Friday, October 15, 2010

Playstation Football Games Are For You

There was a time with the Madden football games were considered to be a failure. This was due to a lot of false starts, if you will, along with the limitations of home computers 2 decades ago that severely limited the vision of the game. Of course it has come a log way since it was released in 1988. There are been over 85 million copies sold world wide adding up to more than 3 billion dollars in revenue. The game now features real professional players, pro-style plays, and the graphics make use of every ounce of technology available. Theses are a small sampling of the many reasons that have made it one of if not the most played 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 variations to game play were added in 2003. Players could still play a single game, however they could now play a whole season or they could play more than one season. Initially created solely for the playstation 2, online play was implemented as well, meaning people could play one another across the world wide web. 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. The trick stick, lead blocker controls, a new weapons control, and even a feature called league play, which allowed up to 32 players to compete through the web over the course of an entire season, each arrived in subsequent versions of the game. The most recent versions shift the focus in an attempt to be more than just a game. The vision for Madden is now to be a more true to life simulation. 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

Things To Learn Concerning Playstation Football Games

You will find that if you are looking to some of the latest sports titles across the board, you will notice that they are unlike anything you have seen before. This is because each and every year, with every passing release of new titles, the sports games being put out there are consistently better than the previous year. Such is the case with 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.

 

You should be able to tell within a minute or so from turning the game on what has really made a considerable difference to the average player. If you have not played a football game in awhile, you will likely experience some pretty intensely real looking graphics. You see, gaming in general has formed quite an impressive relationship with high definition, and therefore, your gaming experience has become HD as well. You will find that much of the information contained within these games comes from the year prior to the release of the title. So what you are going to get will be the stats and figures of the last season of play instead of the one that will be starting shortly after the release of the game itself. But, you can expect some of the later titles to go even farther than this. What this means is that you are not only going to get the roster for the previous season, but you are going to be able to log on to the internet through your console for downloadable content. Among this content, will be the latest and most current roster selections for all of the teams in the NFL. So if there are injuries, trades, or whatever happens to the rosters you have the most current editions. Not only is this the case, but the real time aspects of the game have vastly improved as well. Plays are run efficiently or they bomb entirely based on the performance of each individual player on the field, much like the mechanics of a normal play in a football game. So you have to be mindful of the slight changes that occur between each individual play to be able to excel.

 

You are going to have to be able to think and react like a real football player, or football minded individual anyway. You see, you are going to have to see when the defense relaxes on your primary receiver, when to audible based on a shift in the defense and more. Likewise, you are going to have to start thinking of formations that appear as either running or passing and capitalize on their patterns. 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

The Progression Of 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 don't see any kids these days that could get excited about pushing a little white dot around the screen that is supposed to be a puck.The matchstick men that were supposed to resemble a fully padded out Ice hockey player have gone too. Kids still want to play games that they perceive as fun though.

 

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.

 

OK so there have been games that have been very successful without the great looks of today's big titles. These have been successful due to the intelligence of the games's inventor. They have known what a player wants and it might not always be a complete NHL league line up with all the stats to go with it. But I bet all that up to date information helped a lot when the players were choosing their best line up to compete against a friend.

 

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.

 

It's the clever people who make the games that have made sports games of today such as hockey, look good and still keep the game play of the games of old. They realized a long time ago that your couldn't just paint a pretty picture on the screen, you had to actually let the player live it too. They now know that there is no point in releasing a game on to the market that is not up to speed. Especially not when the game in question is carrying the NHL brand. 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

Destroy Your Strangers And Participate With Local Or Online NHL 10 Tournaments

When hockey comes around very season, it is easy to see the passion in the fans. Between buying the jerseys and the fights during family dinners who will win the Stanley Cup, there is room to be your hockey heroes. Participate in NHL 10 tournaments on the Xbox 360 or PS3 and get into the action.

 

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. Even better than just playing a game by yourself, is that these tournaments have caught on like wildfire. Head to any local social spot and request that they do a tournament, there aren't many reasons to turn that down. Next just fill a bracket with friends or strangers and let the games begin. Fight with all the hockey skills and tricks that you know of to rise above the rest to the top ranking.

 

Sure this all sounds like fun and games, but it can be much more worth your time if you can find a tournament that offers a cash reward for a victory. Be honest, you weren't planning on doing anything with your Saturday besides play video games anyway right? So make a few bucks in the process and call it a great day.

 

Tournaments consist of a set amount of players to begin with. A bracket is made and the players begin one-on-one games, advancing as they win. The tournaments can consist of any amount of players from 4 to 264. The more players the more challengers you will find between you and that top bracket 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 Quick NBA Live 2010 Game Review For PlayStation And Xbox

This is a quick NBA Live game review for PlayStation and Xbox. NBA Live is one of Electronic Art's most well known console games. Every year, several sports games are released however NBA Live's annual edition always ends up being among the most popular. The latest version is no different, with its high tech graphics, new jerseys, and resolution, this final edition of NBA Live has garnered very positive reviews.

 

NBA Live 2010 featured additional jerseys, a first for the franchise. Throwback jerseys from the 1980s and 1990s were added in as well as several alternate ones for a number of teams. Using special codes, even more uniforms and shoes can be unlocked. It is unsure if every team will receive new game jerseys but two codes have been announced so far and more are likely to come.

 

The animations in this version received a major overhaul too. The video game boasts faster and more fluid graphics that allow for ultimate play. Details like the in game graphics and basketball courts were made to appear extremely real. It is a little grainy when zoomed in on some screens but overall looks very well.

