What's so GREAT about Franchise Mode?!?

[Evilpotsie]

Really? You play a 16 game season...you lose in the playoffs...oh well. Now you pick different players and a different uniform and you try again. 16 games plus playoffs is a long time and lots of hours of gameplay.

What I think is franchise people only play maybe 2 games a year then simulate the rest then they might play in the playoffs then they do all that owner mode crap, like pricing jerseys-- and they love minicamp-- then they sign rookies and then they do training camp and blah blah blah...stupid boring NERD ******! Go buy the SIMS if you want to live in your Xbox.

Me? I want to play the game of football...I want to play against other human beings with MY TEAM against his team. That is a true test of abililty and the ultimate challenge.

You want franchise? Hook up with an online league and play multiple seasons.

I honestly can't see the same excitment one would feel playing a Week 4 game against the computer than you would playing against a human being.

[masterkiller33]

I agree with you.

[totalownership]

I don't discount the people who want franchise. In football I never, or rather, hardly delve into the franchise aspect of it. But in the basketball game I go deep into it. I have a franchise thread going from NBA 2K4 to NBA 2K7 in the NBA forum so I can understand people who really are hurt with the absence of franchise in the game.

That being said, if NBA 2K series was on the shelf for 3 years and had it's license taken away and I really enjoyed the game then I could give them a pass coming out after all that time with any game that gave me what I enjoyed before in gameplay but I would look to have the elements I look forward to in the next edition of the game.

[the decider13]

I used to really enjoy franchise, love takin the broncs to the superbowl. Now I'm all about the best game of football, which is 2k. Football is what it boils down to.

[thePLAGUE]

Really? You play a 16 game season...you lose in the playoffs...oh well. Now you pick different players and a different uniform and you try again. 16 games plus playoffs is a long time and lots of hours of gameplay.

What I think is franchise people only play maybe 2 games a year then simulate the rest then they might play in the playoffs then they do all that owner mode crap, like pricing jerseys-- and they love minicamp-- then they sign rookies and then they do training camp and blah blah blah...stupid boring NERD ******! Go buy the SIMS if you want to live in your Xbox.

Me? I want to play the game of football...I want to play against other human beings with MY TEAM against his team. That is a true test of abililty and the ultimate challenge.

You want franchise? Hook up with an online league and play multiple seasons.

I honestly can't see the same excitment one would feel playing a Week 4 game against the computer than you would playing against a human being.


I usually agree with you but the more i think of playing Montana to Rice 4 times in row, the more nervous i become about playing Online...Wish we could draft before each and everygame, that way you both end up with different players and there are no surprises...Case and point, if abefore a game my opponent drafts 2 gold WRS i can adjust on the fly and consider spending maybe one gold and silver on DBS or vice versa...Cheeseball could kill the online mode with all these walter payton d.ikrydaz

[The_Gamefather]

Three-year development cycle (Jeff Thomas stated this during GameSpot's On the Spot segment) and no Franchise mode is unacceptable.

To answer your question, thread starter...

The ability to build a perennial powerhouse and amass multiple Championships. That's what's so GREAT about Franchise mode.

[EvilEmpire26]

well, for me in the other hand, I like taking my broncs, too, through the season and into the playoffs but then again I got bored playing the franchise after a few weeks then I simulate it til the playoffs if they make it. Other than that I really never got into it.I ordered my 2K8 from amazon.

[EvilEmpire26]

But I did really enjoy franchise in Madden the most on last-gen system.

[the decider13]

well, for me in the other hand, I like taking my broncs, too, through the season and into the playoffs but then again I got bored playing the franchise after a few weeks then I simulate it til the playoffs if they make it. Other than that I really never got into it.I ordered my 2K8 from amazon.

I do that all the time, i never play all the games. Sometimes I even get too impatient to play playoff games and just simulate to the Super Bowl.

[kcxiv]

Three-year development cycle (Jeff Thomas stated this during GameSpot's On the Spot segment) and no Franchise mode is unacceptable.

To answer your question, thread starter...

