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MLB The Show 17 struggling to get online servers up and running
While server issues are common for many games in the early hours of release MLB The Show is coming off a particularly rough launch last year and things aren’t going well so far.
The servers for MLB The Show 17 have been down since official release late last evening, preventing consumers from playing online games, Online Franchise, Challenge of the Week, and the most promoted mode in the game Diamond Dynasty.
Without the functioning servers consumers are unable to carry over progress in Franchise, Road to the Show, or Season modes from MLB 16 along with not having access to features that include file sharing and roster updates. It also prevents the redemption of pre-order bonuses of packs and more. Those briefly able to connect have found themselves soon booted back out or with game results that get sent to the dreaded “queue” never to be recorded.
MLB The Show 16 was notable for its server struggles that didn’t just wreak havoc on the specific features tied to online but that slowed the entire navigation of the game to a crawl in primetime hours for weeks after release. Eventually developer Sony San Diego gave out free card packs and Stubs for the inconvenience caused.
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Review of Old Time Hockey
Though overshadowed by a major sports game release today also brings the arrival of Old Time Hockey. The game is intended as a throwback to games that offered arcade-style elements and ease of play with high fun factor. Set in the 1970s, Old Time Hockey brings back a punishing nature both in spirit of the sport and by placing that on those who are playing the game.
Despite some temporary flashes of fun Old Time Hockey is filled with frustration, with the game designed to make things agonizing for you early on even when set to the lowest difficulty setting. It’s also lacking in content despite a reasonable $12 price point with only its Story Mode accompanying exhibition games. Check out the full review posted today at Sporting News.
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NHL 17 added to the EA Access Vault
The third EA Sports game from 2016 has now reached the Vault in EA Access. NHL 17 was added today making it available in full to all subscribers.
EA Access is currently exclusive to Xbox One with Sony declining to offer the service on PS4 despite its remarkable value. For $30 a year or $5 month-to-month, members get unlimited access to the back library of EA games on the console which in addition to NHL 17 now includes Madden NFL 17, EA Sports UFC 2 and all earlier XB1 sports titles plus the likes of Skate 3, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, Battlefield 4, Star Wars Battlefront, and many others. There’s also the 10 hour trials with every EA game that begin five days before release and 10% savings on all digital purchases whether it be the actual games or microtransactions within them.
The arrival of NHL to the Vault comes at the same point it did last year. In addition to potential new subs and hoping to pull in some new fans to buy NHL 18 this fall, those introduced to the game for the first time without having to pay for it may be more inclined to invest in its Ultimate Team mode. Expect to see FIFA 17 join the others on the service in mid-late April.
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Touchdown: Armor League begins crowdfunding campaign
Recent high concept efforts like Rocket League and Disc Jam have succeeded in melding together very different things – racing and soccer, tennis and air hockey – to create competitive games fun for wide audiences. A new project that launched a Kickstarter campaign today hopes to deliver on something similar. Read more
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The Line Drive for March 26
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦James Harden is now the second highest rated current-day player in NBA 2K17.
♦Get a free Standard Pack for MLB The Show 17 by completing some website quests.
♦Standard MLB The Show 17 can still be ordered for 20% off with Amazon Prime.
♦The first themed team-building Event for Diamond Dynasty will begin April 4th.
♦Check out the full list of 32 total PS4 Trophies for MLB The Show 17.
♦If you missed it earlier here are the top rated players by position in MLB The Show 17.
♦Won’t have review for MLB The Show 17 Tuesday as review copies still haven’t gone out.
♦The latest new program is All-Rookie Defense in Madden NFL 17 Ultimate Team.
♦EA Sports has made some changes to MUT Salary Cap mode in Madden NFL 17.
♦Some details of what to expect out of this June’s EA Play event has been posted.
♦New videos feature character introductions and weapons showcase for ARMS.
♦Developer blog looks at aspects of team management for the upcoming DiRT 4.
♦Out of the Park Baseball 18 remains on sale for 10% off through March 31st.
♦Motorsport Manager on PC remains on sale for 50% off for just one more day.
♦Blu-ray releases of Patriot’s Day and Fantastic Beasts lead the way this week. -
PRP: The familiar and the unknown
Spring is here and with it are a number of new sports games that range from the traditional like MLB The Show 17 to the uniquely creative such as Disc Jam. In this episode of the Press Row Podcast I’m joined by Rich Grisham to briefly discuss what’s most anticipated out of the former, contemplate the potential of the new BIG3 basketball league to make its way to video games, and then welcome in the two creators of Disc Jam for an interview about the game, their backgrounds, and the journey it has taken up to and now through its release.
Check out the podcast through iTunes for iOS, on Android with the Stitcher app, or with Pocket Casts on iOS, Android, and Windows. The show can also now be found on the recently launched Google Play Music for podcasts. Subscribe and review to help support the show! You can also listen with the streaming player below.
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Out of the Park Baseball 18 available now
Today marks the official release of the PC management game Out of the Park Baseball 18. Among the new features added this year are a Challenge Mode and historical Negro League clubs. Those who missed out on the pre-order savings can still get the game at a discount as it’s available for 10% off ($36) through March 31. Read more
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New basketball league BIG3 has video game potential
The new 3-on-3 league created by Ice Cube and operated entirely by the players themselves, BIG3, is only a few months away from its debut. Notable players involved include the likes of Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis, Kenyon Martin, Mike Bibby, Stephen Jackson, Isaiah Rider, Latrell Sprewell, and Charles Oakley while the games (which take place on Saturdays) will be broadcast by Fox Sports. Read more
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