Imagine Rice, Unitas, Butkus, and Singletary. In their prime. On the same field. Maybe even the same team. Imagine preparing a precision squad of mercenaries – even building your own players. Imagine football action the way football is really played. Now imagine the best gridiron game coming back for more. Imagine Football Resurrected.

This is All-Pro Football 2K8. Draft your dream team from football’s legendary players – over 240 of them. Choose your arena and pump up the fan base to create stadium energy you can feel.

Next Gen Graphics feature thousands of new player animations – games come alive with sweat and steam, rabid fans in the stands and dynamic weather challenges. 2K Broadcasting – A new style combining TV broadcast with on-field commentary to put you closer to the action than ever before. 2K Beats – Kick it off with original soundtracks, mashups and remixes by an all-pro producer with legendary artists. [2K Sports]

It’s often perplexing as to why any developer or publisher would even dream of green-lighting an American football title when EA’s all-conquering Madden franchise remains the top of the sporting tree – and now has EA’s NCAA Football to back it up too. Bizarre.

Yet, the folks over at 2K Sports seem to think they’ve got a shot (albeit a Hail Mary) at taking a piece of EA’s footballing pie with All-Pro Football 2K8. Let’s find out whether they chose the right gaming play and steal some yardage, or whether their QB is unceremoniously sacked due to poor coverage. The critical throngs are taking to the field, what’s the call?

Spend or Lend?

Video content provided by GameTrailers.com.

80% - Game Informer - "I wanted to know more about the game’s league, but this title doesn’t deliver. With no franchise mode, Crib, or many amenities apart from nice stadiums, it’s the lack of connection with the league itself, not the fact that the NFL is missing, that is a letdown. Bolster this aspect and make some gameplay tweaks, and All-Pro Football will threaten Madden’s NFL more than the XFL ever did."

76% - IGN - "There are definitely some good things to build and grow on for next year, but the overall package is too sparse. While much of the gameplay is great, the AI needs a tune-up. If you're looking for a football game expressly for multiplayer, give All-Pro Football 2K8 a chance. But if you're the type that wants a deep single-player experience, you'll want to pass up All-Pro."

75% - GameSpot - "2K football returns with solid gameplay and a new focus on classic players, though the roster isn't the only aspect of the game that feels old."

70% - GameSpy - "The team clearly hasn't kept up with the competition in terms of graphics and presentation, as this year's game doesn't look that much better than the last outing."

65% - 1UP - "This is a solid game overall – and without a doubt, All-Pro Football should continue building on this foundation. But if you were expecting 2K euphoria after two years on the sidelines, you'll be disappointed, as this one's got rust in many of the wrong places."

Verdict: Lend hut-hut!