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10 hour trial for Madden NFL 16 now available through EA Access
Madden NFL 16 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. So 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 its all used by Tuesday or not. Given that there is no demo for the game this acts as the only way to try it out before buying. Game saves are stored on the hard drive so records online and progress in any of the modes will carry over if a full copy is bought. The complete game is available during the trial period.
EA Access was announced last July and is exclusive to the Xbox One. 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 $30 for a full year or $5 month-to-month.
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Details on all that’s coming to MyGM and MyLeague with NBA 2K16
Up until now, most of what has been learned about NBA 2K16 have come from leaks, and with just over a month now until the game releases 2K Sports is reaching the point where they’ll be announcing and expanding on details related to those previously discovered features.
First up was the info on the 2K Pro-Am and now attention turns to franchise modes with MyGM and the introduction of MyLeague Online.
MyLeague Online takes what was a highly customizable offline franchise that debuted in 2K15 and turns it into an Online League. Anywhere from 1-30 teams can be user-controlled, there are fantasy drafts, flex scheduling, and robust admin controls. However, while the league can go multiple seasons, there is no draft or free agency – each new season just starts with the rosters that were current at the end of the previous one.
Other massive additions include Team Relocation, uniform and arena design, improvements to the offseason, and much more. Check out all the details on the official blog from senior producer Erick Boenisch as there’s a ton to digest all at once.
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Take a look at the presentation improvements for FIFA 16
Earlier this month EA Sports detailed all the additions and improvements coming to FIFA 16 relating to presentation. Those include an authentic Bundesliga package, updated likenesses, new crowd chants, sideline celebrations, and vanishing spray. Today the company released a new video that goes over all of them and more.
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Save money on your Madden NFL 16 pre-order
Madden NFL 16 is nearly here, it releases next Tuesday while those on Xbox One with EA Access will be able to start playing Thursday, and there are still some enticing deals on the game to take advantage which is somewhat rare for pre-orders.
Amazon continues to offer the game on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 to Prime members for $50. Take the order to checkout to see the discount applied.
Those that have a copy of Madden NFL 15 to get rid of will want to consider the trade-in offer being made by Best Buy. Trade-in an Xbox One or PS4 copy for $20 credit, or 360 or PS3 copy for $15 credit, and receive a bonus $10 coupon towards Madden NFL 16. Additionally those who are members of the My Best Buy and/or My Gamers Club Unlocked programs can receive $10 in reward certificates (MBB) and another 20% off the game (MGCU).
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Which Pro-Am from the upcoming NBA games is the most intriguing?
NBA 2K16 and NBA Live 16 don’t share a lot in common in terms of the modes they’ll be offering up, but they do have one that is not just similar in nature but share the same name: Pro-Am.
The 2K Pro-Am takes the place of last year’s Jordan Rec Center, and continues with 5-on-5 (every player can be controlled by a different user or some spots taken by CPU) and NBA rules. Leaderboards and matchmaking have been added – no more time wasted waiting in “Got Next” spots! However the biggest new feature relates to customization, as squads will be able to design their own uniforms, arenas, and courts.
The Live Pro-Am encompasses two different ways to play. The first is Live Run, which is similar to adidas Live Run from NBA Live 10, only now using created players rather than pros (again a combination of users and CPU or up to all 10 being user-controlled). Differing from 2K16 this version is played “pickup” style to 21. Summer Circuit presents a series of challenges to progress through either solo or co-op against the CPU. Additionally, functional face-scanning that’s easy to use and available to anyone with a mobile device is definitely worth noting.
Of the two, which Pro-Am has your attention, and has either changed your approach in deciding which game to buy? Vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments!
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Giveaway: Madden NFL 16
In entering the heart of the sports gaming season the semi-regular site giveaways now return! The first of many to come is for a copy of Madden NFL 16 on the system of choice.
For a second opportunity at winning a copy of Madden NFL 16 make sure to enter the giveaway currently running through Hit The Pass as well.
There are several ways to qualify and each one counts for entries so the more you complete the more chances to win. The giveaway is open now and will run through August 20th when the winner will be randomly selected and contacted for delivery details. Good luck! Read more
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MLB 15: The Show week 19 roster update
One week after the long-awaited sweeping ratings reevaluation for the entire league arrived, the latest roster update for MLB 15: The Show is a return to normalcy. Some of the ratings changes even appear to correct questionable movement from that last update.
The roster file, though it appears to update in-game, is not the new one at the moment. The ratings mentioned below are not changed and the new players are not included. This will be updated when the new roster is live. [Update] It took a full day but it’s now available to download.
Players getting a boost include Josh Donaldson (+2 to 95), Manny Machado (+3 to 94), Chris Archer (+2 to 92), Jacob de Grom (+2 to 91), Aroldis Chapman (+2 to 90), Jason Kipnis (+4 to 89), Brandon Crawford (+3 to 86), Ken Giles (+9 to 84), and Pedro Baez (+22 to 82).
Among those headed down are Felix Hernandez (-1 to 94), Chris Sale (-1 to 94), Jake McGee (-2 to 89), Carlos Gomez (-2 to 88), Jose Abreu (-4 to 85), Alex Rodriguez (-4 to 85), and Masahiro Tanaka (-3 to 85). Read more
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The Line Drive for August 16
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Check out articles written and videos recorded for Sporting News and Hit The Pass:
   •It’s not too late to enter the Madden NFL 16 giveaway at Hit The Pass!
   •The good, the bad, and the ugly from the Madden NFL 16 player ratings
   •Send in your best moments for the next edition of the Highlight Room!
   •What was the best soundtrack to be found in a sports game?Â
   •Discussing the “draft” modes coming to FIFA and Madden (video)
   •Pro Evolution Soccer is on the comeback trail (video)
   •How reviews of sports video games are evolving (video)♦Amazon is still offering Madden NFL 16 on PS4/XB1 for $50 to Prime members.
♦Other Prime discounts are $7 off Forza 6, $5 off FIFA 16, and $5 off NHL 16.
♦Follow along with our Madden Fantasy Draft selections – lots of content on this to come.
♦New Press Row Podcast features NBA Live 16 interview and upcoming game discussion.
♦Check out some new gameplay footage of Draft Champions from Madden NFL 16.
♦More details on the “Ultimate Moments” solo challenges in M16 Ultimate Team.
♦Couch Coaches takes a look at some of the best in M16 based on ratings.
♦EA Sports detailed the aspects of customization available in NBA Live 16.
♦Unfortunately there won’t be the ability to edit players or rosters in NBA Live 16.
♦NBA 2K16 includes partnership with Stance Socks for authentic officially licensed socks.
♦NBA 2K16 will have a new shot meter option that only shows it after the shot release.
♦In selling 7 million copies worldwide NBA 2K15 was up compared to NBA 2K14.
♦EA Sports released a new video going over Be a Pro mode improvements for NHL 16.
♦EA Sports released an infographic regarding usage numbers in NHL 16’s EASHL beta.
♦Full details on the patch that was recently released for Rory McIlroy PGA Tour.
♦More cars have been announced and full list available for next month’s Forza 6.
♦Check out the Xbox One achievements list displayed for Forza 6.
♦Gameplay improvements detailed for this week’s update to Madden Mobile.
♦Details on a minor patch that was recently released for MLB 15: The Show.
♦Madden NFL 16 streams, videos, and review starting Thursday and through Monday.
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