Posts Tagged ‘year in review’
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Revisiting the Top Stories of 2012: Death of MLB 2K Series Leaves Void on 360 and Possibly Beyond
It came as no surprise that Take Two would pass on renewing a third party exclusive agreement with Major League Baseball thus signalling an end to the 2K franchise. MLB 2K will end up being the only officially licensed "sim" game to have appeared on the Xbox 360. It was a predictable conclusion but one that leaves plenty of uncertainty going forward and has damaged the potential of another series appearing in its place. (more…)...
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#5 of 2012: UFC Undisputed 3
UFC Undisputed 3 had potential to be right there in the discussion on what was the best sports game of the year. A few design decisions, and the disruption that came with the sale of the license to EA, ultimately ended up burying any chance at consideration. In some ways UFC 3 benefited from the struggles THQ had been having as they attempted to make the series more appealing - and hopefully profitable - but it also encountered issues that otherwise would not have been present and ultimately...
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#6 of 2012: Forza Horizon
It's rare for a racing game to emerge from an end-of-year list such as this one. Forza Horizon however delivered such a completely pleasant and enjoyable experience that it couldn't be overlooked. Rich in features and fun factor, and with some incredible scenery and ambiance, it is well deserving of recognition. (more…)...
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Revisiting the Top Stories of 2012: Turning to Entertainers for Viral Marketing Exposure
Those following news on NBA 2K13 leading up to release heard an awful lot about Jay-Z being the "executive producer" for the product and that was precisely how 2K Sports planned it. The reach that he provided, and having other celebrities in tow to spread word on the game, led to the best opening sales numbers for the series in history. (more…)...
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#7 of 2012 – MLB 12: The Show
There has been no more consistent sports series this generation than SCEA's MLB: The Show. It has shined in gameplay, depth, and authenticity while struggling mightily along the way in areas such as online play and commentary. MLB 12: The Show was no different than the titles that preceded it. A lack of general advancement and some post-release issues were notable but those satisfied with the product in the past likely remained that way. (more…)...
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Revisiting the Top Stories of 2012: Lawsuits Faced by Electronic Arts
Two high profile lawsuits against Electronic Arts carried into 2012 with one being settled and another steaming ahead towards a trial. Though the former is now filed away and ended up having very little in the way of lasting impact the other threatens the viability of any college sports video games in the future. (more…)...
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#8 of 2012: NHL 13
At one point Madden NFL 12 faced the prospect of releasing while the league was in the midst of an ongoing lockout. Later NBA 2K12 actually did have to deal with the league being locked out for the first two months it would be on the market. The conflict with the NHL though has dragged on even farther with the possibility that no season at all will come about. That certainly has affected NHL 13 and not just in sales (which was up initially and has dropped off since) but in consumer percep...
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#9 of 2012: NCAA Football 13
As one of what now is only a handful of major licensed sports games every year NCAA Football should never find itself this low on a year-end recap. Though not as afflicted by serious issues as NCAA 12 this year's effort comes in way down at #9 for it's lowest placement yet. The lack of passion and ambition was the overwhelming takeaway from NCAA Football 13 and if that doesn't change then the series and college football gaming entirely could follow college basketball and disappear in t...
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