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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Need for Speed Undercover Hands-on Preview (Videogamer.com)
10:13 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by hdaniel1. Written by Daniel Hee
Videogamer.com has posted their hands on preview of Need for Speed Undercover.

Quote:
"We could prattle on more about Underground's production values, but we suspect that some of you would like to know how it plays. The first thing to note is that EA has returned to the open world structure of the games pre-ProStreet, so you'll have 160km of the Tri-City Bay area to explore, encompassing three cities and a large expanse of surrounding highway; it'll take you eight minutes to do a lap of the area at top speed, apparently."
Game: Need for Speed UndercoverHype Score: Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360Votes: 0 - View All
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Update (IGN)
10:12 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by hdaniel1. Written by Daniel Hee
IGN has posted the following WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 updates:
  • The SmackDown Countdown: Cody Rhodes

    Quote:
    "As the son of WWE Hall of Famer the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Cody Rhodes grew up admiring his father and watching him capture the imagination of wrestling fans worldwide. Now Cody is ready to carry on his father's legacy while carving out one of his own in WWE."
  • Screenshots (PS3)
  • Videos (PS3)
Game: WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2009Hype Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3Votes: 8 - View All
NCAA Basketball 09 Fact Sheet
08:21 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS.
Read the entire fact sheet, right here.

Quote:
"Replicate your school’s style of play, set the tempo and win with NCAA® Basketball 09. Whether your school pushes the ball in transition, runs a half-court offense that utilizes the clock and limits possessions or features a balanced attack that combines transition offense with set plays, NCAA Basketball 09 rewards the strategic player by emphasizing team specific styles of play.

College basketball springs to life in NCAA Basketball 09 with frenzied crowds, authentic commentary from Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler and Erin Andrews and now featuring NCAA Division I coaches in-game for the first time. Each coach will provide real time instruction and feedback, helping players control the tempo by executing their team’s offense and defense to perfection."
Game: NCAA Basketball 09Hype Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 6 - View All
EA Sports Partners with Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook
07:27 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
EA SPORTS PARTNERS WITH BLUE RIBBON COLLEGE BASKETBALL
YEARBOOK TO PROVIDE TEAM SCOUTING REPORTS IN NCAA BASKETBALL 09

University of North Carolina Tar Heels
Top Rated Team In NCAA Basketball 09
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – October 15, 2008 – Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today unveiled a partnership with Blue Ribbon™ College Basketball Yearbook to provide team ratings and team scouting reports for the EA SPORTS™ college basketball videogame NCAA® Basketball 09, scheduled for release December 2 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and the PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems.

Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook has been the leader in compiling accurate scouting reports of college basketball teams for 28 years and EA SPORTS will utilize its scouting reports and data to drive its college basketball videogame.

“We are always looking at new ways to create a more authentic gameplay experience for our fans and this new partnership with a recognized industry leader is significant,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “This partnership enables us to replicate with precision the playing style of every Division I school in NCAA Basketball 09 this year.”

NCAA Basketball 09 introduces a new, strategic gameplay feature that challenges gamers to replicate their school’s style of play and set the game tempo to enhance their chances of winning. Whether your school pushes the ball in transition, runs a half-court offense that utilizes the clock and limits possessions or features a balanced attack that combines transition offense with set plays, NCAA Basketball 09 rewards the strategic gamer by emphasizing team specific styles of play. In addition, NCAA Basketball 09 will feature Division I coaches in-game for the first time, providing real time instruction and feedback, helping players control the tempo by executing their team’s offense and defense to perfection.

“The partnership between EA Sports and Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook will bring a level of realism never before experienced while playing NCAA Basketball 09,” said Chris Dortch, Editor, Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook. “Because for the last 28 years, when college coaches begin the process of scouting their opponents, the first resource they turn to is Blue Ribbon. To have that sort of resource-- which coaches all around the country have come to rely upon--available in NCAA Basketball 09 is unprecedented.”

In partnership with Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook, EA SPORTS today revealed that the University of North Carolina, an NCAA Tournament Final Four finisher a year ago, is the top rated team in NCAA Basketball 09. EA SPORTS named the Tar Heels No. 1 followed by Pittsburgh (2), Notre Dame (3), UCLA (4) and Connecticut (5).

