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Little Caesars Arena added to NHL 18 along with updates to other stadiums and uniforms
The second patch for NHL 18 went out today and the primary focus was to deliver the Detroit Red Wings’ new Little Caesars Arena, which was not in the game at release, and update a number of other stadiums and a great many uniforms. There were also some fixes deployed for Hockey Ultimate Team and EA Sports Hockey League. Read more
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Madden NFL 18 roster update details following week seven of the season
The roster update reflecting performances through the seventh week of the season is now available to download in Madden NFL 18. After a recent lack of movement at the top of the league, due to some significant injuries and others performing at their expected level, one player has made a move towards the coveted 99 Overall. Khalil Mack was boosted for the first time this season by a point and now stands at 98. The other big jump belongs to Bills safety Micah Hyde who, with a 4 point increase to 85, has now risen a remarkable 10 points over the last month.
Other ratings changes of note include Zack Martin (+1 to 96), Bobby Wagner (+1 to 95), Cameron Jordan (+1 to 95), Harrison Smith (+1 to 94), Chris Harris Jr. (-1 to 92), Joe Thomas (-2 to 92), Patrick Peterson (+2 to 91), Matt Ryan (-1 to 91), Sean Lee (-2 to 88), Anthony Barr (+2 to 87), Joey Bosa (+2 to 86), Tyreek Hill (+2 to 86), T.Y. Hilton (-2 to 86), Marshon Lattimore (+3 to 84), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (-3 to 82), and Aaron Jones (+4 to 77).
Check out full details on current ratings and any changes in this week’s update through the form on the official Madden NFL 18 website.
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List of sports games that will be enhanced with Xbox One X
The release of the Xbox One X is now under two weeks away. Beyond just the capability of producing stunning visuals with 4K and HDR, games will be enhanced through faster loading times and have the opportunity for improved framerates and textures.
As provided by Microsoft the official list of sports games that will benefit from the powerful new hardware is extensive, with many that are already available and a handful that are yet to be released but in the later stages of development. Read more
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Another patch on the way for FIFA 18
Out now on PC and coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in the days/weeks ahead is a new patch for FIFA 18. An earlier update to the game addressed a number of areas, the most notable of which was improving the effectiveness of goalies. It’s unclear what kind of support FIFA on Nintendo Switch will be receiving as EA Sports has yet to detail any patches for that version of the game or what their plans are for it post-release.
This latest update again hits on several areas of FIFA 18 but primarily focuses on gameplay fixes and Ultimate Team where Guest Mode has returned to Seasons and Draft. Read more
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NBA 2K18 tops sales in absurdly competitive sports gaming month
Sales results for September in North America are out via NPD and the sports games made their presence felt as they do every year. In a month with ridiculous competition within the genre NBA 2K18 finished second, Madden NFL 18 right behind it in third, FIFA 18 came in fourth, and NHL 18 was eighth. NBA Live 18 also made an appearance at #17. Read more
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Which franchise will come out on top in an NBA 2K18 all-time tournament?
There isn’t much debate over the best NBA team in history, and even the NBA 2K franchise has consistently confirmed that team as the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. What about the best team that every franchise could field from their past though?
I’ll be determining that with the 30 all-time teams for each current franchise in NBA 2K18 over the coming weeks with a tournament made up of seven game series. Check out the first piece that went up today at Sporting News that sets the stage!
The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics go into the tourney as the favorites and that’s no surprise given that they have won by far the most championships. There are threats however to knock them off and prevent the two from facing off for the title of best all-time franchise.
The Golden State Warriors, aforementioned Bulls and San Antonio Spurs round out the top five seeds. Their rosters are incredibly impressive for both the starting units and their depth. They excel in their own unique ways as well, which could pose match-up problems for LA or Boston.
Which franchise do you think will finish on top? Vote in the poll below and leave any thoughts on what may be to come in the comments!
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The Line Drive for October 22
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Details on the popular Most Feared program for MUT in Madden NFL 18.
♦Mutant Football League has adjusted game speed and added keyboard support.
♦Details on the Ultimate Scream program for FUT active now in FIFA 18.
♦The Los Angeles Lakers “classic” uniforms have been added to NBA Live 18.
♦Shooting and layup adjustments have been made in an update to NBA 2K18.
♦After earlier PS4 release the free-to-play 3on3 Freestyle is now out on PC.
♦Details on the $10 expansion DLC pack out Oct. 24 for NASCAR Heat 2.
♦The latest roster update for NHL 18 has added recently debuted rookies.
♦NHL 18 is still on sale digitally on PlayStation 4 for just $40.
♦Out of the Park Baseball 18 is currently on sale for just $13.60 until Oct 30.
♦Details on the fall system update that has gone out for Xbox One.
♦Blu-ray releases this week headlined by War for the Planet of the Apes. -
Press Row Podcast: Loot boxes and an industry at a crossroads
Whether it’s the VC in NBA 2K18 or the increased presence of “loot boxes” in other high-profile games, the influence on development directly related to monetization efforts is at the forefront of discussion right now amongst gaming press and consumers.
In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the panel covers why it has taken until now for such immense backlash to formulate, the necessity of publishers/developers to find ways to generate digital revenue post-release, whether games focusing on single-player experiences are going extinct, and also debate the concept of loot boxes being tantamount to gambling.
Check out the podcast through iTunes for iOS, on Android with the Stitcher app, or with Pocket Casts on iOS, Android, and Windows. The show can also now be found on the recently launched Google Play Music for podcasts. Subscribe and review to help support the show! You can also listen with the streaming player below.
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