The Average Gamer 1.27.12: Sports Genre Edition

Posted by Dan Watson on 01.27.2012

From Madden 12 and NFL Blitz to NBA 2k12, NHL 12 and more, 411's Dan Watson takes a look at the best sports games out there for casual players in this week's Average Gamer!

Welcome back to the Average Gamer. This week has been filled with surprises so let's just keep that going.
Chicago weather has always been interesting. We had 8 inches of snow last Friday followed by a Thunderstorm on Sunday and rain with high winds Monday. Now we are in the warm up of the week. On top of all that fun, this was the half year mark for being married so that is good we have made it like three times longer than Kim Kardashian did. And of course, the Super Bowl is set. This time around I really didn't have a team I was really hoping would win. The Super Bowl will be interesting I am sure, especially if these two teams can match up their previous Super Bowl performance.

In the games world, I have found my way back into Skyrim. I am focusing on trying to get some of the achievements out of the way. So far, I have finished up the Dark Brotherhood and trying to figure out how to restore the thieves' guild to its former glory. Along the way I have picked up four artifacts so I am getting there.

Also, I have been playing Dungeon Defenders. This is a great little arcade game that you can spend hours playing and not get bored. It is a game that you pick one of four different types of characters and build defenses while also attacking enemies. Cool game, worth the points if you have them.

Last week we covered some of the DLC that I have picked up lately and one person pointed out exactly how I felt. One of the guests wrote that he had the 1000 points in Saints Row and needed to complete the game 100% so he would have to purchase that sad DLC. I was in the same boat. When I beat Saints Row the third 100% the DLC achievements had already been added that day. So I had to pick up that terrible DLC and play through it. The thing is, it isn't terrible, it just is extremely short and not worth seven dollars. If it was just like 260 Microsoft points I would say grab it its worth that much. But for an additional 300 points that is a bit to ask for.

I realized I have a few games still in their original wrapping that I need to get to. If anyone has any thoughts on Assassin's Creed's newest game that would be helpful before opening it. Also, I am always looking for fun games that I haven't played yet so any games that I haven't mentioned or maybe I did and you just think I should relook at it, let me know.

This week I want to look at some of the options out there for guys and gals new to gaming that want to play a fun sports game. So let's jump into it.

Sports Genre

The Sports Genre has about as much conflict within it as almost any other genre. This genre varies more than shooters or action adventure games as every game seems to have a different control scheme. On top of that, the idea of simulation versus arcade has come up in another column (4 player co-op) and I felt it would be a great idea to help some gamers out. Listen, I know that not everyone cares who Adrian Peterson is. Most people could care less about the NBA or MLB. The games though are extremely fun and there is something for everyone in this genre.

Simulations

The easiest place to start with this is explaining the difference. Simulations are the games like Madden and NHL 12 that are the closest thing to real the video game industry can offer. Arcade titles are pretty much the opposite. They are the over the top, family fun versions of the real world sports. These titles would include NFL Blitz, NHL Hitz, Slugfest, and of course everyone's favorite NBA Jam.



So where do you fit in? Well the best way to find out is rent the games but if you cannot do that there is a pretty easy way to figure out where you are going to have the most fun. If you know the general rules of the sport, can enjoy the real feel of the sport, and have a decent amount of time on your hand simulation is for you. I would recommend NHL 12 if you are a hockey fan as that game is far and above the best simulation out there of any sports game. Madden is the best known game of course but is the same game it has been for the past three years (that coming from someone who has bought the game every year since 1997). NBA 2k12 is pretty decent this year, though much of the focus is on downloading their legend showcase for the fun type of games like Horse or 21.



Arcade



As already covered this is the fun over the top side of the genre. If you are short on time to play, these games are typically much quicker to get through and are normally packed with a bit more action. If you have never played a sports title, you may want to just start here, especially if you are unfamiliar with the sport in question. Nothing is more annoying than playing a game of Hockey and not knowing the rules so you are ruled offside every time or icing.

The top game I recommend is NFL Blitz. This series has been fun since back on Nintendo 64 and continues to add different fun dimensions to the game. MLB Slugfest is pretty good as well as NHL Hitz. I have not played the new NBA Jam, the previous installments were always a good time with two on two basketball.



For next week, the goal is to have top female characters of gaming edition. Please toss your ideas in the comments section so that I don't forget or leave anyone off. Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy a football-less weekend, the Pro-Bowl doesn't count because no one is really watching that game.