Consumers have the choice between two excellent soccer games this year. Not only is there no going wrong with either FIFA 17 or Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 they excel in very different ways making a decision on which one to buy somewhat easier. Additionally both games have demos available to try and in the case of FIFA there are the full 10 hours to play through EA Access subscriptions on either Xbox One or PC.
FIFA 17 is a really well-rounded product considering its extensive slate of licenses and strong feature set including the intriguing new story mode while PES 2017 offers arguably the best gameplay experience in the genre. Check out my review of FIFA 17 here and PES 2017 here.
The roster update following week three is now available to download in Madden NFL 17. The first major casualty has hit an elite-rated player as the 99 Overall J.J. Watt is done for the year.
Notable ratings movers include Aaron Rodgers (+1 to 96), Jamie Collins (+1 to 93), Cam Newton (-2 to 92), Kawann Short (-2 to 90), Stephon Gilmore (+2 to 88), Leonard Williams (+3 to 87), Ryan Kalil (-3 to 86), Carson Palmer (-2 to 86), Marcus Peters (+2 to 85), Giovani Bernard (-2 to 84), LeGarrette Blount (+2 to 83), Trai Turner (-3 to 83), Andrew Norwell (-3 to 80), Carson Wentz (+1 to 79), Ryan Fitzpatrick (-2 to 78), and Tyvon Branch (-5 to 76). You can view all the ratings changes throughout the league with this new form.
The seventh commentary update for Madden NFL 17 went out today with the broadcast team of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis reflecting on the events that took place and storylines that emerged from week three of the season. Madden will be receiving these real-world commentary updates regularly throughout the year which apply to Play Now and Online games. The duo will also be recording additional audio for modes like Franchise and Ultimate Team.
The commentary update from week three is out for Madden NFL 17. Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll be hearing in the game! pic.twitter.com/U4yUx9SRVQ
— Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre) September 28, 2016
Super Mega Baseball was one of the most pleasant surprises for the sports gaming genre in years. With the near extinction of arcade-style games leaving a void to independent developers, Metalhead Software took advantage despite a lack of licensing and delivered a fun and accessible game with an innovative “Ego” difficulty system. Its release late in 2014 led to unexpected strong consideration for Sports Game of the Year.
Today the developer officially announced Super Mega Baseball 2 which will release in 2017 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. New features include: Read more
The first post-release patch for NBA 2K17 has gone live on PlayStation 4 and will be arriving soon on Xbox One. It’s a massive download coming in at 7.1 GB so what’s been done is considerable and affects gameplay and the various franchise and online modes.
Observations of fixes so far include substitutions made during timeouts (players enter immediately instead of having to wait for the next dead ball situation) and the courts for the Knicks and Bucks. What it hasn’t done is completely solve the Dream Team issue as many of consumers are still missing the pre-order incentive that was used to sell the game.
[Update] Continue on for the complete details of the patch. Read more
2K Sports leveraged the pre-order bonuses for NBA 2K17 throughout the summer as practically the only way in which they were attempting to sell the game. The company stressed the inclusion of the 1992 Dream Team more than anything else yet most of those who bought the game still find themselves without the team.
10 days now have passed since 2K17’s release and based on the number of consumers inquiring about the team missing through social media, and a poll run over the weekend, the Dream Team is nowhere to be found for the majority of those who should have it. 78% of respondents who pre-ordered NBA 2K17 do not have the Dream Team in their game.
This is a huge deal as it’s quite possibly the first time a promise of significant content through a pre-order incentive for a sports game has not been delivered upon and 2K still hasn’t made any comment on the issue. It may come down to them having to patch the team into the game for everyone which would seem to be the most simple solution.
[Update] A massive patch has just gone out but it’s still unclear if it has solved this issue entirely. Even after the patch the team is still missing for some consumers.
The first ever console title from publisher/developer JoyCity is now accepting sign-ups for a closed beta. Registration can be completed through the official website for 3on3 Freestyle.
Features for the online-based game include character management and progression, online co-op in 3-vs-3 matches, local co-op for those online matches, and 1-vs-1 online or against CPU.
3on3 Freestyle is an arcade free-to-play basketball game exclusive to PlayStation 4 and is a sequel to the PC game Freestyle 2: Street Basketball that went out early 2015. Release of the new game continues to be pushed back. Originally it was slated for May, and then “end of summer”, but now is simply expected before the end of the year. Hopefully the beta process and extended development time will result in a stronger finished product.
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Game reviews posted last week for NBA 2K17 and Forza Horizon 3.
♦Madden NFL 17 right now is $20 off on Amazon with the standard version only $40.
♦Prime members can still get 20% off orders of FIFA 17 and Forza Horizon 3 at Amazon.
♦PES 2017 is already discounted $50 on Xbox One or $56 on PS4 through Amazon.
♦Is the Dream Team still missing from your NBA 2K17 despite having pre-ordered?
♦2K Sports detailed some new elements coming to MyPark mode with NBA 2K17.
♦EA Sports detailed the four different eSports events tied to Madden NFL 17.
♦EA Sports listed out all the licensed leagues and teams found in FIFA 17.
♦Iceland’s national team will not be featured in FIFA 17 after turning down EA’s offer.
♦EA Sports goes through the making of The Journey story mode for FIFA 17.
♦World Cup of Hockey is the first limited time set for Ultimate Team in NHL 17.
♦The rosters for the World Cup of Hockey teams have been updated in NHL 17.
♦An underwater arena is the next free addition coming to Rocket League in October.
♦Franchise Hockey Manager 3 can be pre-ordered through October 16 for $10 off.
♦Wolverine Studios announced Draft Day Sports: Pro Basketball 2017 releasing in Oct.
♦Details on the latest patch to have released for Nascar Heat Evolution.
♦Blu-ray releases this week headlined by Central Intelligence and Warcraft.