Current Gen to Next Gen: Sports Edition

     So, here we are, another day, another next gen console release just ahead, and I can sense the frustration building around the interwebs. What is this frustration you ask? Well, there has been minimal gameplay footage showing off next gen sports games. With only a month away from release, sports fans are quickly becoming unsettled. They have put money towards preorders of next gen systems and games, yet still do not know what they are getting into when it comes to their favorite basketball/football title. Sure there have been some "sizzle" trailers and some screenshot comparisons that have been revealed but, that's about it. Now, I am sure 2K and EA will soon release this unseen footage for the world to experience but, why the delay? Are they feeding off the anticipation of the consumer? Are they trying to rush to complete the final touches of the games before they release the footage? Or, is it a "You make the first move" strategy between the two major sports gaming companies? Whatever the reason people are waiting on the edges of their seats, searching to the corners of the World Wide Webs trying to find info on these sacred next gen titles. Some fans (from the forums I have read, some is putting it nicely) have simply given up on these developers and what they are claiming to offer us for the future of gaming.

     With that said, I have seen screenshots of what is to come just like others in the sports gaming world and I haven't been too impressed with the comparisons. Now let me say this before I make too many people upset. I love great graphics just as much as the next gaming junkie but, that isn't what it's all about. There are games that draw you in with story, gameplay, ect. My two cents is that all we have to go off of right now is a few screenshots of next gen sports games to compare with current gen. Well if we are judging next gen sports titles based off of that then the winner is.........OPINION ALERT! OPINION ALERT!........................ NBA 2K14!

     WHAT?!?!?!?! I can already see the comments below of all the disagreements on this opinion but, I'm sure there will be those who agree with me as well. Let me explain with the showing of some current and next gen photos if I may.

Can you tell which is which?

I think it is pretty obvious which is current and which is next gen. Can you tell? NBA 2K14 has made some noticeable changes from the detail of uniforms to the accurate detail of facial scans (of Lebron) put into the game. Of course NBA Live hasn't had a game released since Oct. 6th 2009 so I would feel bad comparing the differences of 4 yrs.

     Now, that brings me to the next big sport.... Football. Yes, Madden 25. There have been a ton of mixed reviews on this years edition of the 25th anniversary release of the most popular ( and only) licensed NFL game on consoles. I personally think the gameplay has made HUGE strides over the past few years but, for the 25th anniversary people were expecting more in the current gen game and are hoping for more in next gen as well. Message boards are being littered with negative comments on what people have seen so far. When comparing the photos of current and next gen, I don't see much improvement graphic wise and in some instances I can't tell which is which. That doesn't mean next gen Madden isn't going to be fun, it just means with what has been released so far the only judgments we can make are up close high-def screenshots. 

          I don't think the difference is that great of a leap from current gen to next gen. Yeah the lighting has improved but, let me prove another point.

     Now, can you tell me which one is current and which one is next gen? Oh, wait! neither. This is a great example of how lighting can change the appearance of a game. I can't wait for next gen sports and even though the graphics do not show a massive jump from current gen, I am still excited about the power the new systems hold and the potential of  gameplay but, it may be a couple of years before we start experiencing the true potential of next gen systems. 

What is your opinion?