On Monday EA Sports began teasing a “gameplay revolution” for NHL 13 that will ultimately be revealed at the end of the week. Its impact was compared to the ‘Skill Stick’ that debuted in NHL 07 and now a second teaser trailer brings up the ‘Real Time Physics’ that were introduced in NHL 11. Based on past developer statements and the focus on skates in both videos the evidence seems to point towards a brand new skating engine. Continue on to check out the latest trailer and leave any thoughts on what it could be in the comments! 

In the poll that went up last week the question was posed as to what effect the recent news focusing on gameplay and presentation had on perceptions of Madden NFL 13. After collecting over 5K votes the message is overwhelming – EA Sports hit on what fans were looking for and some legitimate excitement has been generated. 

•54% Encouraged and more likely to buy
•26% No change and still likely to buy
•15% No change and still unlikely to buy
•5% Discouraged and less likely to buy

The big takeaway here is that the number of those encouraged by the latest information and media is so significant – more than doubling that of which plan to buy the game but weren’t really swayed – while the discouraged number is completely negligible. Take into account that EA still has the “monumental change to gameplay” and other features to fully reveal and they have to be pleased with their current position and the response at this stage from consumers.

One of the strongest browser-based sports games to emerge over the years has been QuickHit Football which is a past Pastapadre community award winner in that category. The game began hosted solely on its own website in 2009 and has since expanded to be playable on Facebook as well. QuickHit featured generic players and teams but with five current NFL players signed on along with a number of legendary NFL players and coaches. 

In June 2010 the company announced they had reached a deal with the NFL to incorporate the league licensing within the game. September of that year the NFL integration launched featuring the official league branding, stadiums, team logos and colors.

QuickHit however will now be losing that NFL licensing as of June 1 and are removing all traces tomorrow. Prior player and coach agreements are not affected.

The exclusive NFL license is currently with EA Sports running through 2013 (Madden 14). That agreement however has never extended to mobile platforms or browser-based games which has allowed other companies to produce licensed products there. During E3 last year Majesco announced they had purchased QuickHit and that they were also planning an arcade-style NBA franchise which apparently is the absurd upcoming Kinect game NBA Baller Beats.

Last night brought the first opportunity to hear the new commentary team call the action in Madden NFL 13 however there is much more in the way of audio improvements being introduced within the game than just that. EA Sports has released a producer blog detailing the upgrades and a series of related videos.

While a great deal of the focus remains on Jim Nantz and Phil Simms taking over the announce duties and the process behind that there are improvements to crowd noise, new authentic QB cadences, and on-field sounds courtesy of a partnership with NFL Films. One other significant change comes with the music as there be no traditional soundtrack featuring artists but instead it will be made up of original themes created in-house.

Check out six new screenshots showing examples of the authentic broadcast booth placement in various stadiums in the gallery, FB album, or G+ album. Continue on for the latest preview led by Mark Schlereth, a trailer focused on the new commentary team, and the full lengthy recorded webcast with Madden 13 developers covering the topic. 

One week ago the first screenshots and details on FIFA 13 slipped out and today EA Sports has expanded upon the features and provided additional images. While there are many more unannounced additions and enhancements still to come this early flow of information focuses on the improved attacking AI, “1st Touch Control” for receiving the ball, tactical free kicks, and refinement to the “Player Impact Engine” that was so wonky at times in FIFA 12.

Check out six additional screens in the gallery, FB album, or G+ album. Continue on for the full feature descriptions and leave any thoughts in the comments! 

Five game-changing innovations revolutionize artificial intelligence, dribbling, ball control and physical play in the No. 1 selling and No. 1 rated sports game in the world. These innovations create a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, deliver freedom and creativity in attack, and capture all the drama and unpredictability of the real-world game.

All-new Attacking Intelligence infuses players with the most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved. Players have the ability to analyze space, work harder and smarter to break down the defense, and think two plays ahead. Now every touch matters with the most comprehensive and intuitive dribbling system ever developed for the franchise.

Inspired by the world’s best player, Lionel Messi, Complete Dribbling enables players to face their opponent and use precise dribble touches combined with true 360° mobility with the ball, so it’s easier to be more creative and dangerous in 1v1 opportunities. FIFA Soccer 13 1st Touch Control transforms the way players control the ball, eliminating near-perfect touch for every player on the pitch, and creating more opportunities for defenders to win back possession.

The second generation of the Player Impact Engine expands physical play from just collisions to off-the-ball battles between players. Defenders can push and pull for position, and utilize their size and strength to force opponents into poor touches and decisions before the ball arrives. FIFA Soccer 13 Tactical Free Kicks provides the tools to create dangerous and unpredictable free kicks. Position up to three players over the ball and utilize dummy runs and more passing options to outwit your opponent.

FIFA Soccer 13 delivers the largest and deepest set of game-changing features in the history of the franchise. Additional features and new modes will be revealed in the months ahead.

Attacking Intelligence
All-new positioning intelligence infuses attacking players with the ability to analyze plays, and to better position themselves to create new attacking opportunities. Players will work harder and smarter to break down defenses, make runs that pull defenders out of position, and open passing channels for teammates. Plus, players possess an off-the-ball vision and the ability to think two plays ahead to create, curve, or alter runs to capitalize on openings as they occur.

Complete Dribbling
Make every touch matter with complete control of the ball. Take on defenders with the freedom to be more creative in attack. Players are more explosive accelerating with the ball, and utilize precise dribble touches with true 360° mobility with the ball while facing a defender. Face an opponent to threaten attack while moving with the ball in any direction to dodge tackles, or turn and shield the ball, maintaining position, and holding off defenders for longer stretches.

