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What The Cuts Could Mean for EA Sports
The recent job cuts at EA are unlikely to have much if any effect on the majority of the yearly sports titles but one aspect of the company’s new strategy could very well change the landscape of sports gaming. EA is cutting the bottom third of their software lineup based on potential profitability. While that mostly applies other divisions of EA there are some games under the EA Sports label which could be reevaluated based on current sales and future prospects.
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Madden Arcade Rosters
As mentioned a while back when the rosters for Madden Arcade were being put together they are limited and consist of just 10 players. Each team has a QB, HB, WR, TE or 2nd WR, and OL on offense and the defense gets one DL, LB, S, and two CBs.
The rosters released by EA also include lists of “Entourages” which are additional offensive and defensive lineman. It is currently unknown what these represent. It could be they are used in a separate game mode or maybe they are involved as one of the power-ups. We should be finding out what they are for next week.
Unfortunately some of the rosters are already outdated and there will be no rosters updates for the game. Continue on for the full list of players included in Madden Arcade.
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NBA 2K10 Triumphs With October Sales
The official sales numbers for October were released by NPD earlier today offering the first chance to gauge the success of the NBA games that were released early in the month. As fully expected NBA 2K10 dominated though with a larger year over year increase than would have been anticipated.
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Madden Arcade Gets Release Date
The downloadable only title Madden Arcade now has an official release date. It will be out on Tuesday November 24th on PSN and Wednesday November 25th on XBLA. It had been originally planned to make its way out in December. Madden Arcade will go for 1200 MS points for the 360 and the equivalent $15 for the PS3.
EA Sports has shifted their arcade titles to this method of downloadable only delivery, providing compact offerings at much more reasonable prices than would’ve been found at retail. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade was the first attempt at it and by all accounts it was a nice success. Continue on for the official trailer.
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Screenshots Of The New Secondary Jerseys
On Tuesday the first codes came out to add some of the new alternate road jerseys appearing this NBA season to NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10. You can find all that information here. This first set included jerseys for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. Here are screens from the two games showing them off in action.
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Dynamic Updates for NCAA Basketball 10
As noted when the official fact sheet from EA Sports for NCAA Basketball 10 was released it lacked mention of the “Dynamic Updates” that had been included on the features list. With less than a week until release they have finally come out and discussed this feature. You can check out the full blog here.
With these updates you will also get the latest top 25 and RPI for all teams featured in the game. These updates are showcased in-game on all relevant broadcast overlays as well as in the Dynamic Updates menu. There will be speech that supports win/loss streaks as well as the Top 25 itself.
It”ll be a while before it can be determined how much impact dynamic updates has on NCAA Basketball 10 but from its description it doesn’t sound like much and the blog is very thin on details. It could end up improving online play along with the Play Now games by better representing the teams throughout the year. What isn’t clear is how these updates will affect individual players. If it is going to update team ratings the only way to actually do that is by changing the players. The past two years have brought roster updates at tournament time but hopefully dynamic updates are about finding a way around not being able to do them regularly. If it does accomplish that it would be a great addition and it would explain why they have been hesitant to really discuss the feature.
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NBA Unrivaled Impressions
It would be one thing if NBA Unrivaled was 400 MS points/$5 but it isn’t. The downloadable only game for XBLA and PSN is asking for 1200 MS points/$15. It appears that the sole reason for the is the use of the NBA license because there is nothing else about the game that could justify such a price. Luckily as with every downloadable game a free trial is offered. The trial includes the Lakers vs Magic with two minute quarters.
Yes, NBA Unrivaled does include the NBA license meaning it includes the real teams and players. That is of very little consequence though because it is quite possibly the worst game I’ve played this generation. Tecmo was going for a retro arcade feel which is fine and for people who grew up on games like Tecmo NBA Basketball and NBA Jam there is still some appeal to that. Unfortunately while those games were fun this one is not at all.
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NBA Unrivaled Now Available
The XBLA and PSN downloadable only game NBA Unrivaled is now available for for the 360 and should be out for the PS3 tomorrow. Tecmo is going for the feel of a throwback arcade game in the mold of Tecmo NBA Basketball or NBA Jam with this offering. The game features the full NBA license including the teams, rosters, and statistics. NBA Unrivaled costs 1200 MS points or the equivalent $15 on PSN and comes in at a compact 177.25 MB.
As with all downloadable titles there is a free trial that can be played and it is (highly in this situation) recommended to do so before purchasing. Continue on for the official trailer. I will have a gameplay video and some quick impressions up later today.
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NBA Live 10 and 2K10 Jersey Codes
Today brought about the arrival of some new jerseys for this season in NBA Live 10 and NBA 2K10. Entering the codes below will unlock them. The NBA has a scheduled roll-out plan for new jerseys. This set came out today and the next one will come on December 1st.
NBA Live 10
ndnba1rooaesdc0 – Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Hawks secondary road jerseys
To enter the code: Main Menu – My NBA Live 10 – EA Sports Extras – NBA CodesNBA 2K10
eydonscar – Mavericks, Rockets, Grizzlies, Hawks secondary road jerseys
ycprtii – Blazers “Rip City” jersey
To enter the code: Main Menu – Options – Codes -
Week Nine Ratings Change Suggestions
Despite EA taking three weeks off from Madden 10 roster updates I wanted to keep this going since it makes it easier to track performances as the weeks go on. Now halfway through the season there are only two undefeated teams though the Colts appear vulnerable due to defensive injuries. On the other end of the spectrum is the Giants who have now lost four straight games and should see that reflected in the ratings when the time comes.
Cedric Benson has now rushed for over 100 yards against the Ravens in both games this year. He is the only RB to rush for 100+ on Baltimore in the last 43 games. He has to be considered one of the best RBs in the league now and deserves a rating in the 90s. Matt Forte is rated an 88, just one point less than Benson, and he has only gone over 100 yards once this year. Clinton Portis is rated a 92 and has only crossed the century mark once as well. Chris Johnson has been unbelievable with 491 yards in just his last three games. He now has the rushing lead ahead of Benson. He should be moving up from his 90 rating.
David Hawthorne has played great in place of Lofa Tatupu and he legitimately could be the best player on the Seahawks defense. In the three games Hawthorne has two sacks, recorded 33 tackles, and has picked off three passes but is only rated a 71. Vince Young hasn’t been great statistically but he has done well enough to help the Titans win their first two games of the season. He’s sure to receive at least a small bump from his 71. Meanwhile Matt Leinart can’t even be trusted in mop-up-duty time and is a 73.
Injury wise from this weekend the next update will include Chris Henry, Thomas Davis, Marlin Jackson, and Bob Sanders hitting the IR. Chris Chambers was released and is now with the Chiefs and Edgerrin James has been released. Larry Johnson has been sent off as well and may be with a new team by the time the next update arrives.
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