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- Madden NFL Arcade Review (6)
- NBA 2K10 Video: 2010 Czarisode 5 Superior Tendencies (49)
- NBA 2K10 (Wii) Review (5)
- Madden NFL 10: Building a Super Bowl Contender Part II (29)
- OSFF Week 11 Winner and Week 12 Prizes! (2)
- NBA 2K10 Rewind Video: Wade Dunks on Varejao (32)
- Inside Lacrosse's College Lacrosse 2010 Review (18)
- Madden NFL 10 2nd Title Update Details (184)
- Backbreaker Fact Sheet and Screenshots (98)
- NCAA Basketball 10 Patch, Most Likely Won't Happen (Pasta Padre) (72)
- NBA 2K10 Video: 2010 Czarisode 5 Superior Tendencies (49)
- Madden NFL 10: Building a Super Bowl Contender Part II (29)
- Blog: Madden 10 Charging Extra for Core Features by Valdarez (24)
- Blog: Monday Other Stuff (11-30-09) by Steve_OS (10)
- Blog: Backbreaker: It's a tough sell by MMChrisS (9)
- Blog: 5 Worst QB's by Gambetto (9)
- Blog: Wednesday Other Stuff (12-2-09) by Steve_OS (7)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
06:46 AM - December 3, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
Electronic Arts is to stand by shamed golf star Tiger Woods, following the public apology made to his family over personal "transgressions".
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- PSPgo to get UMD drive add-on?
- Peregrine wired gaming glove gets pre-order status
- The Angry Wife Golf Club Guide
- Gametime: Continuity
- Friiboard ships this December
- Man 'finishes' World of Warcraft
Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!
supdog (33), Latrell (25), nightcreeper (21), supermati (20)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
“It is discouraging that one of our highest-rated and best-marketed ‘Madden’ titles in years is facing strong headwinds,” Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello told employees in an e-mail released today. Industry trends “present a challenge,” he said.
Yet, just yesterday, EA touted 'record setting' sales of FIFA 10:
"Based on internal sales projections, FIFA 10 has sold through more than 4.5 million units worldwide since launch, a 26 percent increase over the same period a year ago (eight weeks in Europe and five weeks in North America). FIFA 10 also became the fastest-selling sports videogame in the world with 1.7 million units sold through at European retail in its first week after its launch on October 1, and it’s the top selling game overall in Europe in 2009."
My only question is...is it a depressed economy or perhaps something else leading to Madden's lower sales? You can't have it both ways.
Personally, I liked Madden but I love FIFA. And while FIFA does have a much more global reach, it's also breaking it's own records whle Madden isn't. In fact, Madden sales are actually lower this year.
What do you think is the cause of our little conundrum here?
Without a franchise mode, at least in name, Backbreaker is going to have to rely on it's gameplay to pull in sales, and even still sales might just be tough to come by.
However, I see glimmers of hope here. If the game is able to deliver full customization options on a level not yet seen before so players can create NFL, college or even high school likenesses, then the game might have a chance if it catches on online.
From what it looks like, without anything more than screenshots, a few teaser previews, and a rather vague fact sheet, Backbreakers gameplay will be rooted in simplicity. This could be both a blessing and a curse as some developers are able to make a game layered like an onion, where there are more complex layers as you go deeper on top of the simple face. On the other hand, other developers can't make a game fun for more than a bit since they can't seem to make simple gameplay variable gameplay.
I'm not so sure we are going to see anything close to greatness from a first generaton game on a next-gen console. With a season mode which is customizable, there is some hope for replay value. But a Madden killer this game won't be. Given the fact sheet on top of everything else we already know, I'm going to be semi-bold in predicting Backbreaker could end up being a moderately solid game, but it won't be quite ready for primetime.
07:59 PM - December 2, 2009. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Jayson Young
It’s sometimes easy to forget that video games are a business like any other -- run, not by consumers, but by corporations and shareholders. Like many businesses outside of the video-game industry, many game companies have recently been forced to downsize their range of products to all but the safest, most essential wares.
For many sports gaming companies, the "arcade" department seems to have been the first group to receive its pink slip in these tough economic times. Fans of the genre have recently seen franchises like EA’s Street games or Midway’s classic Blitz and Jam titles either completely abandoned by the parent company or given little more than a low-risk, low-budget sequel.
But despite EA shutting down its Street brand and taking a year off to reassess its approach to the genre, EA’s relaunched arcade sports department still does not seem to have learned from the mistakes it was making earlier this generation with games like NBA Street Homecourt or NFL Tour, i.e., releasing half-baked sequels that fail to match the modes or features of their last-gen counterparts.
