Football is all about the atmosphere, just look at the World Cup. If you have ever been to a live match you have experienced that buzz of community and passion, but on FIFA? Its pretty dead. Whereas the 2K series conveys the electric atmosphere and the excitement of the sport, FIFA seems to be very subdued. The crowd sing dully, the pitches are dull, and the presentation is slick, but rather dull, the list goes on. By taking tips from the team at 2K sports, the FIFA franchise would see a much needed improvement with increased atmosphere. In NBA 2K12, it feels like you are watching a real life match, in FIFA? It feels like your watching a D-League stinker.
Over the years FIFA has improved its presentation and feel. It is a very classy affair, with shiny gold menus and swooshing sounds. But, when you dive into a game, the nearest thing you come to a slick slide is the EA Sports logo spinning. The NBA series creates its feeling of realism by its in-game presentation. Different replays are sponsored by different companies, player statistics pop up to show you even more information and the screen transitions are constantly changing. As a result, each game feels like a televised affair, not an arcade experience like with FIFA. If FIFA were to include new camera's, a range of replays and an overall wider array of transitions, it would become much closer to watching a game on Sky Sports, a huge step for a game which strives to be realistic.
Every year that FIFA makes a large gameplay innovation, the crowd are always forgotten. Much like the previous points, the crowd in FIFA results in a slightly boring affair. They hardly move at all, they seem to be lifeless and when they do move, it is in perfect synchronisation. Whilst the 2K series does not have 20,000 separate animations for every spectator, the range of movements are enough for you to believe the crowd are not simply copy and pasted all over. Although this may not be a major point when you are playing the as game you take little notice of the crowd, but much like the atmosphere and presentation, it creates a more cohesive experience that makes you feel like you are watching a live match, not playing a £40 game.
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In no way does the FIFA series lack a love for the game, but when compared to the 2K series, FIFA seems as loving as Freddy Krueger. One thing that the NBA prides itself on is its rich history of players, so to celebrate this, the 2K series include 'Greatest Mode' which consists of famous matches where specific players showed their true power. Classic basketball players ranging from Michael Jordan to Bill Russel each have era-specific games, all of which are full of love and passion for the sport. As an added bonus, older games have a black and white tone and simple presentation, once again making it all the more authentic. However, when compared to basketball, football blows it out of the water for history. Imagine playing famous and infamous football games as footballs greatest ever players; Pele, Maradonna, Bobby Moore, Frank Beckenbaur. Partner this with a carefully created period specific style, and you have yourself onto something truly special.
The FIFA series is great, there is no denying. Grab 4 friends, 4 controllers and a game of FIFA and you have yourself one of gamings greatest gifts. But, much like any game, there is always room to improve. The NBA 2K series is the greatest sporting franchise. I haven't even mentioned the fantastic My Player Mode, the streamlined Association and the gorgeous graphics, but small steps are the the most effective. By making these improvements, the FIFA franchise could become much closer to its real life counterpart, and as a result, become one of if not the greatest sporting simulator out there.
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