Author Bio
Dustin TomsHome Town: Washington State
Sports: Basketball, Tennis
Games: NBA 2K, NBA Jam, NCAA, Mass Effect
Teams: Tennessee Titans, Seattle Sonics, Seattle Mariners, New York Knicks
OS Username: DustinT
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Monday, March 11, 2013
01:24 PM - March 11, 2013. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
We were all surprised when 2K Sports announced the release of MLB 2K13, the next Major League Baseball game to surely leave 360 owners pining for a separate system. For baseball lovers without a Playstation 3, time stood still for a brief moment and excitement took over.
But inevitable questions loomed. From thoughts of 2K and MLB just trying to pocket extra money, to gamers wondering if they need to shell out $60 for what seems to amount to a roster update and nothing else.
2K kept quiet, didn’t promote or talk much about MLB 2K13, but sure enough MLB 2K13 released with that hefty $60 price tag. But something happened once I opened up the game and placed it in my system: MLB 2K13 really isn’t that bad; it’s honestly a very enjoyable game. It’s a blast to pick-up-and-play with friends and feels very familiar on the field. It's not in the same league as The Show at this point, with many legacy issues marring the experience and with no real sizeable upgrades over 2K12 waiting on you, but it's hard to say the entire experience is just bad.
It's more like way too familiar.
The depth in Major League Baseball 2K13 is as deep as the kiddie pool in your back yard. Yes the game has some slight improvements, but MLB 2K13’s issues, both hidden and glaring, keeps this franchise from enjoying its presumable swan song.
Read More - Major League Baseball 2K13 Review (XBox 360)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
10:32 AM - September 26, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Aaron Ondrey
Some of our hoop-heads check in today with their thoughts on the NBA 2K13 demo. Is the game moving into must buy territory for them yet? Read on after the jump to find out!
Read More - NBA 2K13: Demo Roundtable
Monday, August 27, 2012
05:28 PM - August 27, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
“Chase your dream.”
That’s what my coaches used to tell me. It’s what my friends and family tell me to this day. But what if my dreams and aspirations always involved playing or coaching in the NFL? Sad to say that for myself, and probably most of you, that playing in the NFL just isn’t going to be happening anytime soon. So we do what we do best, we compromise and try and fulfill are dreams within the Madden football series.
Well thanks to the near-complete redesign of the said series, in Madden NFL 13 those dreams may be able to finally come to fruition more than ever. With new animations, the most innovative Madden feature to date – and possibly any sports game ever – Connected Career mode, and the introduction of the Infinity engine, Madden NFL 13 should finally be able to please both the hardcore and casual gamers.
Being skeptical when reviewing the most anticipated sports game of the year is a must. You find yourself looking for wrongs moreso than rights. But after playing Madden for a week, those wrongs don’t tend to come up too often.
Read More - Madden NFL 13 Review (PS3/360)
Monday, July 16, 2012
05:51 PM - July 16, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms
When Andrew Bynum made his debut as the Lord and Savior, the future of EA Sports basketball was in immediate danger. The backlash of the YouTube video and NBA Elite 11 demo led to the series being shut down for two years.
When Scott O’Gallagher tore his hamstring last June, his wife asked him what he wanted to do if he couldn’t play professional basketball anymore. He responded with what he considers, a joke.
“I told her I wanted to make video games,” O’Gallagher said.
Read More - Interview with NBA Live 13 Developer Scott O'Gallagher
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Being the most popular sports game in the world should come with heavy burdens of trying to top release after release. But for FIFA 13, it’s just another opportunity to improve on what is already considered great.
Plenty of new is headed to FIFA 13. Revolving mainly around gameplay, there are plenty of new and different ways to play on both sides of the ball...
Read More - FIFA Soccer 13 Preview
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
12:59 PM - June 12, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
When I first got my hands on Forza Horizon, all that ran through my mind was how much like an arcade racer it felt. It wasn’t Forza. But thankfully a developer was there to adjust the settings and create a more difficult experience for me (the demo was set to its easy mode apparently). The next day I was finally able to get into Need For Speed: Most Wanted, one of my most anticipated games at E3 this year. Once I was able to drive around in Most Wanted’s world, I knew Forza was nothing near an arcade racer. But still, the two games actually feel like they’re competing with each other for once; that they’re actually targeting the exact same consumer.
So who do I think is going to win this battle? I decided to just roll with a grudgematch … with myself.
Read More - E3 Grudgematch: Need for Speed Most Wanted vs. Forza Horizon
12:27 PM - June 12, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
When it comes to getting their game down pat, the EA teams up in Vancouver, Canada, are masters. Especially the NHL folks; because once you get your own hands on NHL 13, you won’t want to put down the controller.