EA’s 3 on 3 NHL Arcade, the company’s first shot to recapture some of its past arcade glory (Mutant League Hockey, anyone?), ended up being a fun but shallow experience that wasted a great hockey engine on a game that was completely bereft of modes or features -- to the point that 3 on 3 NHL Arcade felt more like a mini-game that should have been included on the NHL 09 disc instead of a standalone downloadable game.
The nine months since 3 on 3 NHL Arcade was released does not seem to have taught EA any major lessons. I say that because Madden NFL Arcade is another feature-thin game that, at its $15 asking price, does not seem to justify its status as a full, arcade release. In reality, it’s little more than mini-game that has been lifted from the "arcade mode" included in Madden 10 for the Wii.
Read More - Madden NFL Arcade Review
07:51 AM - December 2, 2009. Posted by grunt.
EA has released the patch for Fight Night Round 4. Post your impressions here. 
- Fewer EA title next year
- Modern Warfare 2 man to direct film
- Top 10 Gaming Controversies
- Snoop Dogg: the GPS industry's secret weapon against Google
- GE, Comcast Complete Deal Over NBC Universal
- 7 Inventors You Didn't Know You Wanted to Punch In the Face
- 2010 10Best Cars - 10Best Cars
- White gators - the rarest creatures in the world
- Video: Failed Front Flip
Happy Birthday to the following OS'ers!
UNKATHEL68 (41), wisdom less13 (25), Dillberg435 (21), Gosens6 (21)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
10:12 PM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
FIFA 10 Is Europe’s Top Selling Game Year to Date
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – December 1, 2009 – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the continued record-setting sales pace for FIFA 10 as well as the development of FIFA 10 Ultimate Team, a game mode expansion and new way of playing FIFA 10, the highest rated sports game* ever on the PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®.
Based on internal sales projections, FIFA 10 has sold through more than 4.5 million units worldwide since launch, a 26 percent increase over the same period a year ago (eight weeks in Europe and five weeks in North America). FIFA 10 also became the fastest-selling sports videogame in the world with 1.7 million units sold through at European retail in its first week after its launch on October 1, and it’s the top selling game overall in Europe in 2009.
FIFA 10 has achieved new franchise records for online play as well, averaging 3 million** games played daily and over 113 million^ total online games played on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 over the past two months, and will launch FIFA 10 Ultimate Team in the new year. FIFA 10 Ultimate Team is a deeper, more authentic, more dynamic version of the game mode successfully introduced last year and enables fans to customize the way they build their Ultimate Team.
Take on the challenge of building an Ultimate Team of the best football stars in the world, manage one or multiple squads simultaneously, and compete against other gamers in dynamically updated online tournaments. For the record number of football fans playing FIFA 10 online, FIFA 10 Ultimate Team provides a new challenge to put a personally crafted team up against the rest of the world.
“FIFA 10 Ultimate Team adds a lot more authenticity to a unique game that will update with new challenges and content over time,” said Producer Paul Hossack. “We now have over 7,000 players from 27 leagues available, from which gamers will craft one or multiple squads to show their mastery of the revamped, more realistic chemistry system, and compete in tournaments with exciting requirements and rewards. On top of that, we’ll release new tournaments and other updates regularly to keep the experience fresh and exciting.”
FIFA 10 Ultimate Team has more options and players that enable gamers to emulate the way real-world coaches and managers build the truly great football teams. Choose how to manage your team–-focusing on creating one formidable squad, or managing multiple squads to match dynamic requirements for tournaments and competitions. Buy, sell, trade and acquire the biggest stars to build your dream team. Be strategic and tactical in preparing your squads for the various in-game competitions. A completely redesigned chemistry system built around player relationships on the pitch, means that managing teams and squads to their full potential is even more critical to success. Take carefully assembled squads into standard tournaments and themed competitions against the most formidable teams from around the world – and then out wit and out play them.
Test your skills as a player and manager to claim global football supremacy with FIFA 10 Ultimate Team, available to purchase for 400 Microsoft points or $4.99 as a download via Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network to FIFA 10 beginning this February, 2010. FIFA 10 and an internet connection is required for play. FIFA 10 Ultimate Team is developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C. It is not yet rated.
For more information about FIFA 10 Ultimate Team visit http://www.FIFA.easports.com.
09:35 PM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Jamin23.
EA has posted another NBA Live 10 blog. This one featuring the new jerseys, available now.
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09:27 PM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
Check out the official fact sheet for Backbreaker. We've also included 5 more screenshots.
