Author Bio
Matthew CoeHome Town: Wallburg, NC
Sports: Football, Baseball, Basketball, MMA
Games: I play almost every sports game.
Teams: Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Bobcats, Cincinnati Reds, Appalachian State Mountaineers
OS Username: JohnDoe8865
Tags: mattc81 (XBL)
Monday, June 3, 2013
11:43 AM - June 3, 2013. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

We've been bombarded with tons of information on Madden NFL 25 in the last week. While a lot of what we are hearing sounds great, such as the return of Owner Mode -- we are not seeing any real gameplay up to this point.
It's doubtful the Madden team is hiding a red herring in the form of atrociously bad gameplay, but most Madden fans want to see what this year's game is bringing to the table with the new 'run-free' feature as well as the second iteration of the 'Infinity Engine.'
Here's what we're excited about and what gives us pause for this year's edition of Madden NFL 25 heading into E3:
Read More - Madden NFL 25: What's Hot and What's Not
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
09:13 AM - May 15, 2013. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

Anyone who has ever played Madden NFL knows that with each iteration there are changes. There are almost always additions combined with subtractions, whether they be game modes, features, or menu options. In anticipation of Madden NFL 25, we're going to focus on the five features that we miss the most from past editions of Madden.
Read More - The Top Five Features That Should Return to Madden
Thursday, March 28, 2013
02:32 PM - March 28, 2013. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

This past month has been a very eventful one for Electronic Arts and EA Sports. On Monday, March 18th, Electronic Arts announced that John Ricccitiello had stepped down as CEO. This was only weeks after Sim City released with terrible issues and was a company wide embarrassment. While both events may or may not be completely connected, this was industry changing news and it could perhaps signal a new direction for EA in the future.
At the same time, we are coming to the end of this console generation. Also of importance is that we are near the end of the exclusive deal between EA and the NFL/NFLPA.
If there was ever a time we could believe in the chance to see a change in the football gaming market, the end of a monopoly, and a return to competition, this is the time, right?
Read More - Don't Expect a Change in the NFL License Status Quo
Thursday, September 6, 2012
02:24 PM - September 6, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

Promises are a great tool in recruiting players to your team in NCAA Football 13. But knowing which promises to use - and when to use them - is also key.
With that in mind, which promises can you make and when is each most effective? Are there any you should try to avoid.
Let's take a brief look at how promises work in NCAA Football 13.
Read More - NCAA Football 13: Recruiting Promises Strategy
Friday, August 24, 2012
12:03 PM - August 24, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

Another season of NFL Football is upon is and with it comes the annual release of Madden. Madden NFL 13 introduces some changes, specifically to the passing game, that ensures that the QB is still the most important factor for gamers when choosing what team to use online. The new ballhawk feature will also make great defensive backs even better this year.
Some online gamers will stick with their favorite team and that is admirable. Most however, will be running with one of the seven teams listed below (plus one sleeper). With that, here is my prediction for the seven most popular teams online in Madden NFL 13.
Read More - Madden NFL 13: Predicting the Seven Most Popular Online Teams
Some online gamers will stick with their favorite team and that is admirable. Most however, will be running with one of the seven teams listed below (plus one sleeper). With that, here is my prediction for the seven most popular teams online in Madden NFL 13.
Read More - Madden NFL 13: Predicting the Seven Most Popular Online Teams
Friday, August 10, 2012
02:03 PM - August 10, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

So far this year it seems like the community is taking a "less is more" approach to the sliders in NCAA Football 13. The testing on this year's game has shown that tweaking too far in any one direction can cause different parts of the game to break. Whether it be too many dropped passes, no pass rush, or kickers who can't make extra points, this year, maybe more than ever, the OS slider makers have been more cautious in their approach. As it seems to be year in and year out with the NCAA Football games, the penalty sliders are either overpowered or completely useless.
Below I'll outline some of the sets that I like, and I hope you'll find something that helps you get the most out of NCAA Football 13.
Read More - NCAA Football 13: Top Slider Sets
Monday, July 23, 2012
11:00 AM - July 23, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends is the latest racing game from Atari. Originally scheduled to release last summer, TD:FRL takes the series out of the open world settings found in the Test Drive: Unlimited games and back to the closed circuits. With Slightly Mad Studios, of Need for Speed Shift fame, developing this iteration, does the game have what it takes to compete in the retail space with the other racing games available for XBOX 360 and Playstation 3?
Read More - Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends Review
Thursday, July 19, 2012
09:43 AM - July 19, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

2. Thomas Robinson - Sacramento
Robinson will team up with DeMarcus Cousins to help form a very intimidating front line in Sacramento. He'll be a rebounding beast with great athleticism. He'll also be a power dunker that can attack the rim off the dribble. Robinson's athleticism and his potential offensive presence is a strong combination.
Robinson's versatile game allows him to bang inside at 6'9" while also stepping out and hitting the mid-range jumper. Fans will have a lot of fun running the pick-and-roll with Robinson. I can already see the alley oop highlights being uploaded.
The pieces are really starting to fall into place for the Kings. They are loaded with young talented players, and Robinson is a great fit, because he doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective.
Kings fans, how do you plan to use TRob in NBA 2K13?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
10:58 AM - July 18, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

