MLB 14: The Show on the PlayStation 3 didn’t end up being the complete product that was MLB 13. Not surprisingly the game received less than the typical publicity at the time since many were waiting on the PS4 version for this year with higher hopes considering the capabilities of the new system. While it has retained all the same features, promises were really never made that it would do anything more than improve on the graphics of the earlier version.
In that regard the game has succeeded and it’s easy to recommend for those who didn’t already buy the PS3 version or who haven’t played the series in a number of years. However it also carries with it the same issues and deficiencies plus considerably longer load times. Continue on for a look at where MLB 14: The Show on the PS4 has succeeded and where it has faltered in this Hits and Misses review. Read more
The first details along with a teaser trailer were released for NHL 15 last week. While much more is expected out of E3 next month and throughout the summer, some significant features were revealed and some of them may be at least partially attributed to not having rushed out a version on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 last fall.
Overhauling presentation and commentary are projects that some other sports franchises have shied away from doing. Instead NHL will be bringing in Doc Emrick and Eddie Olczyk for the booth and Ray Ferraro as an analyst. They will also be repackaging with NBC broadcast presentation. Of course beyond all that are the enhancements that naturally come from the new hardware in areas like the physics, visuals, and even more specifically the crowd involvement.
What specifically in the early features for NHL 15 are you anticipating the most for when it releases in September? Vote in the poll and leave any thoughts in the comments!
For whatever reason MLB: The Show has always had a black outline around the screen until adjusted in the system settings. This was the case on the PS3 as veterans of the series surely remember and now it is on the PS4 as well with MLB 14: The Show. Nothing is being asked more since release of the game than how to remove the black border. Here’s how to do it.
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦These guys made a video re-creating some of the awkward things seen in NBA 2K.
♦Amazon has listed NBA 2K15 on all systems and PC for pre-order.
♦Khalil Mack wore #46 in college because of his rating in NCAA Football.
♦Sony has given $5 credit for those affected by the MLB 14 digital release delay.
♦However the company seems to be fighting refunds promised initially to consumers.
♦Here’s an online MLB 14: The Show streamed game of Mariners at A’s w/ commentary.
♦Here’s an online MLB 14: The Show streamed game of Mets at Marlins w/commentary.
♦Check out the latest fighter screenshots for EA Sports UFC in the FB album.
♦There are ten different fighting styles available in EA Sports UFC.
♦Ultimate Team modes generated over $380 million for EA Sports last year.
♦MLB Perfect Inning released for iOS and Android as a free to play sim baseball game.
♦RBI Baseball 14 has just released for Android after being out on iOS and 360/PS3.
♦Mutant Football League is still in development despite the failed Kickstarter campaign.
♦Downloadable content pack of 10 new cars has released for Forza 5.
♦New videos show off clubs, face-offs, and challenges in DriveClub.
♦New developer blog details the latest Steam early access build of The Golf Club.
♦EA Sports detailed new playoff performer content for NBA Live 14 Ultimate Team.
♦The cover vote for NHL 15 features eight participants and is now underway.
♦New update has released with fixes and improvements for Out of the Park Baseball 15.
♦This week’s Blu-ray/DVD releases are headlined by Her and That Awkward Moment.
♦Check out the camouflage hats MLB teams will be wearing on Memorial Day.
The Press Row Hangout from Thursday featuring panel discussion on the first days with the PlayStation 4 version of MLB 14: The Show has now been released as a podcast! Also included is a bonus segment with a Madden NFL producer about the first round rookies appearing in Madden NFL 25’s Ultimate Team mode. The Press Row Podcast episode is available now through iTunes or with the Stitcher app for Android.
The cards for Ultimate Team in Madden NFL 25 featuring the players drafted in the first round were added to All-Pro packs last night. Check out all 32 here in the FB album. At least one is apparently guaranteed to be in each pack or they can be obtained through the Auction House.
Unlike the previous two years, when drafted players were added and had ratings that about matched up to those they debuted with in the Madden released months later, the ratings for these incoming rookies are vastly inflated. They range from overall 94-96.
The change in how they’re rated is likely due to the need to make them relevant. Most Ultimate Teams at this point in the year would have little use for players rated in the 70s up to mid-80s and the novelty of getting the new guys would not be enough to overcome that. Of course these players will be available in Madden NFL 15 also but with those more realistic ratings at the start.
Despite the fatigue with cover voting EA Sports is continuing to roll them out and Madden NFL 15’s opened up yesterday. At least in this case the field has been trimmed from the 64 participants to 16 and from lasting multiple months to just one.
Votes can be cast through the ESPN Cover Vote page. Richard Sherman has to be considered the definitive favorite in this case. Cam Newton and Andrew Luck could provide a challenge, but the field in general is fairly weak compared to previous years. It’s made up mostly of players no one would expect to win and a few others with cover-worthy talent that have been involved in votes before but failed to go very deep in them.
The highly anticipated release of MLB 14: The Show on PS4 finally arrived earlier this week. Has the game met, exceeded, or failed to reach expectations? The panel (myself, Rich Grisham, T.J. Lauerman, and Owen Good) discuss initial reactions to the game in general, online play, loading times, and debate the merits of Quick Counts. Check out the archived, originally live, hangout below and look for a full review roundtable podcast next week!