Friday, October 15, 2010

20 Years Of Playstation Football Games

When Madden footballs games were in their early stated many considered them to be a failure when held against the original vision. This had much to do with the limits placed on that vision as a result of the fact that there was simply not enough computer power in the average home system to bring the game to life in the way the original vision called for. Of course, 20 years later, 85 million games sold and profits that to 3 billion have proved it to be an extreme success. It now boasts real football player names and statistics, professional plays and exceptional graphics. These are a few of the many reasons why it has become quite possibly the more popular of the playstation football games.

It is no secret that Madden was not the original namesake for the game. The designers had reached out to a few other high profile players and even some other coaches, but none were able to participate due to other agreements or a simple lack of interest. Madden came on board and educated the designers, and ironically, it is the game and not his professional career as a coach and announcer that has brought him the most recognition.

The game has certainly grown in both style and features over the years. Updated features and new ones are implement with every game release. One of these was known as franchise mode. It was presented almost 10 years after the game was originally sold, and while other baseball games offered general manager features such as drafting and trades, Madden was the first football game to bring these options to the screen.

More game modes were brought to the user with the release of the 2003 version. Of course a player could start the game and choose to simply play a single game, only now they had the options to play an entire season and even multiple seasons. It was in this version that online play was first offered, initially exclusive to uses of the playstation 2 console.

In the version released in 2004, the playmaker tool was introduced. This was an exciting new feature that gave players the ability to use joystick control to change the direction of plays at the line of scrimmage. This allowed for better audibles to be chosen after the defensive alignment was seen and greatly enhanced the realism for the game. The playmaker tool was made more robust in the next version released in 2005. In the previous release, this feature was only available for the offense, and that put players on defense at a decided disadvantage. With the addition of this feature on defense, the playing field become level again, and as with the 2004 version, game play become even more realistic.

Versions that have been released in the last years have contained other unique aspects of play like the trick stick, control of lead blockers on running play calls, and a weapons control used with superstar players. Even league play is now possible, giving up to 32 people the opportunity to play an entire season from a single console or through the internet.

Playstation football games have dominated pc and console football games for more than 2 decades, and the vision for the future promises even more innovation. Playstation 3 Madden football games promise a unique experience, whether you are playing against the computer or a friend, either using the same console or across the internet.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Information To Learn About Playstation Football Games

Sports games have taken a long time to reach the point that they are today. When they first got their start, they didn't quite capture the excitement of these sports and the players who brought the action to your living rooms. One of the best representations of the action that you can experience through some of the latest titles is evident in Playstation football games.

 

Through the course of the upcoming paragraphs, you are going to get a look at some of these titles in a very critical eye. You should expect to learn about what makes these particular console titles worth your time. You are going to learn about some of the most prevalent selling points of these titles and why in recent years people just cannot seem to get enough of the nonstop football action available through next generation consoles. When you turn the game on, you are going to be able to tell very easily what one of the most efficient selling point actually is. This would be the heightened graphics that turns your football experience loose on the world of high definition electronics. So while the game looked great anyway, it is now in high definition on top of that if you are playing on HD compatible components. You will find that one of the best points about these games will be that they are very accurate. They go on a basis of the previous year's stats and rosters, but they are highly accurate with who was playing for what team and how good of a player they were for that team. Granted, the teams that found the Superbowl in the previous year experience some boosted stats, but that is to be expected. You will also find that a popular edition to the last few years of football games would be the downloadable content. This is means to not only get the most up to date information concerning your team and their stats, but also their latest roster choices and depth chart decisions. So if your team picked up a favorite college player in the draft after your game's roster was made, you can still have him as a player in your game.

 

You will find that the game play itself has received a bit of a face lift as well. You see, so many games were made that were generic in various positions, and the consistencies that you would experience made the game play unrealistic. However, everything affects the game now. Weather, individual computer performance of unused players, and a number of other crucial aspects.