3. Bradley Beal - Washington
Beal might be the best shooter coming out of a deep draft. His ability to shoot the three ball will really open up Washington's offense, giving the Wizards a dangerous outside threat. Beal's great shooting range combined with his ability to finish at the rim ensures that he is much more than a one dimensional shooter.
Beal's addition makes John Wall that much more dangerous by allowing Washington to have better floor spacing. That also gives Nene a chance to work inside and be more effective. Double down at your own risk with Beal on the floor.
Beal, along with Washington's other off-season additions and a young core group, gives the team's fans a reason to look forward to the future.
Wizards fans, how excited are you to add a knock down shooter in NBA 2K13?
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
09:45 AM - July 17, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

4. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Charlotte
Kidd-Gilchrist's strength lies on the defensive side of the ball as a rookie. He is a very good one-on-one defender while also being able to help off of his man and get steals and blocks that lead to the fast breaks and easy points for a team that desperately needs them. MKG should make everyone on Charlotte's defense a little better when he's on the floor.
As I've stated before, not all of his intangibles will easily carry over to 2K's rating system, so while he may have been the deserving No. 2 overall pick, he probably won't be the second most effective rookie in NBA 2K13.
That said, he should be able to finish at the rim on offense and rebound well for his position. He'll get every chance to be the face of the rebuilding effort in Charlotte.
Bobcats fans, are you anxious to use Kidd-Gilchrist in NBA 2K13?
Monday, July 16, 2012
10:28 AM - July 16, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

5. Harrison Barnes - Golden State
Barnes shooting stroke should make him a very popular rookie among gamers. Barnes is a bit of enigma in real life. More cerebral than he's given credit for, Barnes studied players who he thought had outplayed him. How that part of his game translates into NBA 2K13 remains to be seen.
Barnes should rate highly in all of the usual athleticism categories. He's a prototypical NBA small forward physically. His biggest critics have knocked him because he hasn't lived up to the hype he had coming out of high school and he lacked the ability to create his own shot at UNC. Now that he's a pro however, I think Barnes will merge his ability to shoot with his strong work ethic to become a great fit in Oakland.
As a rookie, he won't be asked to create his own shot in Mark Jackson's offense. If he can be a reliable catch and shoot option, he'll be very successful and very effective in NBA 2K13.
Warriors fans, are you excited about using Harrison Barnes in NBA 2K13?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
10:09 AM - June 30, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

#1 - Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford - Appel projects as the most MLB ready player in the 2012 draft. He could conceivably be in the Majors in just a couple of years. When you combine Appel with last year’s No. 1 pick, Gerrit Cole, and 20-year-old Jameson Taillon, it’s easy to see three top of the rotation guys that will anchor the Pirates’ staff in the near future. Appel throws four pitches (three plus pitches including a change-up with good movement) and his fastball is already Major League ready at 94-98 MPH. He threw as many as 130 pitches in a game at Stanford which suggests that he has a very strong arm already.
Appel was the No. 1 ranked prospect by Baseball America in the 2012 draft. The main reason he slipped all the way to Pittsburgh at the number eight pick is because he is represented by agent Scott Boras. Boras is notorious for being difficult to negotiate with and the signability of his players is always in question. Comparisons to Justin Verlander and Mark Prior abound. Most experts think that Appel will see the majors no later than 2015 with many saying he could be ready by 2014.
Friday, June 29, 2012
11:46 AM - June 29, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

#2 - Byron Buxton, OF, Appling HS (GA) - Buxton has ridiculous physical ability. He was a standout pitcher in high school throwing 99 MPH, but MLB scouts project him to be an even better outfielder long-term. He was also a great high school football player. His baseball ceiling has been mentioned with the likes of Eric Davis, Matt Kemp and Ken Griffey Jr. His work ethic has been praised by everyone familiar with him. His tools are easily projectable to the next level. He might have the highest upside in the draft.
He projects to have ++ speed, a ++ arm, above average power when he fills out, and the ability to hit for average as he develops. Buxton will need some time to develop, he’s not expected to be ready until 2016. Buxton brings much needed excitement to the Twins organization.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
12:55 PM - June 28, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

#3 - Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy - The #1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB draft, Correa comes in with gigantic expectations in Houston. The Astros needed quality young talent, and new GM Jeff Luhnow felt like the 17 year old Puerto Rican shortstop was the man to start a new era in Houston. Correa has above average range and great instincts in the field. His ++ arm that would allow him to move to third base if he needs to as well.
At the plate, he has excellent hand-eye coordination and good power to all fields. His bat speed is a plus as well. Comparisons include Alex Rodriguez and Troy Tulowitzki. Most projections have Correa being big league ready by 2015-2016. I think Correa looks like a future superstar.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
10:16 AM - June 27, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Matthew Coe

I’m torn on interleague play.
In some instances I think it’s great. I love seeing the Mets vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. White Sox, Reds vs. Indians, Dodgers vs. Angels, and Nationals vs. Orioles. These are all great series for baseball to have each regular season.
On the other hand, I’d make some changes to interleague play such as reducing it to eight games every season, with each team playing a home-and-home four-game series with their geographical rival. But that’s neither here nor there.
Aside from the debates surrounding the topic of interleague play in the real sport, I'm looking to ask a different question: does interleague play affect sports gaming?
Read More - Does Interleague Play Affect Baseball Gaming?
In some instances I think it’s great. I love seeing the Mets vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. White Sox, Reds vs. Indians, Dodgers vs. Angels, and Nationals vs. Orioles. These are all great series for baseball to have each regular season.
On the other hand, I’d make some changes to interleague play such as reducing it to eight games every season, with each team playing a home-and-home four-game series with their geographical rival. But that’s neither here nor there.
Aside from the debates surrounding the topic of interleague play in the real sport, I'm looking to ask a different question: does interleague play affect sports gaming?
Read More - Does Interleague Play Affect Baseball Gaming?

