2K Sports is now pushing through their official reveals of a number of features that were leaked earlier, and today’s focus is on the new dynamic commentary booth which includes 11 different personalities that will change on a game-to-game basis. New for this year are the likes of Chris Webber, Steve Smith, Brent Barry, Doris Burke, and David Aldridge who’ll play different roles alongside Kevin Harlan. The new video also provides a look at real coach audio from inside the huddles and postgame interviews conducted by the studio team.
The weekly updates to commentary for Madden NFL 17 continue with today’s additions coming out of the conclusion to the preseason. Storylines include the Sam Bradford trade, evaluations of preseason performances, injuries from around the league, and the excitement for the start of the regular season. The first roster update is expected out tomorrow.
Another commentary update is out for Madden NFL 17. Here's just some of what's new coming out of the preseason. pic.twitter.com/D5jaM5sJHQ
— Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre) September 8, 2016
Madden NFL 17 has only now been out for just over two weeks but the game can already be had at a significant discount. Amazon is offering Madden NFL 17 as its “Deal of the Day” for $40 on PS4 and Xbox One. This will likely be the lowest price found on Madden NFL 17 until Black Friday in late November so those who are interested should take advantage of the deal.
Madden NFL 17 is the highest rated edition in the series since 2009 and features a brand new commentary team with audio updated throughout the season, special teams that can have an impact on every game, new ball-carrier moves, and considerable improvements to defensive AI. Check out the full review over at Sporting News.
NHL 17 is out now to download as a timed trial with EA Access on Xbox One. Subscribers to the service will get 10 hours of playtime after which it will expire. The timer is ticking down whenever the game is loaded regardless of whether it is being played, menus are being navigated through, or if there is any activity taking place at all. Because of that make sure to exit out and close the application from the Xbox One home screen when not in use.
The 10 hours are there to play whether or not all are used by Tuesday. Saves are stored on the hard drive so progress in any of the modes and online records and stats carry over if a full copy is purchased. The complete game is available during the trial period.
EA Access launched July 2014 and is only available on Xbox One (though there’s now also Origin Access on PC). This is the case because Sony has declined to offer the service through PlayStation 4 saying it doesn’t offer enough value – despite being arguably the best value in all of gaming. EA Access includes the “Vault” which offers unlimited play with nearly every game from the company’s catalog this generation, 10% off all digital purchases, and the ability to play games up to five days before they release with a limited timed trial. EA Access is priced at $30 for a full year or $5 month-to-month.
Features for NHLÂ 17Â include a mode dedicated to the World Cup of Hockey, the introduction of Draft Champions mode, arena and team creation options, and relocation plus other ownership duties in Franchise. The game is still available for Amazon Prime members to pre-order for $48 standard edition or $64 Deluxe Edition infused with extra Ultimate Team content.
2K Sports released a new video today promoting one of the features for NBA 2K17 that was leaked early last week. The development team traveled to all 30 arenas to record audio that would make each venue feel authentic and unique.
The beginning of the story mode known as “The Prelude” will be out for free on Friday. Amazon Prime members can still pre-order any version of NBA 2K17 and get 20% off.
The full ratings for the entirety of the league in NBA 2K17 are out and LeBron James is back on top after surrendering that claim last season to back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry. Check out the Sporting News piece for all the players rated 88 and above.
Though he is no longer the top rated player Curry’s unbelievable performance during the regular season last year did have a big influence on the game. A new shooting category of “Contested” has been added. The developers had a difficult time trying to represent his skill set last season because the game was built to penalize all shooters who had their shots contested. That won’t be the case anymore and Curry has 99 in all of the 3pt categories.
The Warriors will begin 2K17 with the strongest roster ever assembled in the history of the league. The team’s player ratings exceed that of all classic teams including the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Golden State has an astonishing four players rated 90 or higher.
EA Sports has revealed the top 50 players in FIFA 17. For the first time in a decade Lionel Messi is not the highest rated player in the game. Messi has ceded way to Cristiano Ronaldo who in the last four years has trailed him by 1-2 Overall ratings points. Read more
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦NBA 2K17’s story mode co-stars Michael B. Jordan and written/directed by Creed writer.
♦Even Madden NFL 17 thinks a first rounder for Sam Bradford is too crazy.
♦Over at HTP is a Review Roundtable of the recently released F1 2016.
♦Amazon Prime 20% discounts: PES 2017 – NHL 17 – FIFA 17 – NBA 2K17
♦Still a few days left to capitalize on the Amazon Prime deal Madden NFL 17 for 20% off.
♦Polygon with an explanation of why EA reversed course on Kaepernick commentary.
♦Another confusing layer has been added to Ultimate Team in Madden NFL 17.
♦2K Sports released a video showing off the shoes that’ll be found in NBA 2K17.
♦Some interesting findings in the full list of achievements/trophies for NBA 2K17.
♦Ratings for the new legends found in FIFA 17 Ultimate Team with the Xbox versions.
♦FIFA 17 will feature 23 licensed Brazilian clubs with official names and crests.
♦A demo for FIFA 17 will be releasing on Tuesday, September 13.
♦PES 2017 will feature 16 licensed teams from the Chilean national league.
♦Monster Games has revealed the downloadable content plans for Nascar Heat Evolution.
♦Forza Horizon 3 will feature for the first time in the series the Halo Warthog.
♦Gran Turimo Sport has predictably been delayed and now will release in 2017.
♦Blu-ray releases this week headlined by Now You See Me 2 and Flash Season 2.