The ability to build a perennial powerhouse and amass multiple Championships. That's what's so GREAT about Franchise mode.
How is it unacceptable? Thomas said it just didnt fit with the game. I understand that. They are just all in the prime of their career's in the game. I just dont see how you can make a franchise mode with players from different era's. It makes NO SENSE.

[redbull75]

Its simply a feature of video game football that has become a staple and people expect to have it. It easy to say we don't care about it cause its not there, though if it was we'd all be applauding 2k for turning out a perfectly complete football title. Personally, I'm ok with it. Most people are. But today's football games probably all should have a franchise mode, only because most of yesterdays games had it.

[Jedeye]

To the OP. Its great that you like online play. And its great for you that this game is designed with online play in mind. But some people dont enjoy that aspect of the game as much for a variety of reasons. First, do you realize that the vast majority of gamers do not go online at all? The actual percentage of Xbox owners who have a gold account is pretty low. Second, many people who have tried online football have been burned by heavy glitchers and have sworn off playing online ever again. Third, some poeple are just not very good at the game or do not have the time to get good. I fall into this category, and I'll admit it. When a person like me goes online, he will usually get humiliated by others who are obsessed with rankings. Thats just not fun.

For a person (like myself) who only plays occasionally and is not ultra-competitive, franchise mode allows him to play at his own pace and skill level. And you should not assume that franchise players dont play out the entire season. In most cases, thats just not accurate. Please don't take this post as an attack against you. Like I said, I'm glad that the online portion is there. But at the same time, please dont insult others who dont share you feelings about online play.

[TastesSalty]

First of all, don't attack people that enjoy a different aspect of sports gaming. Just because they like a different gameplay mode doesn't warrant any negative attacks on them.

With that said.

I personally enjoy the micromanaging of a professional sports team. Taking my favorite franchise (say the Falcons) and developing players, drafting prospects, and making trades is something I enjoy. That or maybe I enjoy taking a subpar team, say the Browns, and turning them into a powerhouse is something I also enjoy doing.

Just because I don't play every game of the season or would rather play against the AI doesn't make me any less of a sports gamer.

What I get from your post is a lot of "I want"...well, maybe that's not what I want. For every gamer that loves the online experience there is a gamer who loves playing the franchise mode. The way I see it, you are more or less tired of people complaining about the lack of a franchise mode, which is completely acceptable to complain about, so you feel the need to attack them.

In the end, did 2K lose a lot of customers by excluding a franchise mode (which was probably left out due to time constraints), of course...namely me, I will probably just rent the game since I'm not a big online fan (too many obsessive, irritating, immature gamers). I hope they include a franchise mode in future releases, its how I play all my sports games.

[perryjl]

How is it unacceptable? Thomas said it just didnt fit with the game. I understand that. They are just all in the prime of their career's in the game. I just dont see how you can make a franchise mode with players from different era's. It makes NO SENSE.

I agree, there is no point in having a franchise with this game. It would have not fit anywhere. Plus once the legends retire, what would be the point? People will have to face this is a "No Franchise" game and i don't see it coming in the future.

[Evilpotsie]

I usually agree with you but the more i think of playing Montana to Rice 4 times in row, the more nervous i become about playing Online...Wish we could draft before each and everygame, that way you both end up with different players and there are no surprises...Case and point, if abefore a game my opponent drafts 2 gold WRS i can adjust on the fly and consider spending maybe one gold and silver on DBS or vice versa...Cheeseball could kill the online mode with all these walter payton d.ikrydaz

True...there will be those players out there who will abuse a player who won't go down (ie Payton)...and there will be familiar people everytime you play...It's tough to judge until we can see first hand how it will play out. But if Montana, say, completed passes every pass in the fourth quarter (double coverage etc) that could be very frustrating. Or, here's one will all see time and time again, Barry Sanders Sweep! That will be annoying too.

I also agree with you about adjusting to another team...I wonder how they will account for that.

[The_Gamefather]

Evilpotsie, if you want to play Amed in Africa, that's your business! But respect that not everybody is in your corner.

[Evilpotsie]

First of all, don't attack people that enjoy a different aspect of sports gaming. Just because they like a different gameplay mode doesn't warrant any negative attacks on them.

