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Press Row Podcast: Roundball Review Roundtable
NBA 2K18 and NBA Live 18 came upon their respective releases having traveled dramatically different paths to get there. NBA 2K has grown into the second biggest sports game in the world and is guaranteed to be a smash hit now annually. NBA Live is simply trying to recapture some credibility after eight years defined more by its cancellations than even its sub-par editions.
In this episode of the Press Row Podcast both games are examined closely, with areas such as accessibility, gameplay, franchise and story/career modes discussed. The Nintendo Switch version of NBA 2K18 is evaluated and compared to the experience on other platforms. The big post-release subjects related to NBA 2K18 – uproar over the aggressive implementation of VC and vanishing MyPlayer characters – are of course also major subjects. Each basketball game offers advantages over their competitor to consider, but which game is the right one for you?
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Madden NFL 18 roster update details following week two of the season
The second roster update of the regular season is now available to download in Madden NFL 18. For a second consecutive week a player that began the season in the 99 Overall club has fallen out of it, with Aaron Donald down 2 points to 97 after returning from his holdout and having little impact in the Rams’ loss to the Redskins.
The Cowboys take a big hit to the offensive line where Tyron Smith (-5) and Travis Frederick (-4) both have dropped to 89 Overall. The team as a whole had 12 players that had their Overall lowered this week but Ezekiel Elliott was not one of them. He did take a hit in a few individual attribute categories however.
Notables on the move in the update include Aaron Rodgers (-1 to 97), Le’Veon Bell (-1 to 96), Travis Kelce (+1 to 95), Marshal Yanda (-2 to 94), Jordan Reed (+2 to 93), Landon Collins (+1 to 93), Trent Williams (-2 to 93), Geno Atkins (+2 to 91), LeSean McCoy (-2 to 90), Eric Weddle (-2 to 90), Everson Griffin (+2 to 88), Shaquil Barrett (+4 to 86), Ben Watson (+5 to 85), Eric Ebron (+3 to 85), Nate Solder (-5 to 82), and Kareem Hunt (+2 to 79). Full details on all the changes can be found in the form here.
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10 hour trial for FIFA 18 now available through EA Access and Origin Access
FIFA 18 can now be downloaded as a timed trial with EA Access on Xbox One and through Origin Access on PC. Subscribers will get 10 hours of playtime with the trial. 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 completely when not in use.
The 10 hours are there to play immediately but can continue to be used beyond its release. 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 although season two of The Journey story mode will only have a portion playable.
EA Access launched July 2014 and is available on Xbox One along with now Origin Access on PC. 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.
FIFA 18 offers the continuation of Alex Hunter’s story in The Journey, legends in a bigger role in Ultimate Team, and teams playing with more of their defining styles.
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VC backlash results in cost reduction for certain customization items in NBA 2K18
2K Sports has generally been able to sail under the radar as it pertains to the implementation of virtual currency in the NBA 2K series. The company had to course correct following the disastrous NBA 2K14 which was made into an always-online game in order to support a currency system that was weaved throughout all of its modes, but it was the server issues that made the game literally unplayable for weeks at a time that exposed the tactics being employed and making it a story the mainstream gaming media would cover.
Despite largely ignoring NBA 2K18’s severe launch issue of vanishing MyPlayers gaming websites have started to jump on the increasing influence of microtransactions in the series, and how the system is built in a manner to pressure consumers into spending the money simply to get an enjoyable experience out of the game. 2K has already responded to that blowback by dropping the prices on items that had in the past not been charged for at all. Read more
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Demo is out for Forza Motorsport 7
Microsoft today released a demo of Forza Motorsport 7 for both Xbox One and Windows 10. As an “Xbox Play Anywhere” title, anyone that purchases the game will be able to play it on either or both. Queue up the demo for download from this page.
The demo features three unique racing experiences in Forza Motorsport 7, showcasing the depth and breadth of the experiences available in the game. Drive the Forza Motorsport 7 cover car – the Porsche 911 GT2 RS – to the brand-new Dubai circuit and experience the thrill of navigating the Jebel Hafeet Pass, one of the most famous driving roads in the world. Or, pilot the massive Mercedes-Benz Tankpool racing truck to victory at the high-speed Mugello circuit in Italy.
For drivers who want the ultimate test, the Nissan NISMO GT-R LM is available for a race at the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. Fans will be challenged to handle the ‘Ring’s complex corners and elevation changes, while also tackling the dynamic track conditions that will make racing in Forza Motorsport 7 so breathtaking. Racing through rainstorms laced with thunder and lightning make for a visual showcase and for a challenge like no other – where dynamic puddles grow and shrink with the intensity of the rain.
Forza Motorsport 7 will feature over 700 cars, 30 racing environments, and a brand new campaign. A push will also be made towards eSports through new leagues and enhanced spectating modes. With Xbox One X (and powerful PCs) it’ll run in true 4K and HDR at 60fps.
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Details on the first patch for NHL 18
EA Sports today released the first patch for NHL 18 which comes right on the heels of last week’s release meaning it had been in the works for some time. It’s a significant update touching on practically every area of the game. Notable is the addition of division realignment to Franchise Mode and a few new uniforms but there are a considerable number of improvements that have been made to gameplay and online that could have major impact. Read more
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Review of NBA 2K18
In what amounts to a bounce back year for the NBA 2K series, the latest edition delivers phenomenal gameplay while continuing its place as the most content-rich game in the genre. The new motion system for gameplay, expanded story elements in MyGM, and addition of all-time teams help to take the game to the next level.
Note: The ongoing serious situation with deleted MyPlayer characters did not factor into the score, as this is not affecting everyone and will likely be resolved in the near future. A patch is being rushed out and could address the issue in some capacity.
NBA 2K18’s biggest drawbacks are largely self-imposed in its long load times, unskippable cutscenes, additional travel time in the Neighborhood to complete simple tasks, and the spreading infection of VC. Frustration related to those things however simply highlights how good the actual game is and how satisfying its various modes are because you just want to get in and play more without those barriers in place. Check out the full review posted at Sporting News!
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The Line Drive for September 17
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Check out the Nike “Statement” unis for all 30 teams as seen in NBA 2K18.
♦2K has created a support page dedicated to missing MyPlayers with NBA 2K18.
♦2K is planning to patch the disappointing CAP system in NBA 2K18 this fall.
♦Reviews published for NBA Live 18 and NHL 18 on Sporting News last week.
♦NBA 2K18 (early in the week) and PES 2018 (late in the week) also on the way.
♦Disconnect exploit is being investigated for Madden NFL 18 after being publicized.
♦The complete list of top 100 rated players for FIFA 18 has now been fully revealed.
♦EA Sports revealed all of the songs that’ll be found on the FIFA 18 soundtrack.
♦The specs needed to run FIFA 18 on PC have been detailed by EA Sports.
♦This week’s Press Row Podcast surveys the sports game field for this month.
♦Details on the latest Diamond Dynasty content to go out in MLB The Show 17.
♦Blu-ray releases are headlined by Wonder Woman coming out this week.
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