Latest Tony Hawk Title Announced
May 15, 2007
Activision officials have announced Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground, the latest game in the popular Tony Hawk skateboarding franchise, which will debut for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, and Nintendo DS later this year.
Few details have been announced, but an official statement notes that Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground will give players “the freedom to define their character, story and style based on the choices they make, the paths they choose and the style of skating they use on the proving grounds from Philadelphia and Baltimore to Washington, D.C.”
Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground is also expected to feature deeper character customization than that from previous Tony Hawk games, and it will include a new video editor, as well as a customizable lounge area for players to meet up online and organize games.
In addition, the game’s online component will be featured prominently. Activision notes that players will be able to segue from Proving Ground’s single player mode to the online mode “seamlessly.”
Proving Ground will also offer players the ability to utilize new gameplay mechanics such as skateable terrain altering and building, and bowl carving, as well as more “Nail the Trick” moves “such as Nail the Grab and Nail the Manual intensifying the thrill of pulling off big tricks.”
Neversoft president Joel Jewett claims that Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground is “largest, deepest and most compelling Tony Hawk game ever.” He added, “Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground drops players into the skateboarding world like never before…Proving Ground will throw you so deep into the lifestyle of skateboarding that you won’t be able to get out. Hands down, it’s the most exciting Tony Hawk title yet.”
‘EA Playground’ Exclusive to Wii, DS
May 2, 2007
Electronic Arts’ EA Playground, a sports game compendium with playground style games that’s already being compared to Nintendo pack-in title Wii Sports, will be for Wii and Nintendo DS users only.
In an interview with IGN, Electronic Arts revealed the tentatively-titled EA Playground. According to executive producer Dave McCarthy, the game “is all about capturing the sheer fun of being a kid.” EA Playground will employ only the Wii Remote for gameplay. “On Wii, there’s a mix of games that cover frantic actions mapped to gestures (e.g. throwing and dodging in Dodge Ball) and others that take advantage of navigating the entire world (e.g. RC Car Racing),” McCarthy said. Whether the Wii and DS versions of EA Playground will connect is unknown.
EA Playground, which has not yet officially announced by Electronic Arts, is being developed by EA Canada, which handled Madden NFL 2007 on Wii. Games already pictured for the Wii version include tetherball and racing remote control cars, although the preview also mentions a dodge ball simulation. The Nintendo DS version will include several unique games, such as bug hunt, which uses the touch screen, and spit balls, which uses the microphone.
All of the games feature a multiplayer mode, with simple cartoon style graphics somewhat reminiscent of Wii Sports. It is presumed the game will not use Mii avatars, with the initial screenshots picturing a different stylized look for characters. In the single-player campaign, players will choose a character and compete to become the best in the schoolyard. Players will also maintain a sticker book filled by playing various games, completing special dare challenges, and exploring areas of the playground world.
EA Playground is the latest in Wii exclusives from EA, joining SSX Blur, MySims and Boogie. EA’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and The Godfather: Blackhand Edition also make extensive use of the Wii’s unique interface.
Classics Star in All-Pro Football 2K8
April 30, 2007
When EA’s Madden series had been given exclusive rights to NFL franchises in a 5-year deal, it seemed as if rival publishers and developers - like Take-Two’s 2K Sports line- would not be able to create NFL-based video games. A recent announcement, however, shows that 2K Sports has managed to find a way around the licensing agreement by focusing on past players instead of present ones. Take Two’s All-Pro Football 2K8 is scheduled for a summer release on the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles and will feature nearly every single retired NFL great to ever wear a football uniform.
“With All-Pro Football 2K8, we’re bringing the greatest players in football history back to the game,” said Greg Thomas, President of 2K Sports’ Visual Concepts. “Imagine an offense featuring John Elway, Thurman Thomas and Jerry Rice going against a defense led by Ronnie Lott, Mike Singletary and Reggie White. By highlighting the signature abilities of the game’s greatest legends, we have created a highly customizable and unique football experience tailored for the football fan.”