With that said.

I personally enjoy the micromanaging of a professional sports team. Taking my favorite franchise (say the Falcons) and developing players, drafting prospects, and making trades is something I enjoy. That or maybe I enjoy taking a subpar team, say the Browns, and turning them into a powerhouse is something I also enjoy doing.

Just because I don't play every game of the season or would rather play against the AI doesn't make me any less of a sports gamer.

What I get from your post is a lot of "I want"...well, maybe that's not what I want. For every gamer that loves the online experience there is a gamer who loves playing the franchise mode. The way I see it, you are more or less tired of people complaining about the lack of a franchise mode, which is completely acceptable to complain about, so you feel the need to attack them.

In the end, did 2K lose a lot of customers by excluding a franchise mode (which was probably left out due to time constraints), of course...namely me, I will probably just rent the game since I'm not a big online fan (too many obsessive, irritating, immature gamers). I hope they include a franchise mode in future releases, its how I play all my sports games.

By your handle I assume you are a c.ock sucker.

[Evilpotsie]

Evilpotsie, if you want to play Amed in Africa, that's your business! But respect that not everybody is in your corner.

Anybody who loves to play the game of football is. Nerds who like to 'micromanage' ****** are just that- nerds.

[TastesSalty]

By your handle I assume you are a c.ock sucker.
wow, no reply, just an immature comment...congrats, your mom should be proud. Seriously, when someone makes a comment that you don't agree with do you just cry and moan like a five year old who just dropped his ice cream cone? You're laughable, grow up. I believe nerds are the ones who argue about video games lol, ie, you.

anyways...

I realize a franchise mode for this type of game is pretty much impossible, due to it being based off Hall of Famers and there being no developmental players. Regardless, its not going to turn most gamers away from purchasing Madden over this game. As good as the gameplay might be, the majority of football gamers enjoy the NFL more than they do actual football.

I'll start buying 2K football games as soon as the NFL license is up, only 2 more years I think...still love their basketball and baseball games though.

[perryjl]

From what i've seen in my years of video games. People tend to not play every game in the season/franchise. People tend to simulate games out of patiences or the cpu beating them. People don't like to lose, and claims the game cheated, and would start a game over until they win. So do i think people even play a whole franchise correctly, no i don't think so at all. I think if you play APF season straight through on a hard/hardest level you just might find it tough to win the big one, and you might have to retry over and over again. And once you finally win with your team, start a new team and try to win with them. Then you have friends you can play with of course. But you have to make the best of it. I'm a franchise player also, but i tell you what i will get XBOX LIVE now, so i really have no complaint about franchise, but even if i didn't have XBOX LIVE i would make the best of what i have.

[Evilpotsie]

wow, no reply, just an immature comment...congrats, your mom should be proud. Seriously, when someone makes a comment that you don't agree with do you just cry and moan like a five year old who just dropped his ice cream cone? You're laughable, grow up. I believe nerds are the ones who argue about video games lol, ie, you.

anyways...

I realize a franchise mode for this type of game is pretty much impossible, due to it being based off Hall of Famers and there being no developmental players. Regardless, its not going to turn most gamers away from purchasing Madden over this game. As good as the gameplay might be, the majority of football gamers enjoy the NFL more than they do actual football.

I'll start buying 2K football games as soon as the NFL license is up, only 2 more years I think...still love their basketball and baseball games though.

Hey salty, go buy your Madden and price your hotdogs like the rest of the 'micromanaging' nerds. I'll be playing football with the rest of the 'football' nerds.

[Prime Time]

For people like me who enjoy the draft and free agency as much as the season it allows us to take part in some of our favorite things. I like the draft more than the Superbowl (depending on the match-up of course), so you can imagine why I like franchise mode. However, I can live without it. This will be my first time ever playing online and I can already tell that most of my play will be online.

[TastesSalty]

Hey salty, go buy your Madden and price your hotdogs like the rest of the 'micromanaging' nerds. I'll be playing football with the rest of the 'football' nerds.
lol, I'm pretty sure I'll do whatever I want to do...but thanks for the suggestion.

