Sneak Peek: All-Pro Football 2K8

SI Staff | Jun 16, 2007

Sneak Peek: All-Pro Football 2K8 /

Sneak Peek: All-Pro Football 2K8

When EA purchased exclusive third-party video game rights for NFL teams and players, its competition was left out in the dark. At the time, 2K Sports' NFL2K series was considered by many fans the top dog over the Madden series. But without an NFL license, 2K was forced to back off football for several years. Now 2K is back with All-Pro Football 2K8 -- a game featuring former NFL greats playing on fictitious teams. <br><br>Will football fans embrace past NFL heroes and the new approach? We're not sure, but seeing John Elway back in action gives us a warm fuzzy. We were barely able digest the Broncos' new uniforms until they beat the Packers en route to back-to-back Super Bowl wins, so this blue and gray uniform is going to take some getting used to.

John Elway and Jerry Rice on the same field might conjure visions of a Dancing With the Stars halftime show at an Arena League game, but we're liking the idea of those two taking on a team helmed by Ken Stabler.

One benefit of not having an NFL license is the ability to riff on what a football stadium could look like. We're not sure fans in the real world would be comfortable sitting in front of a giant beehive but you have to think the concessions would be pretty sweet.

We like the design here but you'd have to think a team willing to give up prime real estate on both sides of the 50-yard line doesn't have a future.

How much for the obstructed view seats behind the bird?

Walter Payton taking the handoff and busting a move helped make football America's most popular sport. The last time Sweetness was a major player in video games was Tecmo Bowl. Welcome home, Walter.

Sure the game has some great offensive players but how about the defense? Enter Bryce Paup. That's right ... Bryce Paup.

Comparing great quarterbacks from past decades has always been apples and oranges with all the changes in the game. Now you can decide whether Johnny Unitas can roll with his peers from the modern era.

Published Jun 16, 2007

SI STAFF