FIFA 13 1st Touch Control
A new system eliminates near-perfect control for every player by creating uncertainty when receiving difficult balls. Poor passes are harder to control, enabling defenders to capitalize on errant balls and poor touches. Multiple factors such as defensive pressure, trajectory of the ball, and velocity of the pass all factor into a player’s success. Players with better control and skill stand out. Fewer perfect touches, the potential to over hit passes, more opportunity for loose balls, and greater balance between defending and attacking.

Player Impact Engine
The second generation of the award-winning physics engine expands physical play from just collisions to off-the-ball battles, giving defenders more tools to win back possession. Defenders can use their body to win possession, push and pull for position, and utilize their size and strength to force opponents into poor touches and decisions before the ball arrives.

FIFA 13 Tactical Free Kicks
Create dangerous and unpredictable free kicks. Position up to three attacking players over the ball and confuse opponents with dummy runs, more passing options, and more elaborate free kicks. Opponents can counter by adding or subtracting players to the wall, creeping the wall forward, or sending a bullet man to intercept the pass or block the shot.

New Passes
Two new passing options give players the ability to finesse passes over the outstretched leg of a defender or play lower trajectory lofted through balls into space or to teammates.

FIFA 13 Fundamentals
Essential elements have been refined to make the experience more authentic. Referees will now make better decisions awarding fouls and cards, goalkeeper intelligence has been improved, and Tactical Defending has added lateral mobility for players in defensive containment. Plus, new animations have been developed for off-balance shots, 180° shots, and celebrations.

Complete Authenticity
Over 500 officially licensed clubs and more than 15,000 players.

EA Sports has released a video featuring some intro and gameplay footage of Madden NFL 13 with commentary from the new team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms. This represents the first opportunity to hear the duo calling the game action in Madden.

First impression isn’t all that encouraging with many flat and uninspired moments and generic calls – despite that of course it’s still an improvement over the terrible commentary found in Madden 12. Crowd noise doesn’t come through all that well in the video either which is a concern. Note that the footage includes the old score bug as the new one shown earlier today had not been implemented at the time it was captured.

Continue on to check it out then make sure to leave any thoughts in the comments!

When the first visuals from Madden NFL 13 arrived feedback on the new score bug started rolling in and for all the wrong reasons. I was immediately struck by how cheesy it looked and many similar feelings were expressed in responses and within the community. EA Sports today sent out a look at the score bug as it stands now which has been completely revamped marking drastic improvement. The above image shows the previous version and below the new one.

The redesigned score bug is much more modern and sleek bringing it more in line with what is seen now on television broadcasts. Given that it’s something that is looked at constantly it’s important that it be aesthetically pleasing and have that network feel about it.

EA Sports has begun to hype what they are framing as a “gameplay revolution” for NHL 13 that will have an impact the likes of the “Skill Stick” which was introduced in NHL 07. That was really the turning point in the battle against their 2K Sports rival which at the time was the more popular product – and now that series no longer exists. That comparison then will certainly lead to lofty expectations from fans for the coming announcement.

The big new feature for NHL 13 is going to be revealed completely on Friday but until then EA has released a brief teaser trailer with another to come on Wednesday. 

The ramp up of marketing towards NCAA Football 13 has produced some encouraging developments as seen following the presentation and gameplay news created some positive traction with fans that had been sorely absent since last year’s troubled release. The Dynasty news from last week delivered a number of improvements that were received well but also seemed to overlook others that were actively hoped for by many.

Dynasty will feature studio updates from Rece Davis, an ESPN ticker, dynamic conference prestige, greater depth with additional options in recruiting and scouting, and triple-threat athletes amongst other enhancements. Vote in the poll below and leave your thoughts in the comments on how the Dynasty news has affected your perception of NCAA Football 13!

The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.

•Don’t miss out on the NCAA Football 13 deal for $45.
•Not much in the way of current deals but MLB 2K12/NBA 2K12 Combo is down to $62.
•Kotaku digs deeper on NCAA Football 13′s recruiting improvements.
•Check out the official cover art for Madden NFL 13.
•FIFA 12 pulled in a stunning $108 million in DLC and microtransactions.
•Here’s an interesting discussion of the five biggest troubles facing sports gaming.
•Check out pictures of the new throwback uniforms for the Redskins.

Side-blogs on Google Plus tackling industry topics – add to a circle and +1 while there! Also results of any ‘quick polls’ held on Twitter and Facebook.

•On in-game saves being overlooked again for NCAA Football.
•On how the deal for NCAA reveals a potential price point for the future.

•How does the $45 NCAA Football 13 deal affect you?
Would have bought at $60 (48%) – Buying mainly cause of deal (34%) – Still not buying (18%)

News and content that may have been missed from the last week around the site.

•DVD/Blu-ray for This Week. Headlined by Chronicle and The Grey.
•Anchorman 2 Teaser Trailer. Playing in front of The Dictator.
•Trailer for The Campaign. Comedy with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.
•Trailer for Gangster Squad. Crime drama with strong ensemble cast.
•Trailer for Argo. Ben Affleck’s 70′s political drama.
•Trailer for Killer Joe. Thriller that got the rare NC-17 rating.
•Review: The Avengers. A fun movie that avoided many potential pitfalls.
•The Avengers Breaking Box Office Records. Already $1 billion worldwide.