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09:04 PM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
505 GAMES AND NATURALMOTION ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING
BACKBREAKER FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME
BACKBREAKER FOOTBALL VIDEO GAME
Backbreaker Revolutionizes the Football Video Game
Genre on Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3
Genre on Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - Dec. 1, 2009 - 505 Games U.S. and NaturalMotion today announced the worldwide debut of Backbreaker, offering gamers a breakthrough in football video games. Targeted for release in Spring 2010 for the Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 platforms, Backbreaker is next generation football for the new generation of football fans.
Backbreaker redefines gameplay in the football video game genre with a stunning on-field camera view, accessible controls and a relentless onslaught of hard-hitting tackles. With NaturalMotion's acclaimed euphoria motion synthesis engine featured in a sports title for the very first time, Backbreaker offers intense gameplay, dazzling graphics and an endless variety of unique football moments. From the moment players step onto the gridiron, Backbreaker is in a class of its own.
"Backbreaker sets the new standard for football," said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S. "Repetitive, canned animations are a thing of the past. We recognize that fans are eager for something new, and Backbreaker will blow them away."
Backbreaker breaks the mold of traditional football video games with realistic, physics-based motion AI, crisp high-definition graphics and a camera angle that follows the perspective of the player. At its core, Backbreaker is full-on 11-versus-11 competitive play, and also includes online multiplayer and split-screen multiplayer modes. In addition, the game features total team customization including a fully featured logo editor.
The game welcomes newcomers to the genre with its intuitive pick-up-and-play Arcade Mode control scheme, while seasoned players can go head-to-head in the game's demanding Pro Mode that turns off AI and visual assists.
"Backbreaker is about being on the field and in the action," said Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion. "Through the use of euphoria, we are able to create an experience that is truly interactive and different every time. We're thrilled to be partnering with 505 Games and can't wait for gamers to experience this new type of sports title."
Players will be able to take the field in Backbreaker for Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 platforms in Spring 2010. For more information, please visit the official Web site at: http://www.backbreakergame.com.
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05:33 PM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Glenn33.
It's looking more and more like we won't see a patch for NCAA Basketball 10.
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06:46 AM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
Czar checks in with 2010 Czarisode #5, as he breaks down why he feels NBA 2K10's tendencies, are the best in the business. 
06:41 AM - December 1, 2009. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
Multi-Million Unit-Selling Franchise Returns with Rhythm Racing® 2.0 Physics Engine, Dynamic Control System and Real-Time Terrain Deformation
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 1, 2009-- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced the release of MX vs. ATV™ Reflex™, marking the highly anticipated return of the multi-million unit-selling franchise. MX vs. ATV Reflex marks the debut of Rainbow Studios' proprietary Rhythm Racing® 2.0 physics engine, with cutting-edge features such as intuitive, dual-stick control and real-time terrain deformation that changes the track with every lap. Developed by THQ’s award-winning internal studio Rainbow Studios, MX vs. ATV Reflex features a wide variety of race modes, vehicles and worlds to explore, and is now available at retail outlets nationwide for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and Nintendo DS™.
“MX vs. ATV is one of THQ’s most profitable original franchises, offering an exhilarating racing experience for gamers, off-road fans and mainstream consumers of all ages,” said Brian Coleman, vice president of global brand management, THQ. “MX vs. ATV Reflex builds on Rainbow Studios’ unmatched pedigree and delivers this Holiday’s must-have racing title.”
“The Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine revolutionizes the franchise, and captures the thrilling spectacle of the sport like never before,” said Nick Wlodyka, general manager, Rainbow Studios. “The dual-stick controls and unprecedented terrain deformation will forever change the way racing games are played.”
The media have recognized MX vs. ATV Reflex as the next evolution in off-road racing:
“…nothing short of genre redefining.”
- PLAY Magazine, 9.5 out of 10
“…truly captures what the sport is all about.”
- GameFocus, 9.2 out of 10
“…the new standard on what motocross gaming should be!”
- XboxAddict, 9.1 out of 10
About MX vs. ATV Reflex
MX vs. ATV Reflex marks the highly anticipated return of the MX vs. ATV franchise and features the all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine, Rider Reflex control system and real-time terrain deformation. The Rider Reflex control system separates machine steering from body positioning, allowing the independently controlled rider to shift his weight, perform death-defying stunts and avoid potentially devastating wrecks. MX vs. ATV Reflex’s unprecedented terrain deformation system ensures no two tracks are ever the same, allowing gamers to carve lines and deep ruts that have a real-time impact on gameplay and remain persistent through the full length of each race. For more information on MX vs. ATV Reflex, please visit http://www.mxvsatv.com.
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