Post E3 Thoughts on the Sports Games shown - RaychelSnr's Blog

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RaychelSnr's Blog

Post E3 Thoughts on the Sports Games shown Stuck

Posted on June 10, 2011 at 05:12 PM.

(13)

I didn't go to the show, our amigos Chase Becotte, Christian McLeod and TD St. Matthew-Daniel all did attend and will have their full fleshed out thoughts when they get some R&R after returning. I, like all of you, watched the developments from the show floor from my own house -- and while most of us got a chance to play the games, there are still a few takeaways you can garner from the show. Here's what I found to be most striking:

Madden NFL 12 is going to perhaps be the first truly great football game this generation. Everyone knows I've called Madden and NCAA underrated by many (they were far from bad) but I've always said people expect them to be great which they haven't been. It seems like this might be the year Madden breaks into elite company. Some may say don't get your hopes up, but it just seems to have a special feeling this year to me.
FIFA 12 will be perhaps the best sports game this year. The enhancements look fantastic and FIFA Soccer 10 was my favorite game of that year. NBA 2K11 rose up to steal that crown this year, but FIFA 12 has me all sorts of excited...I might have to pull out my best campaigner hat to try to get it the top billing as Sports Game of the Year here at OS.
NCAA Football 12 seems like a 'meh' title this year. Sure it won't be bad, but Madden is stealing the spotlight. NCAA may be a solid game in its own right, but it looks to stay stuck in the 'pretty good but not great' category at least one more year.
NHL 12 is going to also have a chance to win some awards this year -- the enhancements look to make the game a big 'bounce-back' type of title. It didn't have a bad year last year, just it seemed uninspired.
NBA 2K12 might be getting ready to have a season like NHL 11 did last year. Far from a bad game, but with so much put into last year's title -- I'm just having a hard time seeing them make anything happen that can top it. It's not a bad thing either, fix some of the issues from last year and get a firm foundation built up and unleash something truly special again when the basketball competition heats up once again.
All of the other games (WWE 12, NFS, SSX, etc.) all seemed to be on the right track. Call me too optimistic, but I think sports gaming is set for another banner year this Fall into the Winter. Lots of solid to great titles look to be taking shape below the heavy hitters in our genre.

So what did you think? Did the show change your perception on any of the games in our genre? Did any of the announcements surprise you? Sound off in the comments box below!!

Comments

# 1 NowAndLaterCARZ @ Jun 10

i just hope nba 2k12 fixes the servers and utilizes the crew mode. adding a create-a-stadium to crew along with monthly crew playoffs would have me happy. also an online association. on another note, madden is looking pretty good so far in terms of graphics. i wish madden had a online crew mode to go with superstar. that would be amazing imo

# 2 wxn8822 @ Jun 10

to me, the words the author said is just a mild or implicit way to say 2k12 is not good this year.....

# 3 squadron supreme @ Jun 10

I don't think he is saying that at all. Of all the major sports games at E3 these titles had the most videos and demos so its easier to try and get a feel for their advancements over last years version. There were interviews with a person associated with NBA2k12 which was interesting but with no video or demos touting new features other than the somewhat lame playstation move demo with Kobe its hard to measure it against other games.

# 4 Philliezfinest @ Jun 10

I'm am highly excited 4 da sports line up this year can't wait ncaa is up first let's get it poppin

# 5 PES3Paul @ Jun 10

It's just that every year or so, THIS Madden is gonna be the BEST YET, but when it comes out, it underwhelms in one form or another of critical gameplay that has people feeling buyers remorse. I'm taking a wait and see attitude with Madden 12.

# 6 209vaughn @ Jun 11

I've been a die hard NCAA fan (real life and virtual)... This year, the winds are a changing to Madden. I'm already sucked in by the depth of franchise mode.

I like what FIFA is giving us this year, but id like to see FIFAs franchise mode be on the level of MLB The Show and NBA 2k11 before I give it title of Best Sports Game.

# 7 SHAKYR @ Jun 11

I was impressed, but I was upset not hearing anything about Fight Night and EA MMA having sequels. I saw a rumor on Twitter posted by a gaming magazine that the Fight Night series is being canceled by Peter Moore.

I was hoping E3 could have put that rumor to rest.

# 8 Eski33 @ Jun 11

I understand Madden is getting a ton of attention but calling NCAA "meh" is a little ridiculous. It is not as if the NCAA team didnt make any improvements. As a fact Madden is utilizing the engine that is used in NCAA so the game will not be ugly.

Not tommention more team-specific entrances which mean more to the traditions in the college game. The defense got attention as well as dynasty and RTG modes. Also the ability to customize conferences is huge.

I am sure the intent of the blog wasnt to slight NCAA but it is a game that will be much better than "meh.". In my opinion EA knows that at the end of the day which franchise pays the bills and to spotlight Madden at E3 was brilliant but "hiding" NCAA behind closed doors was done, again IMO, to kee

# 9 Eski33 @ Jun 11

Keep people from comparing the two games. Either way both games will be awesome.

# 10 LucianoJJ @ Jun 13

Yet another E3 where Madden is the best yet, and NCAA is overshadowed, always a year behind. FIFA 12 should reach its potential. I hope this revolutionary approach to gameplay & physics fixes the series, rather than breaks it.

# 11 mirrored32 @ Jun 13

I think NCAA is 'overshadowed' compared to Madden's feature set, but honestly it is only in respect to 'how much change' there is between last year and this year. I think NCAA and Madden will be the best they have ever been!