[guava9]

Anybody who loves to play the game of football is. Nerds who like to 'micromanage' ****** are just that- nerds.

franchise players are nerds?
sorry dude, but nerds are obsessed with games like Halo and War of Warcraft. Nerds sacrifice sleep to play with their xbox at 3 in the morning.

You probably spend many hours playing online. Nerds who do that ****** are just that- nerds

[kcxiv]

Hey salty, go buy your Madden and price your hotdogs like the rest of the 'micromanaging' nerds. I'll be playing football with the rest of the 'football' nerds.
This is a stupid post.

[OGGamer777]

i like franchise because i like depth...period...i love football which is why i ALSO play friends online and offline...but franchise adds depth..and that's why i play it...and im no nerd buddy

[pats3912]

Really? You play a 16 game season...you lose in the playoffs...oh well. Now you pick different players and a different uniform and you try again. 16 games plus playoffs is a long time and lots of hours of gameplay.

What I think is franchise people only play maybe 2 games a year then simulate the rest then they might play in the playoffs then they do all that owner mode crap, like pricing jerseys-- and they love minicamp-- then they sign rookies and then they do training camp and blah blah blah...stupid boring NERD ******! Go buy the SIMS if you want to live in your Xbox.

Me? I want to play the game of football...I want to play against other human beings with MY TEAM against his team. That is a true test of abililty and the ultimate challenge.

You want franchise? Hook up with an online league and play multiple seasons.

I honestly can't see the same excitment one would feel playing a Week 4 game against the computer than you would playing against a human being.

sigh....... hmm. do i really need to repeat myself again?? im sure people like me would love online leagues, but i have a very busy lifestyle, and other hobbies i enjoy. i play franchise cause i can play at my own pace. sometimes i can play 3 to 4 games a week. sometimes i cant even get 1 game in within 2 whole weeks!!! i would be very unreliable in an online league. this is why i love franchise. i dont have to depend on others and they dont have to depend on me. not everyone is still 16 playing hooky from school to play video games all day.

[Evilpotsie]

Just stirring up the pot. If anyone is on a forum about a video game they're a nerd. We are all guilty of it.

My point is...a football game is about the game. If the gameplay suffers than it's not a good game. Everyone is going to have their reason to play franchise mode and owner mode and collecting points in minigames...that's fine BUT the gameplay within the game is what will keep you coming back.

[Evilpotsie]

sigh....... hmm. do i really need to repeat myself again?? im sure people like me would love online leagues, but i have a very busy lifestyle, and other hobbies i enjoy. i play franchise cause i can play at my own pace. sometimes i can play 3 to 4 games a week. sometimes i cant even get 1 game in within 2 whole weeks!!! i would be very unreliable in an online league. this is why i love franchise. i dont have to depend on others and they dont have to depend on me. not everyone is still 16 playing hooky from school to play video games all day.

quick match- lobby.
play a season against the Computer...then play another...what's the problem with that?

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

I agree, there is no point in having a franchise with this game. It would have not fit anywhere. Plus once the legends retire, what would be the point? People will have to face this is a "No Franchise" game and i don't see it coming in the future.

Well then I guess 2k is coming up with stupid ideas that make no sense, since the only reason they didn't add it is because of time and they'll add it in future versions

[lnin0]

Who said only a small percentage of gamers play online?

According to NPD, about 7 in 10 users of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 reported that they play games online. (Reported in Gamesutra)

[The_Gamefather]

A Franchise mode would complement APF 2K8. Where there's a will, there's a way. I'd have to brainstorm, but it can and should've been done.

[perryjl]

I don't see APF ever having a franchise mode...

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

I don't see APF ever having a franchise mode...

2k already said they want franchise for APF, just didn't have time for 2k8.

I guess you know more about 2k's direction for APF than... 2k, though

[The_Gamefather]

Well, then if there's an APF 2K9, I don't foresee an APF 2K10.

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

Well, then if there's an APF 2K9, I don't foresee an APF 2K10.