By introducing momentum, and by being the first team-sports game to implement real-time physics in skating, NHL 13 is already an early favorite for sports Game of the Year – yes, even above Madden NFL 13 and all of its improvements.
Read More - NHL 13 E3 Hands-On Preview
Friday, June 8, 2012
03:16 PM - June 8, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
With all of the hype surrounding Madden NFL 13 and its new Infinity engine, most people are forgetting about the other football game: NCAA Football 13.
Though not as big of a drastic gameplay change as Madden, NCAA does plenty of things right that should keep you entertained.
Read More - NCAA Football 13 Hands-On Preview
Though not as big of a drastic gameplay change as Madden, NCAA does plenty of things right that should keep you entertained.
Read More - NCAA Football 13 Hands-On Preview
Thursday, June 7, 2012
11:37 AM - June 7, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
When I first heard that the franchise and superstar modes were taken out of Madden NFL 13, I was livid. Why on Earth would you destroy the offline gamer’s dream? Not cool EA, not cool.
But after getting my hands on the game, I know exactly why they “ditched” the modes. Connected Careers is basically the three modes combined into one, creating what seems to be the most immersive football gaming experience to date. You may not understand it – I didn’t at first – but in time you will.
But after getting my hands on the game, I know exactly why they “ditched” the modes. Connected Careers is basically the three modes combined into one, creating what seems to be the most immersive football gaming experience to date. You may not understand it – I didn’t at first – but in time you will.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
09:18 PM - May 27, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms
Looks like Kotaku has gotten their hands on some information regarding the next Need for Speed title. If there really is going to be a sequal/reboot to Most Wanted, I'm going to be a very happy camper.
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Read More - Kotaku: Whether Sequel or Reboot, New Need For Speed: Most Wanted is Basically Confirmed
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
10:11 AM - May 16, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
Last year's draft Golden Boy, Cam Newton.
Dustin Toms and TD St. Matthew-Daniel return to dissect the draft on the other end now. After taking a look at the draft before it happened, their postmortem on what it all means for Madden is here! Read their thoughts after the jump!
Read More - Evaluating the NFL Draft for Madden NFL 13
Read More - Evaluating the NFL Draft for Madden NFL 13
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
05:00 PM - April 25, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms
EA AND ESPN ANNOUNCE CALVIN JOHNSON, JR.
AS THE FAN-VOTED MADDEN NFL 13 COVER ATHLETE
AS THE FAN-VOTED MADDEN NFL 13 COVER ATHLETE
Nearly 20 Million Votes Cast through ESPN’s SportsNation, Shattering Last Year’s Award-Winning Campaign
New Features Unveiled for Madden NFL 13 during Kickoff Event in Times Square
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., - April 25, 2012 - Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and ESPN announced today that Calvin Johnson, Jr., wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, was selected by millions of fans across the country to grace the cover of Madden NFL 13, which will hit store shelves August 28. Johnson, a No. 6 seed, defeated fellow NFL Pro Bowler Cam Newton, a No.1seed, in a thrilling matchup culminating in a live unveiling on ESPN’s SportsNation and a cover photo shoot for the winner in New York City’s Times Square. This year’s vote campaign surpassed last year’s totals by 54% (19.6 million vs. 12.7 million), ending with Johnson triumphing over Newton by a final margin of 52% to 48%.
Nearly 20 million votes were cast during the seven week campaign (March 7 to April 25) through SportsNation online and via the mobile web, marking a new engagement record for an ESPN poll. Supported by integrations across multiple ESPN platforms, including TV, radio, online, mobile, social media, ESPN Deportes and more, fans rallied and supported Johnson as he beat teammate Matt Stafford in the newly introduced play-in round. He carried his strong momentum through the bracket of 32 all the way to victory beating No. 11 seed Dwayne Bowe, No. 3 seed Arian Foster, No. 2 seed Rob Gronkowski and No. 1 seed Aaron Rodgers in the final four before triumphing over Newton in the finale.
“The Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote has been bigger and better than ever thanks to all of our fans voting in record-setting fashion to honor Calvin Johnson, Jr. and we are thrilled to have him be the next face of the Madden NFL franchise,” said Anthony Stevenson, Madden NFL 13 director of marketing. “This year’s cover voting campaign had more rounds, more players and more votes than ever before, generating great conversations and debates amongst the fans and NFL players across multiple ESPN platforms and throughout social media. The amount of support that Johnson generated nationally and in his home market of Detroit was staggering.”
“This is the second year SportsNation was the home for the Madden NFL Cover Vote and it has been even more engaging than expected,” said Jamie Horowitz, VP of Original Programming and Production, ESPN. “SportsNation created a cross-platform experience like no other at ESPN, launching a play-in round on Facebook with more than 4 million votes, driving traffic to ESPN.com for a month of record-setting voting, and culminating with a live reveal show from New York City that was an exciting way for Johnson to learn of the fan’s ultimate decision.”