EA SPORTS PRESEASON TOP 25
1. North Carolina
2. Pittsburgh
3. Notre Dame
4. UCLA
5. Connecticut
6. Oklahoma
7. Louisville
8. Duke
9. Tennessee
10. Texas
11. Memphis
12. Purdue
13. Michigan State
14. Miami
15. Arizona State
16. Baylor
17. Kansas
18. Marquette
19. St. Mary’s
20. Syracuse
21. Gonzaga
22. Villanova
23. USC
24. Wisconsin
25. Washington

NCAA Basketball 09 is in development at EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C. The game is rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB and will ship to stores on December 2. To learn more about the game visit www.ncaabasketball09.com.
Game: NCAA Basketball 09Hype Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 6 - View All
OS Exclusive New Kentucky Wildcat Uniforms Video (Using March Madness 08 Engine)
07:21 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
The NCAA Basketball 09 team has sent us this exclusive video of the new Kentucky Wildcat uniforms in action. *Please note, this video was created 6 months ago, on the March Madness 08 engine.

This was in response to this thread in our Forums.

Quote:
"Sean O'Brien: Fellas, saw a lot of comments on the new Kentucky uniforms that were unveiled last week. Also saw some questions as to if they'd be in this year's NCAA BB 09. First off, Yes - they will be in the game. In fact, these uniforms were in the game before the players and coaches at Kentucky had even seen them, way back in April. We worked closely with Nike to create a "highlight" video of Kentucky wearing the new uniforms, that would be presented to Kentucky along with mockups of the uniforms. After all, it's hard to get a sense of what the new uniforms will look like in action, if all you can see is a sketch or a model wearing a sample. Both EA and Nike thought this would be a very cool way to present the new look to the Wildcats. We've provided the video for you guys to see, exclusive to OS. Keep in mind that because of when this was made, we had to use last year's game engine. So ignore the animations, physics etc... As you can see from our first gameplay trailer, things have changed for the better."
Game: NCAA Basketball 09Hype Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 6 - View All
Skate 2 Hall of Meat Developer Video
06:14 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
EA has just sent us this Skate 2, Hall of Meat, Developer video.
Game: Skate 2Hype Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 5 - View All
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
05:34 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by MMChrisS.
The premier golfing gaming franchise had another good year this year from all accounts. Our very own Jack Hoeffel checks in today on why he thinks Tiger Woods 09 was two steps forward, one step back.

Quote:
"The Tiger Woods series has been well-received for many years, but recent versions have become the only simulation golf title on any console. Each game in the series has managed to improve in one or more areas, and the most recent game in the series, released in late August on almost every platform imaginable, has continued this trend. The game has made many improvements over the last year, both in gameplay and presentation. However, as with all games, for every improvement, there is some other area that can be improved. For Tiger Woods 09, those areas include the graphics and animations, though the biggest detriment to the game is the new commentators. It was the main reason I did not buy this game after playing the demo. After playing three holes in the demo, I could not imagine myself having as much fun with this game as I had with past games, because the level of interaction between the commentators was clearly not the same as it had been in the past. Sometimes, change can be a bad thing."
Game: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09Reader Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3 / PCVotes: 1 - View All
Goodbye History, Hello Conformity: Why I Love Unique Sports Game Venues
02:34 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by MMChrisS.
Stadiums are a huge part of sports in the real and virtual world. Operation Sports contributor Bryan Estrella takes a look at venues in sports video games in his article, Goodbye History, Hello Conformity: Why I Love Unique Sports Game Venues.

Quote:
"It may feel like months ago, what with the economy going down the tubes, but it has only been a few weeks since Ryan Church flied out at the hands of Matt Lindstrom to slam the door on an era of New York City baseball. With 45 years at Shea and 85 years at Yankee Stadium, the two combined for 130 years of history. Both stadiums were home to some of baseball’s brightest stars like Ruth, DiMaggio, Hernandez, and a coked-out Doc Gooden; and seminal moments like Buckner’s epic blunder, Mr. October’s three home runs in one game, and Mantle’s (alleged) dalliances under the bleachers. Now, all that history has suddenly become ancient history. Furthermore, with Yankee Stadium now gone, the only classic fields we have left are Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. (No, the Rogers Centre doesn’t count.) And let’s face it, Fenway and Wrigley will eventually be gone."
A Load Off My Mind
02:12 PM - October 15, 2008. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Patrick Williams
Loading......