I don't know what you mean..

but they also said that they saw this as a bi-yearly title, so I don't foresee an APF 2K9

[The_Gamefather]

Prince, 2K Sports had three years to design a Franchise mode. Time isn't a legitimate excuse.

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

Prince, 2K Sports had three years to design a Franchise mode. Time isn't a legitimate excuse.

They didn't have 3 years though, they've been developing this(from the ground up) for just over a year

[The_Gamefather]

I don't know what you mean..

but they also said that they saw this as a bi-yearly title, so I don't foresee an APF 2K9

In other words, assuming there's a Franchiseless sequel, there won't be a threequel (APF 2K10).

[kcxiv]

A Franchise mode would compliment APF 2K8. Where there's a will, there's a way. I'd have to brainstorm, but it can and should've been done.
could it have been done? no doubt, but, "They did not want to put it in the game" its really as simple is that, yet people dont understand that. lol

[The_Gamefather]

They didn't have 3 years though, they've been developing this(from the ground up) for just over a year

That's not what Jeff Thomas said, Prince. Furthermore, this game is not built completely from scratch.

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

That's not what Jeff Thomas said, Prince.

hmm, I could have swore they DID say that, but if you can prove me wrong be my guest, seriously.

I mean, I wanted a franchise mode, but i'm 90% sure they said they had just over a year.

[Prince_RIP4eVa]

could it have been done? no doubt, but, "They did not want to put it in the game" its really as simple is that, yet people dont understand that. lol

I feel like a nerd FOR keeping up with everything, but it now frustrates me when others don't, lol. AT FIRST, they said it was because it didn't make sense, but that's not what they're saying now. They said it's because they didn't have enough time.

[The_Gamefather]

I heard the same. Life lesson: don't believe everything you hear. I'll get you proof...

Prince, click the link. At 7:00 you'll hear Jeff say,"...we talked about a lot of different things over the last 3 years of designing this game..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdZhgRD6vBw

[Jedeye]

Who said only a small percentage of gamers play online?

According to NPD, about 7 in 10 users of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 reported that they play games online. (Reported in Gamesutra)


I saw that data reported by NPD. It said that 62% of gamers play online, but that was mostly PC gamers. The percentage of console gamers online was much lower.

I can provide a link if needed.

[GaMeQB11]

you sound like an angry nerd who talks trash online and are too dumb to understand the concept behind real football.

playing the AI (when its not bein stupid) is closer to sim football than playing some random jerkoff online

[the member]

I could care less about franchise....

Im in college and me and friends usually just play for money...

Other than that Im in practice mode.

[The_Gamefather]

I'd prefer to play sophisticated AI which can't drop games, as opposed to a sore-losing teenager whom does.

[budsclass201]

I'd prefer to play sophisticated AI which can't drop games, as opposed to a sore-losing teenager whom does.

I agree with you there, but for every person you do play online that plays fair, just add them to your friends list and before you know it, you'll have a whole list of great human opponents. For every punk kid who cheats or quits, just add them to your avoid list.

Once this game comes out, someone will probably create a thread for sim players only. Just add all those guys to your friends list. easy peasy.

[adam99x2002]

Online leagues is going to own my soul!!!

Can't wait to get my baby (my league) up and running. In ESPN NFL 2K5, our league spanned 14 successful seasons. Sure we had our problems with others, but we dropped them and found better. I believe we had 14 seasons done in like...less then a year. Yes we're the hardcore players that love the game football and we want to continue the legacy. So far we have 20 players signed up, and I'm telling ya, playing against actual people is SO much better then the AI. Set up rules, have everyone obey them, and your league will live a long time. Don't get me started with all of the website stuff (DROOLING)!

[OGGamer777]

I agree with you there, but for every person you do play online that plays fair, just add them to your friends list and before you know it, you'll have a whole list of great human opponents. For every punk kid who cheats or quits, just add them to your avoid list.

Once this game comes out, someone will probably create a thread for sim players only. Just add all those guys to your friends list. easy peasy.

true words right there man...that's the easiest way to solve a cheese problem...the way i see it...its easy to get friends online because they've come across a cheese or two before and def. wouldn't mind the company of someone who knows the art of the game...that to me is one of the greatest things about online gaming.

