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Category
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Madden
Result
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ESPN
Result
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Season
Record
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9-7
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11-5
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Division
Winner
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Patriots
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Bills
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Wildcard
Round
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Win
at Colts
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Win
at Steelers
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Divisional
Round
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Win
at Patriots
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Win
at Raiders
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AFC
Championship
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Win
at Steelers
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Win
at Colts
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Super
Bowl
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Loss
to Bucs
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Loss
to Rams
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*Thanks
to startbriangriese.com for Madden
simulation
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The Bottom Line
There are two good football games available, and you should do yourself
the favor of picking up at least one of them. Depending on your tastes,
Madden 2004 or ESPN NFL Football should hold you over through the
playoffs. Remember: Don't fret; forget December...it's all about E-cember,
baby!
Dave
would love your feedback.
Visit our contact
page for info or discuss it on our forums.
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