E3 2004 Preview (Sports Games)

Added 05/07/2004 by Kamahl

Sports Everywhere

There is no doubting that the sports genre makes up a huge percentage of video games. So, even if you’re not a sports fan, there is no way you can avoid seeing advertisements, promotions, and information on the various sports titles. And E3 will be no different. Be prepared to see the huge arsenal of football, basketball, baseball, and other sports titles set to invade your living room this year and next year.

Instead of covering just a few titles like I did with RPGs and FPSs, I’m going to cover the publisher.


Electronic Arts

After God-knows-how-long, EA has finally decided to support Xbox Live. This means we can stop hating them now and include them in articles like this one. Anyway, Electronic Arts is pumping out sports games like usual, and they’re sure to show off these hard-hitting, Live-enabled editions at E3 next week. So, just which games will we be seeing?

Madden 2005 - Back around World War I, EA and John Madden teamed up to release a football game. Several decades later, John looks exactly the same, but the game itself has evolved into something special. One of the most anticipated games every year, Madden 2005 is set to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors. There isn’t much known about the new Madden installment, but supposedly the defense much improved. There is a “Hit Stick” implemented that apparently, by using the right analog stick, lets defenders engage in all new tackles and cremations. This is one of several new features that look to be extremely cool.

NBA Live 2005 – Another long-lived EA Sports franchise that constantly undergoes innovations is the NBA Live series. Details on this year’s version are few and far between, but next week, the developers will be at E3 with all the information we want. What we do know is that Freestyle moves have been improved, allowing for all new dunks and jump shots. We also know that the camera from NBA Live 2004 is being further revolutionized. It is supposedly going to look even more like a real basketball game is being played. Keep an eye on it next week.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 – He may be struggling as of late, but Tiger Woods still has the best golfing game on the market. The 2005 edition will be at E3 next week, and there are a few improvements to check out.

Sega

What would an E3 be like without a rivalry? Always trying to outdo each other in the sports department, Sega has its own batch of new games to showcase next week. As usual, these games will have their own innovations to try to win gamers over. Both companies are doing very well in the sports department, and that can mostly be credited to the fierce rivalry. They’re forced to be innovative, and at E3, the best innovations are shown off.

ESPN NFL 2K5 – From what I gather, the 2005 installment of ESPN football is set to deliver the most realistic presentation in football video game history. Last year’s addition of Chris Berman created a very nice touch of realism that had you feeling like you were watching football on a Sunday afternoon. This year, however, that realism will be taken to all new heights with the addition of Suzy Kolber, special guests, and other features that are sure to make you feel like you’re part of the NFL. Also, there will be weekly planning so that, in between games, you aren’t just twiddling your thumbs. You’re watching videos and preparing for the next game. One last feature to keep an eye on is contract signing improvements. It’s now possible to set up year per year contracts. Surely there will be a plethora of new details in a few days.

ESPN NBA 2K5 – As if Sega’s football game was realistic enough, expect ESPN NBA 2005 to follow the same lines. Realism is apparently in style this year, and all new lighting structures make the players look more lifelike than ever. All recent previews point a completely revamped play system that is sure to deliver realistic and, more importantly, fun games. Come the middle of next week, our ESPN NBA questions will be answered.

ESPN NHL 2K5 – There isn’t much left to say about the ESPN games. Like NBA and NFL, the NHL series is constantly undergoing improvements and revamps to provide you with a more realistic and fun experience. We’ll see more about this game next week along with the other Sega Sports titles.

Others

There are many, many other sports titles set to be shown at E3 next week. From Fifa Soccer to ESPN College Hoops, virtually every sport will have a video game. Also, whether you consider it a real sport or not, there will be several racing games on display. Nonetheless, sports fanatics and casual fans alike will be fully satisfied at this year’s E3 because it looks like a revolutionary year for sports titles.


Other Sports titles to keep an eye on:

MLB Slugfest: Loaded
Club Football 2005
FIFA Soccer 2005
NCAA Football 2005


Check out our other E3 2004 Previews: