Posted: September 05 2005 at 10:12am | IP Logged
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I know 'NASCAR 06: Total Team Control' was just released last week, but I just ordered 'NASCAR 2005: Chase for the Cup' from Walmart.com for $19.82 (brand new). I'm not a big NASCAR fan but heard good things about last year's game and enjoyed 'NASCAR Thunder 2003' (the only other version I've ever played on the PS2), plus at that price buying it was a no-brainer.
I'm considering falling a year behind EA's release cycle and picking up their previous year's titles, at big discounts, when the new versions are released. I had bought 'NBA Live 2004' when it was first released (at full price), but didn't start playing it until a year later when 'NBA Live 2005' came out. I should have just waited to buy it a year later at a steep discount. There are some exceptions to the rule though - if there is a good sale on a current release, I'd probably pick it up (like I did with NCAA Football 06) or it's a game that I wouldn't be able to wait a year for (Fight Night Round 2) or the new version takes a big step forward in gameplay (like 'MVP Baseball 2005' which was also released at a discounted price of $29.99).
I'm less disciplined with the 2K line of sports games since they initially have a $19.99 price tag when they are released. I have no problem buying a 2K sports game and holding onto it until I have time to play it. I'm just now starting to give ESPN NBA 2K5 and ESPN NHL 2K5 the time they deserve and had the same thing happen last year with 'ESPN Baseball 2K4'. The funny thing is, I now have no great desire to pick up NBA 2K6 or NHL 2K6 because I'm just starting to enjoy last year's games. It also allows me to see how if new versions are actually better than the previous year's game before I purchase them.
It still amazes me how many times the older game is better than the newer one - here are some examples: NBA Live 2004 and 2005, NHL 2004 and 2005 and ESPN Baseball 2K4 and 2K5. Each one of those 2004 editions is better than their 2005 counterparts. I'm sure alot of people would add NCAA Football 2004 and 2005 to that list too and early reports seems to be the same for NASCAR 2005 and 2006.
To be quite honest, I'm glad that I've finally been able to control my need to purchase the newest sports games as soon as they're released. It's helped out my wallet and has given me a greater appreciation for some of my older games.
__________________ Jason
Administrator
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