 

You have to be able to spot when that defender drops off of the receiver enough to catch a long ball for six. You have to be able to see when your runner needs to cut up a new hole instead of where the play is headed because that hole is collapsing. You have to be able to see the patterns of the passing and running game for the other team to turn the ball over and capitalize on their mistakes. You will find that Playstation football games like Madden are out there in abundance and they are incredibly popular. If you do not have one, you really should think about getting them if you have interest in this impressive sport. The latest edition might just have you convinced you are calling the shots on Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Quick Look At The Change In NHL Games For Xbox & Playstation Game Consoles

When lots of people who have at some point been games console players look back at their youth, then it seems so great back then. Every little thing as a child seemed bigger and better than when you grow up. That is of course apart from sports and NHL games for Xbox & Playstation game consoles. In the last thirty years we have been privileged to benefit from the advances in technology.

 

You no longer have to push a white dot which is supposed to be your puck around the screen. You also no longer have to control featureless white matchstick men around a rink either. You do on the other hand still have to play the game for enjoyment. The problem that has prevailed over the years is that while the ability of computer graphic artists and programmers increased, the consoles were behind. Now though, we are at a stage where the technology has gone so far that our ability to use it is lagging behind. But it matters little about which is better, graphics or game play, the game player of today wants it all. The games that have gone down in history whether they have been hockey, NHL, console based or not, have all had one thing in common. They have all been very playable. In some, the presentation didn't really matter at all. Like the type with the falling blocks that you have to arrange, many games relied solely on their ability to keep you coming back for more. Hockey games have been no different and no matter who is on the cover of any NHL title, it's what's inside the box that has really mattered. The thing that games developers back in the day knew is what people really liked in a game. They didn't have the ability to display a few thousand fans jumping up and down every time a ball hit the back of the net in a hockey game. Well even if they had the ability then they didn't have the processing power of today's machines.

 

Now Hockey games are particularly entertaining on any games platform because they combine control, timing and quick perception. These are all vital components in any entertaining sports game. Thankfully there are many talented programmers working hard to produce something that they also like.

 

Really that has been key to making hockey games that can be played on a games console. They have had to make something that a true hockey professional has put their name to in many cases. So it's not just about making something that looks pretty but is awful or slow to move. On the other hand it is not been a good idea to make something that has been easy to move but looks terrible.

 

So the children of today have had it easy or lucky or whatever they are getting fed up of hearing. But to be fair it's everyone that benefits from NHL games for Xbox & Playstation game consoles especially once the kids are sleeping.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Defeat Your Friends Or Strangers And Participate With Local Or Online NHL 10 Tournaments

Hockey is a sport full of action. Constantly there are fights, slap-shots, and action so fast your eyes won't be able to catch up. But just as quickly as the season comes, it goes again. However, there is a great way to get the competitive spirit of hockey while playing as your favorite team by participating in NHL 10 tournaments on the Xbox 360 or PS3.

 

NHL 10 is one of the greatest sports game of the year. While Madden tends to take up most of the spotlight, it is clear from the throngs of video game reviews and personal accounts that this is a must have game for anyone remotely interested in hockey. You may not get the physical feeling of the ice on your face as you crush someone against the boards, but it will be sure to capture the real feeling of hockey on the ground floor.

 

The tournaments are held in many different places in many different ways. A simple search online will provide you with results on where to find tournaments that are local or ones that can be played right over the internet with hundreds of strangers. People with a competitive edge find the tournaments exhilarating and really fills that niche to show how good you can be.

 

Not all the tournaments are just fun and games however. Some offer a bit more of an incentive to make it all the way to the top with a monetary prize. If you normally thing of making a few extra bucks a nice Saturday afternoon, you usually would think you have to head to the office. But never leave your couch and play a video game as your favorite team.

 

The tournaments come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging in play and players alike. After a set number of people are signed up and the games begin, players play one-on-one games, advancing in a bracket every time they win. Tournaments can be as small as 4 players and become as big as a few hundred participants. Either way, you will have to work for that top spot.

