-
Mobile Version of FIFA 14 Out Now
Today not only brought the console release of FIFA 14 but also versions for iOS (download through iTunes) and Android (download through Google Play) devices. The game is free-to-play like Madden NFL 25’s mobile offering which means the focus is on the Ultimate Team aspect and in-app purchases. Controls are similar as it utilizes screen taps and swipes. Other features include Match Day, online multiplayer, penalty shootouts, and brilliant graphics for a phone/tablet game. $5 will unlock Kick Off, Tournament, and Manager modes. Read more
-
No Pre-Release Demo for NBA 2K14
In recent days it had become apparent that 2K Sports had decided to pass on the usual pre-release demo with NBA 2K14. There was no promotion of the demo date – today being the last possible date for one – and on social media representatives ignored all requests from fans for demo info while PR ignored media requests for comment. Without anything official coming out of the company it took until today to report with any certainty that it would be the case.
While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of confidence in the product it does suggest that 2K Sports recognizes the improvements made to this year’s game might not be immediately evident to the average consumer through playing the demo. There have been situations in the past where companies have forgone releasing an early demo because the game was of poor quality but also situations where it was bypassed because the gameplay and presentation changes for a good game were not very dramatic. All evidence would point to the latter here considering the gameplay footage that has been observed.
2K’s thinking here is that those on the fence about waiting until next-gen may play the demo and find that they can wait the six weeks…four of which the NBA season won’t even be underway for. The marketing for the 360/PS3 game has taken a step back instead heavily relying on reputation to sell it with more significant resources shifting to next-gen. It may be the right decision for them but won’t make those skeptical about the current-gen effort feel any better about it now.
-
Madden NFL 25 Week Three Upcoming Roster Update Discussion
With week three of the NFL season just about in the books, and only a few days until week four kicks off, it’s time to discuss the players and teams that need attention in the upcoming Madden NFL 25 roster update. This next update will include the trade of Trent Richardson to the Colts and signing of Willis McGahee by the Browns which just missed the cut last week.
The news isn’t good for the 49ers and Bears with Aldon Smith going on an indefinite leave of absence and Henry Melton out for the season after tearing his ACL.
Players that should expect to rise in this update based on their performance in week three and in general early this season include Justin Houston, Muhammad Wilkerson, Daryl Smith, Ryan Tannehill, Donnie Avery, Jordan Cameron, Antonio Brown, Jimmy Graham, and Joique Bell. Those likely to drop include Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Matt Schaub, Josh Freeman, Eric Fisher, Jake Long, Kenny Britt, the Redskins secondary which has given up more yards in the first three games than any team in history, and the Giants offensive line among other units on 0-3 teams.
One other subject to broach is that of the “Clutch” trait. No one was added or removed from the list heading into Madden 25. Aaron Rodgers has held on to the designation of “clutch” since the player traits were introduced with Madden NFL 12. However Rodgers has proven to be anything but clutch – besides Cam Newton no QB fails at a greater rate in the fourth quarter of close games. Consider Rodgers is now 0-20 in the fourth quarter of games against .500+ teams when trailing by 7 points or less and there is no way to justify him being considered “clutch”.
-
MyTeam Details for NBA 2K14
Last year 2K Sports introduced MyTeam, a take-off of the popular Ultimate Team modes found in EA Sports titles, providing the company a digital revenue stream that had been lacking. Though it had its share of fans it didn’t prove as popular and birthed what was arguably the worst aspect of NBA 2K13 that being the “VC” system. It was just the first year though and it takes time to grow modes such as MyTeam.
For NBA 2K14 improvements include tournaments, leaderboards, the ability to play friends and name the team. Continue on to check out the developer video detailing the changes coming to MyTeam and leave any thoughts in the comments! Read more
-
The Line Drive for September 22
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Make sure to get entries in for the NBA 2K14 giveaway!
♦$10 promo credit has been added to FIFA 14 – makes 360 to One upgrade essentially free.
♦2K Sports released a video blog discussing the gameplay improvements for NBA 2K14.
♦Screenshots of the new shoes for NBA 2K14 have been posted.
♦The next NBA Live 14 trailer is currently scheduled for September 25.
♦New blog details the changes coming to Pro Clubs in FIFA 14.
♦The complete list of matches for WWE 2K14’s WrestleMania mode has been posted.
♦OverDog, which connects fans w/ athletes for online gaming, has released for Android.
♦It won’t reach its goal but a Kickstarter is running for a new Mutant Football League game.
♦Sony released details on the $10 trade up program for select digital PS3->PS4 games.
♦Check out the “Hollywood Nights” jerseys the Lakers will wear this season.News and content that may have been missed from the last week around the site.
♦DVD/Blu-ray Releases This Week. Headlined by Iron Man 3.
♦Breaking Bad Complete Series Details. Releases on November 26.
♦AMC Announces Walking Dead Spinoff. To debut in 2015. -
Press Row Hangout: Episode 17
A panel of four featuring myself, Rich Grisham (GamesRadar), Owen Good (Kotaku), and Mike Suszek (Joystiq) discuss the latest in sports gaming and GTAV in this week’s Press Row Hangout. Topics touched on include FIFA 14, PES 2014, NBA 2K14, NBA Live 14, and Andrew Wilson being named EA’s CEO.
-
FIFA 14 Now Available to Download for Season Ticket Subscribers
Subscribers to the EA Sports Season Ticket program can now access the early release digital download of FIFA 14 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3.
The digital copy of FIFA 14 will expire early Tuesday (6am ET) after which a retail or digital copy will have to be purchased to continue playing. All game saves and achievements will transfer over.
The Season Ticket costs $25 and runs for a period of one year – providing over three days of early access and a 20% discount on any DLC purchased for NCAA Football, Madden NFL, NHL, and FIFA. No plans have been announced regarding a Season Ticket program for the Xbox One and PS4 but EA has now stated that subscriptions purchased for the 360/PS3 will not carry over whether Season Ticket continues there or not.
There is also an Ultimate Team bonus provided for Season Ticket subscribers. 24 Premium Gold Packs will be distributed over 24 weeks (which is claimed to be over $30 in value). All modes including Ultimate Team are accessible during the Season Ticket period.
-
Madden NFL 25 Releases on Android
The mobile version of Madden NFL 25 that came out in late August on iOS has now arrived for Android devices and can be downloaded through Google Play. For the first time Madden on mobile is free-to-play (FIFA will be that way as well later this month) and with that in mind the primary focus has shifted to an “Ultimate Team” concept.
Features for Madden NFL 25 include the front-and-center Ultimate Team, solo challenges for the team to play through, offensive shootout mode, head-to-head turn based play (handling only the offense much like Your Turn Football), and exhibition games. Controls are made up of screen taps and swipes. Card packs, offensive or defensive play packs, and “Energy” units (which limit how much can be played) are available for purchase.
by