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After Months of Rumors Otherwise Next Xbox Not Expected to Require Online Connection
The most discussed topic relating to the next-generation the last few months has been whether Microsoft would debut a new Xbox that required an online connection at all times to function. Initial concerns over used games being blocked completely have subsided but an always-online console became impossible to spin as a positive as rumors surfaced and consumers displayed utter contempt for the idea. Read more
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Connected Franchise News for Madden NFL 25 Delayed Two Weeks
The first news on Connected Franchise – previously known as Connected Careers – in Madden NFL 25 had been scheduled to release today. Focus was to be on the Coach and Player paths with the Owner mode aspect getting the spotlight on May 20. Now everything related to Connected Franchise will come on that day. Word comes from Shopmaster of MyMaddenPad who had content ready to go today upon lifting of an embargo that has now moved. Read more
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First NHL 14 Pre-Order Bonuses Emerge
Two retailers have posted up the pre-order bonuses for NHL 14. Gamestop and Amazon are the first to make theirs known with others soon to follow.
It appears that every retailer will include an incentive tied to Ultimate Team mode which provides 24 gold packs over a 24 week period. Any consumers that get pulled into playing HUT that wouldn’t have otherwise, or those who will play for longer due to the packs they’ll be getting over several months, represent a net gain for EA and their money-making mode.
In addition to the Ultimate Team packs the retailers are receiving their own somewhat meager exclusive bonuses. Gamestop is offering up a Fathead while Amazon provides boosted equipment for use in Be a Pro and EASHL.
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The Line Drive for May 5
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
•Tiger Woods 14 is back to $40 for standard edition and under $60 for Historic Edition.
•Looks like Ultimate Team will be included as a mode in NBA Live 14.
•EA Sports blog details some of the new runner moves in Madden NFL 25.
•EA Sports blog goes into the thinking behind “Run Free” in Madden NFL 25.
•EA Sports blog on “Sights and Sounds” enhancements for NCAA Football 14.
•EA Sports blog with more on the collision physics in NHL 14.
•Post on Neogaf pointing out some repeated marketing speak for NHL over the years.
•An update released for iOOTP 2013 which includes the latest rosters.
•A new tactical soccer puzzle game has released for iOS devices.
•Despite a petition push it’s now confirmed there will be no women in FIFA 14.
•The patch for Tiger Woods 14 (details here) is now out on both PS3 and 360.
•Some thoughts on frustration with the unreliable Tiger Woods Country Club website.News and content that may have been missed from the last week around the site.
•DVD/Blu-ray Releases This Week. Headlined by Jack Reacher and several TV shows.
•New Characters for The Avengers 2. Will include Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.
•The Wolverine CinemaCon Trailer. The latest look at the July 26 release.
•Pacific Rim WonderCon Trailer. The latest look at the July 12 release.
•Netflix Announces Next Original Series. Comes from the creator of Weeds. -
Early May Update on Developments in the Player Likeness Lawsuit
It’s been a month now since last detailing the happenings related to the huge lawsuit that could shape the future of the NCAA and have lasting ramifications on sports video games. The hearing to determine whether the case will be considered class action could now be delayed by up to a month. It had been scheduled to take place on June 20. Read more
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More on Improvements to Teammate Intelligence in FIFA 14
In mid-April EA Sports announced the first features for FIFA 14 which primarily related to enhancements to gameplay along with some mentions of work done to Career mode.
Teammate intelligence was touched upon briefly with decision-making logic said to deliver “tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking where defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession, while attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents by creating space for themselves.”
In a new blog released today the company has gone a bit further into the benefits of the advanced teammate AI and how it will open up the pitch for more creative offensive attacks while balancing things out with smarter defensive play.
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Press Row Podcast: Episode 21
The latest edition of the Press Row Podcast features a full panel to discuss the big topics of the moment including the apparent cancellation of next year’s Tiger Woods entry as focus shifts to a next-gen version, the rumblings around possible EA exclusivity to Microsoft, and thoughts and concerns on the first news relating to Madden NFL 25.
Check it out through iTunes or with the embedded player at Operation Sports. Feel free to leave any feedback and suggestions on topics for future podcasts as well as the eighth show of the Press Row Hangout airing live next week!
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Another Video Showing Off Variety of Runner Moves in Madden NFL 25
Trailing behind the initial teaser trailer and first gameplay related feature announcements EA Sports has released another look at Madden NFL 25′s “Run Free” in action. The “Precision Modifier” will give ball-carriers the ability to make up to 30 different moves and string them together to create what EA describes as “devastating combos”.
The new video is unlikely to quell any of the concerns from those disturbed by the influence this combo implementation could have on the game. That the company is making a concerted effort to compare the abilities to Street Fighter is a topic discussed at length on the most recent Press Row Hangout and tomorrow’s Press Row Podcast. The examples seen here may represent some exciting moments but certainly don’t look natural or realistic. As always leave your thoughts and observations in the comments! Read more
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NHL 14 Trailer Highlights Collision Physics
EA Sports has released a new trailer for NHL 14 that puts the improved collision physics on full display. Bigger hits and more true-to-life collisions have been made possible by tapping into the same technology that powers the Player Impact Engine in the FIFA series and utilizing a new left stick control scheme.
Also to look forward to coming up for NHL 14 is news on One-Touch Dekes and True Performance Skating in mid-May and the Enforcer Engine in early June. Continue on to check out the trailer and leave any thoughts in the comments! Read more
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Wii U Officially Going Without Madden
When Madden NFL 25 was announced the Wii U was left out of the promotion. That followed the admission that Tiger Woods 14 wouldn’t be coming to the recently released console and even still EA has no games officially announced headed to the system in the future.
On the heels of growing speculation that EA might go exclusive to Microsoft in some form or fashion the company has finally confirmed that Madden NFL 25 will not appear on the Wii U. Nintendo World Report was able to wrangle up a statement after months of “no comment” responses to questioning on the subject. Read more
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