[Ironman]

There are many things in the Franchise Mode that are great for me, and I assume these things apply to a majority of the Franchise gamers:

- I have many things in my life that keep me busy and don't allow me to play on any kind of regular schedule. Things like a family and a career along with other responsibilities don't leave a lot of time for xbox. Also, with my schedule I can't commit to regular times to play xbox and sometimes only have small windows of time to play (or for that matter check out new games or message boards).

- I don't have an Xbox live account, nor do I want one.

- I like playing against the AI and have the sliders adjusted so it presents a challenge to me and I enjoy my gaming experience. Also, by creating self imposed limitations on moves and trades to make it realistic and challenges me. And I play games so I am challenged and can care less who out "there" I can beat or can beat me. The only people I play are a couple friends the few times a year we are able to get together.

- I enjoy the challenge of managing the salary cap, draft, trades, lineups, signings, etc. and molding a team to a certain style of play. All of this is part of the strategy of building a winning as much as what calls to make on offense, defense and special teams during a game. 2K5 doesn't have hot dog prices and all the other frivolous things

- I don't have the time to works on my "controller skills" and would get destroyed in online play, which I admit. Not because I don't know the game (I probably have more football experience than the majority of gamers on this board), but I don't have the time to devote to playing to get that good at doing all kinds of button manipulation, etc.

- The idea of controlling a team and seeing it progress and develop is fun and challenging. Who to keep, who to cut, what areas need to be addressed, who's contract is too big, etc. are all part of the process. Having a new team each season is not something I would want to do.

I posted a week or two ago how Franchise Mode could be done with legends that would keep the game balanced and not require a lot of new work on 2k's part. The ideas are workable and could be done.

And with regard to playing Franchise Mode, I have a 2k5 team in the 13th season and have played every pre, regular, and post season game (plus a few seasons before starting the Franchise Mode to get a feel for the sliders and how to make it fun and challenging for me). In that time I've won 3 championships, my worst record was 3-13 and my best record was 12-4, and I never beat a team by 70 points. And every season has been fun for me and challenging for me.

At this point I'll continue to play my 2k5 Franchise and hope there is a Franchise Mode at some point. While the visuals looks very good on 2k8, for me it's about the long term challenge and the replay value, not the visual effects, online play and one shot games.

[Sydroxzero]

OK This Topic again, let me break it down some people like it some people don't obviously its not in the game this year but ill bet you wouldn't be complaining if it was in the game.

[Sydroxzero]

- I don't have an Xbox live account, nor do I want one.
You know what i agree with you i used my free month of gold xbox live and you know what it wasn't really enjoyable at all, i just don't know why i don't enjoy playing real people i won some games and lost some but it wasn't really that great at all, maybe because i was playing on madden with live ;)

[Lacarious]

franchise would be strongly needed if there was no online leagues. franchise basically gets you familiar with the game... and then you jump online and bust out the true skill. Season mode will do just fine for that but i do agree that it would be awesome if you could have a franchise mode or multiple season mode so you can trade\draft legends. I'm thinking there prob was no way to keep from a baller making a team full of legends... nothing wrong with that.. i think it would be freaking awesome... since everyone and anyone can destroy the AI 40 - 0 in the 1st Q so what would be bad about having a full season of mad all stars just spanking foo's left and right just for pure fun. Then... when you want a real challenge... jump into the online world... i.e. leagues. or play a friend... but most def stay away from the lobbies (however, voting will help out lobby ball)... there are way too many jackazz B's in the lobby. Leagues is truly where the comp is at and less headaches.

btw - congrats evil... you are now part of the sig club.

[Flips House]

sigh....... hmm. do i really need to repeat myself again?? im sure people like me would love online leagues, but i have a very busy lifestyle, and other hobbies i enjoy. i play franchise cause i can play at my own pace. sometimes i can play 3 to 4 games a week. sometimes i cant even get 1 game in within 2 whole weeks!!! i would be very unreliable in an online league. this is why i love franchise. i dont have to depend on others and they dont have to depend on me. not everyone is still 16 playing hooky from school to play video games all day.

