Time to Coach from the Couch
NFL Head Coach has hit stores.
Published: June 21, 2006
There are guys out there that are psychos about analyzing stats in games -- the stats generated by a bunch of ones and zeroes, sometimes in a simulated match can be as engrossing as actually playing the game. Part of this, one can only assume, is tracking what players are doing in a given game and seeing what kind of numbers they post. This is the job of a coach, to watch trends and, when it comes draft time, to pick up new players the fill in those positions on the team that will let stars rise while not sacrificing the core of the team's offense of defense.
Or at least that's how we've figured it out by listening to the NFL Head Coach guys speak. The idea of a "football RPG" is something that has been attempted in varying levels in the past, but never as the core focus of the game, which is probably why EA is so keen on making sure everyone knows about their new baby.
The idea is that you play as a coach, doing the stuff you'd normally think of like calling plays from the sidelines (including the ability to do so with a headset, which also allows you to get suggestions in your ear), but also picking the right players on draft day, scouting for them before hand, and oversee practice for all your players to shape them into a proper dynasty. Along the way, you'll get scripted bits from NFL Films president Steve Sabol commemorating milestones, and of course the all-important ESPN integration from Trey Wingo and Mel Kiper Jr.
"NFL Head Coach is a completely unique football experience unlike any other football game EA Sports has ever created," explains EA Tiburon's VP of Marketing Todd Sitrin. "Now the focus is on the six days leading up to game day and the strategy behind every coaching decision made. This is the game to decide if you really have what it takes to turn your team into a champion."
Given Tiburon's pedigree (they pump out the Madden and NCAA Football series every year), there's a solid gridiron background to be had here, and only time (and maybe a suggestion from our resident sports nut), will tell whether the football RPG experience actually pays off. You can either way for our review, or head on into stores and give it a shot yourself, it's there ready and waiting for you.
Or at least that's how we've figured it out by listening to the NFL Head Coach guys speak. The idea of a "football RPG" is something that has been attempted in varying levels in the past, but never as the core focus of the game, which is probably why EA is so keen on making sure everyone knows about their new baby.
The idea is that you play as a coach, doing the stuff you'd normally think of like calling plays from the sidelines (including the ability to do so with a headset, which also allows you to get suggestions in your ear), but also picking the right players on draft day, scouting for them before hand, and oversee practice for all your players to shape them into a proper dynasty. Along the way, you'll get scripted bits from NFL Films president Steve Sabol commemorating milestones, and of course the all-important ESPN integration from Trey Wingo and Mel Kiper Jr.
"NFL Head Coach is a completely unique football experience unlike any other football game EA Sports has ever created," explains EA Tiburon's VP of Marketing Todd Sitrin. "Now the focus is on the six days leading up to game day and the strategy behind every coaching decision made. This is the game to decide if you really have what it takes to turn your team into a champion."
Given Tiburon's pedigree (they pump out the Madden and NCAA Football series every year), there's a solid gridiron background to be had here, and only time (and maybe a suggestion from our resident sports nut), will tell whether the football RPG experience actually pays off. You can either way for our review, or head on into stores and give it a shot yourself, it's there ready and waiting for you.
