NFL 2K21: 10 Things Fans Want To See
5. NFL Blitz?
"Non-simulation football game experiences". Hmm.
That sounds a hell of a lot like NFL Blitz. Midway's old series, which was revived as a one-off in 2012 by none other than EA, focused on a more exaggerated game of football. Over-the-top plays, gimmicky graphical flourishes and an arcade feel were the law.
Madden 20's 'Superstar' mechanics borrowed some of this razzle dazzle. Could 2K's upcoming take on NFL life do the same? After all, there's a market of arcade-heavy sports games, and there always has been. NBA Jam would be a perfect template for 2K21 (within reason - if they limit teams to two players each then there will be blood), for example.
Simplicity could be a nice direction for 2K here, and it could be seen as a crucial re-structuring point when looking to manage long-term fan expectations. If they make it clear this isn't one of the core 2K games, but a spin off instead, then most will roll with it.