 

The players, the background, and other smaller graphics are also more detailed. This year's game has a more realistic background, unlike the previous installments. Crowd members were designed to look and sound more lifelike and real. The players themselves were made with more personal and exact details such as personal accessories, hairstyles, and tattoos. The stars in this year's edition were made to be easily recognizable than previous ones.

 

The game's controls were altered slightly so that it isn't necessary to control the players one hundred percent of the time. Using this auto mode can result in more turnovers though. For those who want to, it is quite possible to expand the control over the players.

 

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 revamp of the players' DNA from previous versions has largely improved too. The last edition's DNA will update each NBA player's abilities and attitudes nearly instantly. This latest version will also let players to compete in real games nearly as they occur in real time. And with the NBA's rosters and change ups updating immediately inside the game, it means for a much better Dynasty Mode too. This games's soundtrack was improved and changed to include more modern singers and groups. This year's game has a lot more tracks, which significantly cuts back on the repetition of songs during the dynasty mode and games. The tracks were even programmed to react to the tempo of the games to get the user more involved.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

FIFA Soccer Games For XBox And Playstation - The Changes And Improvements

Football games are not exactly few and far between and they are all very similar in nature. However, the ultimate enjoyment of the game is dependent on the sum of its parts and in some cases, players will likely get more enjoyment from some features than others. The FIFA soccer games for XBox and Playstation are considered the absolute prime of football games. They have the bonus of not only having an official license from the world governing body of football, but they also feature many exclusively-licensed leagues and teams that no other game has. Published and and developed annually by Electronic Arts, the series begin in 1993, but the greatest gameplay was achieved with the later games.

 

2006

 

The first FIFA game to touch the XBox 360, it marked the refinement of the franchise. It stripped down the available teams and instead focused on the four European leagues as well as the Mexican Clausura and national teams. The atmosphere has also been dramatically improved with the crowd now reacting in a more human manner. They will react to the different events throughout the game, the crowd will be local to the region where the match is taking place and there will also be differing sizes of support, such as a small part of the crowd cheering away, while the rest is home.

 

FIFA 08

 

'Be a Pro Mode' has been improved since the previous games as it now allows the user to play a single player, rather than having the ability to swap between any of the team. Additionally, the multiplayer aspects of the game have been improved, such as allowing online cooperative play and interactive leagues between players. This means players can choose a league and team to play against a real opponent and also includes trick moves, a bonus over previous iterations of this mode. FIFA 08 also saw an overall decrease in speed throughout the game.

 

2008

 

Containing perhaps the largest assortment of improvements from any of the FIFA games, this one contains hundreds, according to the game's producer. An addition to the gameplay is the responsiveness refinement, which allows for an increased measure of control over the ball and a new collision system that takes into account the speed, weight and power of the two players that collide. The goalkeeper has also seen its own improvement as they now utilize better positioning, recovery and reactions.

 

The weather has also seen its own overhaul as it now allows snow and rain matches in Kick-Off mode. Furthermore, depending on the stadium, night, dusk and day matches can be played. Manager mode does not feature the weather changes.

 

2009

 

The latest in the franchise, FIFA 10 brings about many new additions to the Manager Mode that many players have welcomed. A new Assistant Manager can sort out your team for you while you focus on the the larger gameplay. Furthermore, sponsors are less important, while the club's board of directors are more so, due to their ability to dish out whatever wages they feel your team deserves. The Auto-Resolve option for matches now takes into account the team's overall strength, rather than randomly choosing a winner.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The History of the Madden Curse

Perhaps the most highly anticipated video game every year is the Madden NFL series from EA Sports. For more than 20 years, this franchise has been an undeniably big hit. Every year, the EA Sports team visits the NFL draft in order to get head-shots of the new players in their new uniforms as soon as possible. Television programs pitting some of the most talented Madden NFL players in tournaments are shown around the world. And people are known to come up with every excuse in the book in order to get out of work on the very day the game releases - making it as close to a national holiday as the video game industry is likely to get.

 

You might also think that players are honored and delighted to be featured on the game's cover. 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.

 

In the first week of the 2009 season, the Madden curse had already reared it's ugly head. Madden 10 was the first one to feature two cove athletes instead of just one. Troy Polomalu was shown head-to-head with a man he covered in Super Bowl XLIII; Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. In the Steelers' first game of the season against the Tennessee Titans, Polamalu suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain while blocking a field goal. He missed the rest of the seson.

 

One would think that everyone in the league would have learned to avoid Madden by now. Players a) don't need the money and b) are quite superstitious in the best of times, so you'd think they'd just decline the offer from EA sports. Histroy has taught us that the negative effect of being on the Madden cover, for whatever scientific or non-scientific reason, is a real thing.

 

Some Hisrotical Examples:

 

2002: QB Daunte Culpepper was honored with a Madden 02 cover appearance folliowing his team's final four appearance in 2000. He followed this up by missing the last five games of the 2001 season with a hurt knee, and his team missed the playoffs.

 

2003: Marking the beginning of the end of the "Greatest Show On Turf", Marshall Faulk of the Rams failed to rush for 1,000 yards in the 2001 season (for the first time since 1996) following his appearance on the cover of Madden 03 and his subsequent nagging ankle injury.

 

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: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was coming off a Super Bowl appearance, in which his team lost to the New England Patriots. But as the Madden NFL 06 cover athlete, his 2005 was destined for disaster and he suffered a sports hernia in the first game and ended up shutting down for the last seven games of the season.

 

The evidence is stacking up. Whether it's just the impact on your attitude after being featured, whether it just effects your concentration in the preseason and training camp, or whether it's something more...mysterious, who knows.