The first, most obvious (though not the most important) aspect of NFL2K that most people will notice, is the visuals. After first seeing the game live, all I could do was lift my jaw off the floor. Even forgetting that this is a sports title, I could not believe the amazingly detailed graphics and animation that Visual Concepts has pulled off on their first try. The development of NFL2K began before the Dreamcast hardware even existed, so how in the world can the visuals be so dialed? Can you imagine what the next generation of Dreamcast sports titles will look like?

The entire game runs in the Dreamcast's standard 640x480 resolution, at 60 fps. The character models and textures are easily the most detailed I have ever seen in a sports title. It is like having 2 whole teams of something approaching Virtua Fighter 3 quality. The polygon models are 100% seamless, and feature obscene amounts of detail. Individual faces, nose strips and blinking eyes can be seen under the helmets. Helmets feature many cage configurations, visors and straps. The numbers and names on the back of each jersey are totally flawless, and can be clearly read from any distance or angle. You can even zoom in and see individual holes on the jerseys and leg/shin pads on the pants. With that detail, it shows that the Dreamcast could probably do a fighting game that included huge crowds of onlookers, such as seen in the PS2 Tekken demo.

Even if the character models were stick figures, the animation would still stand out. Sega was boasting 1,300+ motion-captured character animations, and I certainly see what they mean. Characters playing different positions all have their own sets of animation, as do players of different size and weight. Animation appears so smooth and lifelike that you would think you are watching something scripted and/or pre-rendered. For the most part, it is quite difficult to spot where one animation ends and the other begins. Little details such as the ball holder spinning the laces in as the kicker starts his field goal approach is just amazing. Small details such as that are certainly not required, but they do add up to provide for a very convincing, realistic look and feel. The weather effects are all very convincing as well. Mud gets all over the player's uniforms, snow slowly floats to the ground, clouds of breath mist come out of the players mouths, etc. The ONLY graphical problem I could see, was when lining up for a field goal, for one reason or another the game slows down a bit.

NFL2K's audio is quite good as well. All the sound effects, ranging from hits, individual voices in the crowds and raindrops can be heard and are crystal clear. The commentators, although fictional, speak near seamlessly. Though some phrases do repeat more than others, they have an incredibly large vocabulary. The most amazing thing about the commentary, is when the 3 (2 handling commentary, 1 updates) just speak and converse about random things as they are waiting for you to call a play or make a decision. The conversations sound surprisingly natural.

The above 2 features obviously would mean not a thing if the game played like garbage. And thankfully, it doesn't. Like I said earlier, I am NOT a football game enthusiast, so I cannot compare NFL2K to each and every version of each and every franchise out there. So I won't even make the attempt. There is not much I do not like about NFL2K. The players are very responsive, and contrary to what some people say, do not move too slow. Everyone on the offensive line can dash, stiff arm with either right or left arm, shoulder charge, dive, highstep/hurdle, spin and lateral. There are even "power" versions of these moves. In addition to most of those mentioned, the QB can fake snap, quiet the crowd, pass, throw the ball away or pump fake. The defensive line can quiet the crowd, set a man in motion, jump the line, dash, jump, dive and do that all important swim move. The defenders have powered up versions of their special moves as well.

Playing on the default difficulty, I had no problems being able to run the ball through the middle, or the outside, for some average yardage. Like real football, running the ball from the snap, directly to the endzone without being touched does not happen all that often. Same could be said here. I have heard some people complain that it is a bit too difficult to run the ball, which initially, is true. but after realizing all the special moves that each defender has, the problem quickly vanished. Stiff arming (with the correct arm), and hurdling/highstepping low tackles are very important skills to learn. Without them, making good progress on a rush is very difficult.

The passing game is smooth as silk. With everything running in high resolution and at 60 fps, it just becomes so simple to accurately see what is going on. Picking and choosing receivers, as well as getting into position becomes much easier. I was totally loving the onscreen play calling, though it has one weird quirk. The fact that your human opponent can see what play you are currently looking out is a bit strange. Thankfully you can use the VMU to play call, or "fake" your playcalling to throw the opponent off. I will once again to address the speed issue of the game. A few individuals have complained about the passes appearing to move a bit on the slow side as well. You actually have control over the pass speed, which is a little known fact. By tapping the button, the QB tosses a higher, slower lob type pass, and by holding it, he throws a low, fast bullet pass. Anyway, NFL2K is not Blitz, it is not supposed to move as hyper fast.

NFL2K offers most of your typical play modes such as Exhibition, Tournament, Season and Playoffs. Visual Concepts has also included: Fantasy Mode, which allows you to create players as well as an entire custom team. Quickstart, which gives you random teams and conditions. Practice, which allows you to practice each and every individual play, including special moves. Tutorial: which walks you through a game, teaching you how to play. One mode which is not included (this year) is a Franchise Mode. Visual Concepts is already planning that, as well as internet connectivity, for next year's revision. Many options are included as well. You have the ability to create your own playbook, control game speed, weather, skill level, Team EQ, etc. NFL2K also features support for the Jump Pack.