 

There are countless websites on the internet that offer tournaments either local or via online connection. Man are open and free to play in as long as you have the game and necessary connections to support online play. However, some website have entry fee's so that only the most elite of players will join in, and most of the time it is these tournaments that hold a hefty cash prize at the end. If you are good enough, drop a few dollars in for the chance to walk away with a lot more, just for playing a game.

 

Winning a tournament, no matter how large or small, lands you a place at the top, even for just a day. Not only are you the most passionate about the sport, but now the most skilled out of the many people you had to conquer for the top spot. And, if your lucky, you may even have a few extra bucks to spend for a fun day's work. The only way to continue the popularity of NHL 10 tournaments to to participate. Go out and suggest them to local places or merely sign up for them when you can. The more demand for them, the more they will continue to pop up in your area.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

A Short NBA Live 10 Game Overview For PlayStation Or Xbox

The following is an NBA Live game review for PlayStation and Xbox. One of EA Sport's most popular PlayStation and Xbox games is NBA Live. Numerous basketball video games are released each year and NBA Live's version seems to always be among the main front runners. The last edition is no different with its user input, animations, and high quality graphics. The last NBA Live version has received positive reviews.

 

NBA Live 10 has bonus jerseys, a very first for these games. Vintage jerseys from the 80s and 90s were included as well as numerous alternate uniforms for many of NBA teams. Using bonus codes, even more jerseys and throwback shoes can be used. It is questionable if every NBA team will get new game uniforms but two bonus codes have been unlocked so far and more are probably coming. The graphics in this game received a massive overhaul. The game features quicker and smoother animations that allow for maximum play. Items like the lights and courts were designed to look very realistic. It's a bit grainy when enhanced on plasma screens but generally looks extremely well. Other smaller graphics like the background and the players are more detailed as well. Unlike previous installments, this year's NBA Live game has a much more realistic background. The members of the crowd were designed to look more real and lifelike. Even the players themselves were give more exact and personal details such as tattoos, hairstyles, and other accessories. The basketball stars in this edition were made to be more easily recognized than previous ones.

 

NBA Live 10's controls were changed slightly so that it is not essential to control the athletes every second of the game. Playing in the auto mode can end in many turnovers though. For users who desire to, it is very easy to expand the control to cover the athletes. Game play on this year's NBA Live was made simple enough so that even someone who has never played any basketball video games will still be able to get the hang of it. Actions like passing and shooting are single button functions. Both of the PlayStation and Xbox use the main joy stick on the controllers to move the players around. It is simple to play defense as well, just position one of the basketball players in front of one from the opposing team will result in the sim automatically doing the rest. The update of the player DNA system from past games has significantly improved as well. The 2010 edition's DNA updates individual player's tendencies and attributes almost instantly. This year's game will also allow users to play real games almost as they happen in the real world. And with the NBA team's rosters and line ups updating instantly in the game, it makes for a much improved Dynasty Mode as well.

 

The soundtrack was updated and revamped for this version to include more current bands and artists. There are more songs this year and that cuts down drastically on the music's redundancy during the game and training mode. They were programmed to change and react to the beat of the games.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

FIFA Soccer Games For XBox And Playstation - The Developments And Expansion

Electronic Arts has always had an ace up its sleeve with their FIFA license. From 1993, they gained the FIFA license to published and develop FIFA-based games. Up until the present, they still maintain this license and have grown the franchise to be one of the biggest football games in existence. It has seen phenomenal improvements since its first iteration and the player base has grown substantially. While there are other competitors in the field, the FIFA license gives them a leg-up over them and provides their FIFA soccer games for XBox and Playstation a much higher success rate due to success and credibility.

 

2006 - FIFA 07

 

FIFA 07 was released in September 2006 and marked the beginning of the next generation FIFA games. Available on the XBox 360, it focuses on refinement, rather than growth. The available teams have been reduced to the four European leagues, plus other national teams. To improve immersion, the atmosphere has also been improved with the crowd's ability to react to events throughout the game with small pockets of away support cheering in certain parts of the stadium or the home crowd being local to the region.