“This campaign is the latest example of what ESPN and EA have been doing for years together to serve sports fans,” said Raphael Poplock, Vice President, Games and Partnerships, ESPN. “From in-studio technology with Virtual Playbook, to authentic ESPN broadcast treatments within EA franchise games, and cross-platform social campaigns for the Madden NFL Cover Vote, our relationship continues to produce successful integrations and activations that engage fans in new and innovative ways.”
To celebrate and commemorate Johnson’s Cover Vote win and to kick off the Madden NFL 13 season, EA SPORTS conducted a photo shoot in New York City’s Times Square to capture the iconic image that will appear on the cover of this year’s game.
04:46 PM - April 25, 2012. Posted by DustinT. Written by Dustin Toms
This video is also available on the OS Youtube channel, please subscribe while you're there.
REAL BALL. REAL SKILLS. NBA BALLER BEATS CHANGES
THE GAME. COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO KINECT FOR XBOX 360 THIS FALL
THE GAME. COMING EXCLUSIVELY TO KINECT FOR XBOX 360 THIS FALL
The First Ever Full Body Motion-Based NBA Video Game Lets You Perform Like A Pro Using A Real Ball
Edison, NJ—April 25, 2012 - Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), publisher of the wildly successful Zumba® Fitness video game franchise, today revealed plans to release NBA Baller Beats, a fun, high energy and first-of-its kind participative basketball video game launching this fall exclusively on Kinect™ for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
Developed by HB Studios, NBA Baller Beats gets players on their feet mastering mad ball handling skills using a real basketball while playing to the beat of an eclectic soundtrack.
The Kinect motion sensor captures every movement of both player and ball to create an entirely new basketball gaming experience.
“NBA Baller Beats introduces an unprecedented way to experience basketball through a video game like never before,” said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Majesco Entertainment. “Our innovative play mechanic combined with Kinect technology puts the ball in players’ hands, tracking both full-body gameplay and ball movement, so players are going to have to get up and actually play basketball to get in the game. Ballers and fans alike will love this game.”
“We are excited to work with Majesco to provide basketball fans and gamers with a unique experience like NBA Baller Beats,” said Vicky Picca, Senior Vice President, Licensing & Business Affairs, NBA. “Showcasing the energy and dynamic elements of the NBA against the backdrop of a compelling soundtrack will be fun for fans of all ages."
Aspire to perform like a pro in NBA Baller Beats as you train alongside your favorite NBA franchise unlocking songs, difficulty levels, and over 100 posters and trading cards showcasing NBA players’ greatest moves. The music is your guide as you master ball handling skills, dribbling, and baller moves with a real basketball as Kinect technology tracks your every crossover, pump fake, behind-the-back, around-the-world and more! Become the ultimate baller and increase your stamina in single player mode, break it down and practice different skills in Move School mode or show-off in multiplayer mode and go head-to-head against up to 8 players – the highest score wins bragging rights. No matter the level of your skills, players of all abilities will enjoy getting off the couch and raising their game with NBA Baller Beats.
The NBA Baller Beats soundtrack features a mix of music across decades and genres including hip-hop, rock, and old school classics, with tracks from Kanye West, Run DMC, Gorillaz, Them Crooked Vultures, Common, Tiesto and more. Majesco Entertainment will unveil NBA Baller Beats gameplay, as well as additional soundtrack artists and songs, during the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo held in Los Angeles this June before setting out to give fans a try at exclusive basketball camps this summer.
NBA Baller Beats will launch exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360 this Fall. To watch the teaser trailer and find out more, please visit: http://www.NBABallerBeats.com.
11:38 AM - April 25, 2012. Posted by jpdavis82. Written by Dustin Toms
Click the link below to follow along with the Madden 13 live webcast. EA will be covering presentation and a bit of gameplay today. Plus, stay tuned shortly after for OS' own detailed information from Madden NFL 13.
Watch Now!
10:47 AM - April 25, 2012. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Dustin Toms
The NFL Draft is something that we all get excited over, unless you're a Saints fan. The past few months have given us countless mock drafts and scenarios our favorite teams are looking into. And finally, tomorrow, the draft will kick off and give a new generation of players a chance to prove they belong. But what if teams were drafting for their Madden franchise, and not the real-life counterparts?
Well, Dustin and TD thought about it and decided to make a mock draft of their own by taking a look at how the draft might play out if it were done in Madden 13. This means we aren't picking who we think teams are going to pick, but who they should if the NFL was like Madden NFL 13 and favored the same types of attributes.
Ladies and gentleman, we present to you the Top 13 of Madden 13 Mock Draft...
Read More - OS Mock Draft With Madden NFL 13 Ratings Projections
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