Don't you hate those screens? So do we! Patrick Williams checks in today with a look at loading screens and what works in his article, A Load Off My Mind.

Quote:
"When "next-generation" consoles were first being discussed on the Internet several years ago there were many visions of how gaming would evolve. By using online play more effectively gamers would be closer than ever; with HD capabilities the virtual world would be the most stunning and realistic ever experienced; and with super-powered machines everything was supposed to be smooth and fast, including game load times."
MLB Stickball Review (XBLA)
09:58 AM - October 15, 2008. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Caley Roark
We have just posted our review of the XBox Live Downloadable Game (for 800 Microsoft points mind you) MLB Stickball.

Quote:
"A few years ago, while browsing through clearance items at a sporting goods store, I came across a stickball set. It was a good price and it was decorated with my favorite team’s logo, so it was an easy purchase; I was excited by my seemingly thrifty and unique purchase."
Game: MLB StickballReader Score: Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360Votes: 0 - View All
Electronic Arts/Take-Two: We Were Just Trying to Help
05:14 AM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
The Wall Street Journal has the scoop.

Quote:
"One of the first rules for chief executives considering an acquisition is not to fall in love with the deal.

There was no risk of that for John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts. Riccitiello spent nine months chasing Take-Two Interactive Software as a takeover candidate–ultimately submitting an unsolicited $2 billion bid–and apparently zero minutes feeling any regret at calling off the talks.

Riccitiello dismissed the misadventure as “a waste of ink, primarily in the New York Post” and explained that his Redwood City, Calif., software maker walked away because “time was of the essence, because we wanted to impact holiday 2008 sales of Grand Theft Auto IV”–referring to Take-Two’s hit videogame franchise. He described his impulse to buy Take-Two as almost a charitable effort before the holidays, “to help that company get through what has been an uneven profit experience.” Take Two declined to comment."
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 Videos (Videogamer)
05:12 AM - October 15, 2008. Posted by Steve_OS. Written by Steve Noah
Videogamer has posted some Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 videos.

Quote:
"PES 2009 hits UK stores for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on October 17 - a day which will be the biggest in the video game calendar for many football fans. To give you an idea of what you can expect from the next-gen and PC versions we've recorded a few HD gameplay videos for your viewing pleasure."
Game: Pro Evolution Soccer 2009Hype Score: 9.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS2 / PS3 / PSP / PCVotes: 7 - View All
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
If This is Be a Pro, Send Me Back To Juniors
11:47 PM - October 14, 2008. Posted by MMChrisS. Written by Rob Kotaska
Be a Pro mode in NHL 09 has received a mixed reaction among NHL fans this season. Robert Kotsaka gives you his opinion on the mode in his article, If This is Be a Pro, Send Me Back to Juniors.

Quote:
"I love the NHL 09. EASHL is a winner-winner chicken dinner for me. And I still love good old Dynasty mode. Is Dynasty mode perfect? No. But it allows for the Sabres to win the Cup when being controlled by yours truly. Being a hockey nut I still want to play with my team and compete for the Cup in the virtual world. So there. I love the game. It will be in my system for the next six months. I had to get that out of the way because after you read the following you will wonder if I do love this game. I do."
Game: NHL 09Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PC / PS2 / PS3 / Xbox 360Votes: 12 - View All
NCAA Basketball 09 Top 25 (Pasta Padre)
10:18 PM - October 14, 2008. Posted by hdaniel1. Written by Daniel Hee
Pasta Padre has posted a article called NCAA Basketball 09 Top 25.

Quote:
"EA Sports has revealed the Top 25 rated teams in NCAA Basketball 09. Leading the way this year is North Carolina. The winner of the National Championship last year Kansas comes in at #17. I’m especially encouraged to see Washington slip in at #25."
Game: NCAA Basketball 09Hype Score: 9/10 - Vote Now
Platform: Xbox 360 / PS3Votes: 6 - View All
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 Update (IGN)
10:18 PM - October 14, 2008. Posted by hdaniel1. Written by Daniel Hee
IGN has posted the following WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 updates:
Game: WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2009Hype Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3Votes: 8 - View All

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