Like many of you, I practically worshipped 2k5. Aside from the incredible football mechanics incorporated into the game, there was a genuine sense of realism brought about through the play-by-play calls, pregame/halftime/postgame show, and franchise mode.

While I think the game mechanics (tackles, passing, running, etc.) have improved, 2k8 takes a major step backwards by not incorporating a franchise mode. The game is already at a disadvantage by losing out on the NFL rights. While using legends is the next best thing, I don't think anybody can argue they prefer that over actual NFL players. Why then did 2k Sports skimp on the franchise mode? For anyone who is more interested in single player, offline play, franchise mode is essential.

I also think the field pass cutscenes are annoying, the play-by-play announcer calls are a bit too recycled from 2k5, and there are no longer replays from other games around the league -- something I really enjoyed and made me feel like the other games were actually being played out.

I've only played Madden a few times and didn't think it was anywhere near as polished or realistic as 2k5. However, it does have a franchise mode and ultimately that may be something that keeps me interested in a football game for the long haul.

My hope is that next year 2k Sports can re-acquire the NFL rights (if that's even possible), or at the very least expand the game to include a franchise mode and incorporate a fictional sports television network ala ESPN from 2k5.

[ImBACKK,killah5]

Originally Posted by markt54

Like many of you, I practically worshipped 2k5. Aside from the incredible football mechanics incorporated into the game, there was a genuine sense of realism brought about through the play-by-play calls, pregame/halftime/postgame show, and franchise mode.

While I think the game mechanics (tackles, passing, running, etc.) have improved, 2k8 takes a major step backwards by not incorporating a franchise mode. The game is already at a disadvantage by losing out on the NFL rights. While using legends is the next best thing, I don't think anybody can argue they prefer that over actual NFL players. Why then did 2k Sports skimp on the franchise mode? For anyone who is more interested in single player, offline play, franchise mode is essential.

I also think the field pass cutscenes are annoying, the play-by-play announcer calls are a bit too recycled from 2k5, and there are no longer replays from other games around the league -- something I really enjoyed and made me feel like the other games were actually being played out.

I've only played Madden a few times and didn't think it was anywhere near as polished or realistic as 2k5. However, it does have a franchise mode and ultimately that may be something that keeps me interested in a football game for the long haul.

My hope is that next year 2k Sports can re-acquire the NFL rights (if that's even possible), or at the very least expand the game to include a franchise mode and incorporate a fictional sports television network ala ESPN from 2k5.

Can ****ing idiots like you read or listen. You knew months before the release of the game there was no franchise,next time you buy a ****ing game read up on it *******.

Easy there ImBACKK,killah5....you seem to be financially invested in the success of this game. You're obviously quite bright from your totally AWESOME and original username and your command of proper grammar. I did in fact know there was no franchise mode when I purchased the game and I never said in my post I regretted my purchase. I was merely commenting on what I thought the game was lacking.

Now take your meds and prepare yourself for a life of minimum wage jobs.

[ImBACKK,killah5]

Originally Posted by markt54

Easy there ImBACKK,killah5....you seem to be financially invested in the success of this game. You're obviously quite bright from your totally AWESOME and original username and your command of proper grammar. I did in fact know there was no franchise mode when I purchased the game and I never said in my post I regretted my purchase. I was merely commenting on what I thought the game was lacking.

Now take your meds and prepare yourself for a life of minimum wage jobs.

If you knew ahead of time that you wanted a franchise then why buy the game you idiot,and about my grammer sorry if im not in class right now and i just can't seem to take this message board **** as serious as i take my school work but i guess thats just me. People want to type like Edgar Allen Poe online not me i'll stick to my way of typing thank you very much

[Klink]

Originally Posted by markt54

While I think the game mechanics (tackles, passing, running, etc.) have improved, 2k8 takes a major step backwards by not incorporating a franchise mode. The game is already at a disadvantage by losing out on the NFL rights. While using legends is the next best thing, I don't think anybody can argue they prefer that over actual NFL players. Why then did 2k Sports skimp on the franchise mode? For anyone who is more interested in single player, offline play, franchise mode is essential.

Just for the sake of argument: How would a franchise even work in 2K8? There's no player progression, there's no draft, there's no trades. Do you want them to let you pick hotdog prices and call it "franchise"?

Seriously. How would it work?

[92DoverTiger112]

Originally Posted by Klink

Just for the sake of argument: How would a franchise even work in 2K8? There's no player progression, there's no draft, there's no trades. Do you want them to let you pick hotdog prices and call it "franchise"?

Seriously. How would it work?

But I think that the answer is better....You are right maybe there COULDN't have been a franchise. But I think that there could have been. I just think that it required 2K to THINK outside the box and create one, and they failed to do so. I am pretty sure that as creative as us fans are that 1 day brainstorming in a room, we could think of a way to increase the re-play value of this game...either via franchise OR just a story line.
They could have created a story line for each team like we do with our online franchizes that we post. That thinking outside the box is what separates a GOOD company struggling to make it in the football industry (although somewhat handicapped) from a great one. 2K dropped the ball by giving us a hollow game!!!!!

[Klink]

Fair enough.

Originally Posted by Klink

Just for the sake of argument: How would a franchise even work in 2K8? There's no player progression, there's no draft, there's no trades. Do you want them to let you pick hotdog prices and call it "franchise"?

Seriously. How would it work?

You raise a good point. Perhaps if they had a larger pool of some "lesser" legends held in reserve for future drafts. Mix those with new generic players created as in 2k5 and you could keep things going beyond one season. Obviously, there would have to be some player progression, a draft and trades.

When I say franchise, I'm not talking about concession stands and stadium seating, I'm just referring to multiple seasons so you can fully invest yourself with a team beyond a single year.

[GaMeQB11]

Originally Posted by Klink

Just for the sake of argument: How would a franchise even work in 2K8? There's no player progression, there's no draft, there's no trades. Do you want them to let you pick hotdog prices and call it "franchise"?

Seriously. How would it work?

you must be very simple minded. just have the legends age. just LIKE real life! not too hard. When someone plays an NFL franchise, the stars dont stay allstars right?-they age some of these legends have at least 5 yrs of great play left in them-

or if your that butthurt about aging legend s then just leave them out of franchise

MANY people are so simple minded here its not even funny. only an idiot (or someone lying to themselves that 2k made a perfect game that could be no other way) would think franchise isnt possible

[sleepytercel]

Maybe the fact that the franchise mode had to be redesigned and rethought out before implemented is the reasoning we don't have it. Gameplay was their focus, and it's the right one. 2K5 had a ton of glitches that ruined many games played. Too many defensive errors and money plays. It all had to be balanced. The engine needed retooling to meet VC's new system created for the legends. VC made it work for gameplay first. Maybe the franchise ideas they had couldn't materialize with their timeframe or budget. I'll give VC a pass because it's not like they released an NFL game and took out the franchise. They have to start over, and it probably takes time. Heck, a lot of people hated 2Ks franchise mode and its draft glitch. I'm glad their focus was gameplay, because the legends idea could have been an unbalanced disaster.