THIS IS WHY I'M EXCITED ABOUT APF 2K8.

Before the only way to have anything to do with building your own team and using them to compete online was to play in leagues. In theory, it sounds so cool, but in practice, it's hard to schedule real life around a videogame...therefore leagues just have never worked out for me. Now with 2K8, I can completely build my own team, tweak it, do whatever I want to it....then take that team out for action in quick matches or friend matches. It's like the best of leagues mixed with the best of ranked games....excited.

[The_Gamefather]

Until Microsoft designs a cheat-proof online service, I'll stick to the solo game.

[ScottyP]

Agreed.

I hear all the online players talking about how they want online drafts, trades, etc etc .... how is this that much different than offline drafts, trades, etc etc? That's right, it's not. The only difference is that you end up playing the computer or playing another player at the end of it.

I could care less about who are what I play as long as it provides a challenge. Adjust the sliders if you want it more difficult.

I don't understand why everyone says franchise wouldn't work in this game. In every other game with a franchise mode, the players get old and retire and randomly generated players show up in the draft. Eventually, you have no real players left anyhow. I don't care about the names on the jerseys, I just want to build a quality team and take them to the SuperBowl.

In Madden, I turned off all the crap about hotdogs and ticket prices. In 2K5, I didn't have to worry about that stuff at all. It was all about pick your team, pick your players, make some trades and drafts and then play. That is no different than what the online players are going to be doing.

The only difference is that I don't have to deal with the self serving, teeny bopper, no job online crowd that has nothing better to do than play football and talk **** all day long. When I get home from work and realize that I have a few minutes of spare time (a rarity it seems), then I can sit down and play a game or two.

[The_Gamefather]

Perhaps we eliminate player aging. Again, I don't know the specifics. But, a Franchise mode would work for this game.

[IMDVS2]

Scotty, I agree. Between running a business and hanging with my brats, I can only play when there is spare time. (which is sporadic)

[Darkheath]

Wow... I go away for 2 days and EvilPotsie (who I originally thought was pretty cool) turns into a d.yck. Nice...

Actually... financially, 2k probably would have been better off targeting the offline crowd. I'm quite sure there are way more of them. I mean really... it seems skewed towards the online guys here in the forum, but most offline players don't bother with online forums either. But I digress...

I am pretty sure though that they didn't have the time. I know one guy posted that the developer said something about 3 years, but I'm pretty sure they've only really been working on this game for about 14-15 months. There was a skeleton crew of about 3-4 guys left on football after "the deal" went down... but most of the football guys ended up on the basketball game.

ANYWAY... there are ways this can be done. The simplest being having the option to just turn the legends off. Most hardcore franchisers would be fine with a totally generic league.

Another cool way would be to just have the legends show up in the order they actually showed up in the draft pool. Say you start a franchise in 1967, you could expect to see Roger Staubach in the draft pool in 1969. Now that would really dilute how many "legends" are in the game at any one time, but I'm a little worried that these guys aren't going to feel too special because there will be SO MANY legends in at the same time. At least 22 per game.

I'll try a couple of leagues online, that's for sure. But I suck. I never won more than 6 in a 2k5 league. Regardless, I'll try different team combos and designing "faaaaabulous" uniforms! I'll get my $60 worth out of this game.

[ScottyP]

You know what else is great about franhise mode......

As I read all these threads about people trying to figure out how the online draft will work, how the online trades will work, and worrying about online players all having the same teams, I just have to laugh.

All the online guys are worried about how they are going to draft a team without coming up with the same thing as someone else. They are worried about someone trading a gold for a gold and ending up with two of the same players (jerry rice on the left and right sides for instance). They are worried about the leaderboards having all the same players competing for the best stats.

Guess what .... in an offline franchise, I don't encounter any of these issues. I just grab my team (or draft it), trade players when I wish and play games. Simple and I can play when I have time, not when someone across the country dictates.

Online is fine for a quick game, but when it comes to leagues, drafts, trades, etc ...... I fail to see that online is any better. In fact, it may be worse.