The NFL On The Sega Sports Network.

I normally don't make it a point to buy a football game simply on looks, but that (as well as the $13 price tag, used) was the main reason why I bought a copy of NFL 2K for my Dreamcast.

This game is the most entertaining (as well as detailed) football game I have ever played! the players look real (sorta), the announcers sound real (sorta) and it carries all of the realism that you would expect on a televised game.

There are weather reports (if excessive heat or cold, or rain or snow), injury reports (provided a player is taken out during the game), and halftime reports, all going on as you are playing the actual plays. I have never heard anything like this, that sounds so realistic, in all my years of gaming. But, the announcing does have one problem:

Let's just say that you have had an excellent game, your quarterback has hit every last pass and hasn't thrown an interception the whole game. Then, you botch a passing play, and they will say that the QB has had a bit of an off day all day. Now, this was after they said that that same QB was unstoppable. It's just the inacuracies in the announcers that makes for the only problem along the lines of commentary.

But, the other sounds are dead on. The roar of the crowd. The sound of the pads connecting. The QB's playcalling. It's all about as perfect as you will find. Hell, the audience even cheers for the home team by chanting the teams name. It feels real good to this Wisconsinite's ear to hear "Go Pack Go!" as I tear up 'Da Bears at Lambeau Field. Speaking of the arenas:

All of the arenas are in this game, and in dazzling detail. You will know how perfect these arenas look when you start your first game. If you have seen any of these venues in person, you would almost swear you were there again. That is the power of the Dreamcast.

Now, player detail is a little different. All of the players seem to be the right height, but the build of the players is a little less than spectacular. Outside of the faces (which seem almost perfect behind those facemasks), the bodies look extremely blocky, even for football players. But, even though they all look about the same, they still do what is needed for the game.

Play calling seems to take a page from the "Madden Book of Simple Play Calling". That is the best thing about most football games. The play calling is extremely easy. Here, it's no different. You even have all of the teams playbooks to choose from. You could be playing as the Dolphins, but you could use Dallas' playbook. Sure, this has probably been done on other football games, but screw those! I still love this one.

Now, movement of the players is a little slow. While you are supposed to be running, you seem to be jogging. This really isn't a problem. You can react faster to defenders attempting to tackle you, but not much faster. It isn't that much slower. But, to fix this problem, just change the game speed to fast, and the slowdown problem is more or less rectified.

The replays are marvelous. After a sweet play, you will get to watch it again (just like on TV). Again, the attempt at TV like realism is there, and hits the target perfectly. And, for those of you who aren't big fans of the replays can just skip them by pushing the A button. But, why the hell would you want to skip these beautiful replays?

Overall, loyal reader, if you are looking for just one football game for your Dreamcast, this one is the best I've played to date (but, since this is the ONLY one I've played, that really doesn't say much). Hell, any game with this kind of realism for only $20 new is worth anyone buying!

Trust me on this one. You'll thank me later.