 

2007 - FIFA 08

 

FIFA 08 furthers the online portions of the game, keeping in line with the growth of the multiplayer market. Online cooperative play and player vs player interactive leagues are now available online, allowing players to choose their league and team to compete against a real player. This was refined with the ability to carry out trick moves. Additional gameplay additions include 'Be a Pro Mode', which gives the players the ability to play a match as only a single player in the team, besides the goalkeeper. Overall, the game also sees a decrease in the speed of each match.

 

2008 - FIFA 09

 

While each FIFA game sees improvements per release of the game, FIFA 09 supposedly included 250 changes. While not exhaustive, here are some of the largest changes. The user's players now exhibit more responsiveness in many situations, such as when in control of the ball and when two players collide. The entire collision system has been thoroughly redesigned so that during the collision, the players' speed, weight and power will have an effect who comes out best in that particular confrontation. Furthering this responsiveness, the goalkeeper has also been improved to recover faster, position himself better and react more intelligently.

 

The weather system has also been improved to allow for rain, snow, day, dusk and night matches, dependent on the stadium. Manager mode does not see the weather changes. Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the major additions and changes.

 

2009

 

FIFA 10 is the latest FIFA game available and brings less improvement, but perhaps more important ones for some gamers. The Manager Mode sees its major revision for this iteration. The user can now employ an Assistant Manager to deal with the team line-up as well as other squad-specific details. Additionally, finances are less focused on the sponsors and more on the wages dealt to them. The Manager Mode also shows news about other people's own Manager events. One exceptional improvement is the Auto-Resolve, which is no longer apparently random, but resolves a match based on each team's strength now.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Madden Curse

The release of Madden 11 will be one of the most hyped and anticipated events in 2010. Madden has been on the scene for 21 years, and pretty much everyone who is a fan of football or video games has picked it up and played. In order to get shots of all the rookies in their new jerseys, the Madden development team shows up to the annual NFL entry draft. The game has become so popular that tournaments where professionals play head-to-head for loads of money have made it onto television for our viewing pleasure. Millions of people take release day off work every year, and a Madden Holiday is as close as the game industry is likely to ever get to it's own national holiday.

 

For all the good that comes with the hype and hysteria of Madden NFL, there is a downfall to the game's yearly release. For the 12 years Madden has been boasing an annual cover athlete, those athletes chosen seem to either play poorly that year, or suffer serious and season-ruining injury.

 

The Madden curse made it's mark again in 2009. In 2009, there were two players on the cover for the first time in the franchise's history. Defending Super Bowl Champion safety of the Pittsburgh Steelers Troy Polamalu goes head-to-head with one of the men he covered in the big game last February, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Troy Polomalu was injured in the Steelers' very first regular season game against the Titans. Without their defensive captain, the Steelers struggled, ceding the AFC North division title to the Bengals.

 

You'd think that players and coaches would have learned about the Madden curse by now. When EA Sports comes calling, it's probably in everybody's best interest to decline the offer regardless of how prestigious and financially rewarding the opportunity might be. As history has shown, going on the Madden NFL cover is almost guaranteed to affect a player, and probably his team, negatively.

 

Notable instances of the Madden NFL curse:

 

2002: After making it to the NFC with the Vikings in 2000, quaerterback Daunte Culpepper missed the final five games of the 2001 season (after being fatured on the cover) leading his team to a record of 5-11.

 

2003: After gracing the cover of Madden 03, RB Marshall Faulk played the whole 2002 season with a hurt ankle and missed the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the first time in 6 years while his team rounded out the season with a 7-9 record, which wasn;t good enough for a playoff appearance.

 

2004: Atlanta Falcons franchise QB (and a Madden player's favorite QB at the time) missed the entire 2003 season after gracing the cover of Madden 04. His team finished 5-11 (missing the playoffs of course) without him.

 

2006: After taking a break in 2004, the curse was back at it for the 2005 season. Donovan Mcnabb was the cover athlete of Madden 06 and wouldn't you know, he suffered a sports hernai in week one, causing him to eventually get sidelined for the second half of the year.

 

That's the history of the curse. So, what will happen to this year's cover star?