The known list of players is in excess of 200 so far, but here’s a list of notables (by position):
Center
Dermontti Dawson
Jim Otto
Corner Back
Lester Hayes
NightTrain Lane
Willie Brown
Defensive End
Chris Doleman
Deacon Jones
Dexter Manley
Elvin Bethea
Gino Marchetti
Jim Marshall
Leonard Marshall
Reggie White
Rulon Jones
Tony Tolbert
TooTall Jones
Defensive Tackle
Art Donovan
Bob Lilly
Dan Hampton
Dan Saleaumua
Jerome Brown
Leon Lett
Marty Lyons
Mike Golic
Randy White
William Perry
Fullback
Daryl Johnston
Ickey Woods
Merril Hoge
Tom Rathman
Safety
Eugene Robinson
Leroy Butler
Ronnie Lott
Solomon Wilcots
Jack Tatum
Half Back
Barry Foster
Barry Sanders
Christian Okoye
Dave Meggett
Earl Campbell
Emmitt Smith
Freeman McNeil
Gale Sayers
Marcus Allen
O.J. Simpson
Ottis Anderson
Paul Hornung
Ricky Watters
Roger Craig
Thurman Thomas
Walter Payton
Linebacker
Chris Spielman
Chuck Noll
Dick Butkus
Gary Plummer
Harry Carson
Mike Singletary
Nick Buoniconti
Pepper Johnson
Brian Bosworth
Carl Banks
Derrick Thomas
Greg Lloyd
Jessie Tuggle
Ken Norton Jr
Quarterback
Archie Manning
Bart Starr
Bernie Kosar
Dan Marino
Joe Montana
Joe Theismann
John Elway
Johnny Unitas
Ken Stabler
Len Dawson
Lynn Dickey
Mark Rypien
Otto Graham
Roger Staubach
Troy Aikman
Warrren Moon
Offensive Tackle
Anthony Munoz
Korey Stringer
Richmond Webb
Roosevelt Brown
Tony Boselli
Tight End
Ben Coates
Jay Novacek
Keith Jackson
Mike Ditka
Todd Christensen
Receiver
Andre Reed
Anthony Carter
Don Maynard
Dwight Clark
Fred Biletnikoff
Irving Fryar
James Lofton
Jerry Rice
John Taylor
Rob Moore
Steve Tasker
Willie Gault
EA Beats Sega to the Punch with 1080p Title for Xbox 360
February 8, 2007
Following yesterday’s news that Sega’s March 20 release of Virtua Tennis 3 would be the first Xbox 360 game to feature native 1080p support, an EA representative revealed that its upcoming NBA Street Homecourt will also support the high-end 1080p resolution on Xbox 360. NBA Street Homecourt is scheduled to ship for the Xbox 360 February 20, and a PS3 version is expected to arrive at retail on March 6.
Microsoft first announced support for native 1080p games and movies in its October 2006 Xbox Live update, and it announced a number of titles competing to be the first to offer the highest-end HD resolution; it now appears that NBA Street Homecourt will beat Sega’s Virtua Tennis 3 to retail with the 1080p resolution included.
NBA Street Homecourt is the fourth game in EA’s basketball series and the first for a next-gen console, and it will support multiple resolutions, including 16:9 1080p at 30fps, according to further information from EA representatives. Other features confirmed for the upcoming 3-on-3 basketball title include a new animation engine and control system, as well as the ability to create a player and play online via Xbox Live. A demo for the game, which lets players compete as either Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony or Detroit Pistons shooting guard Richard Hamilton, is currently available for download over Xbox Live.
THQ Announces New UFC Game
January 16, 2007
Looking to diversify beyond its existing, troubled WWE deal, publisher THQ has announced an exclusive, worldwide agreement to publish video games based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand through 2011.
The games will feature many of the past and present UFC superstars and UFC champions, and rights also include all other UFC event content including the Octagon, the eight-sided cage in which UFC fights are held.
The deal includes games for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and handheld platforms, and certain wireless rights, as well as online, downloadable, and multi-player capabilities in connection with the various gaming systems.
THQ previously published “Pride FC” for PS2, a game that is widely regarded as the best MMA game to date. The first UFC game (for Sega Dreamcast) was well-received, but the last several UFC games from publishers such as Crave Entertainment, TDK Mediactive, and Global Star Software were almost universally panned by critics.
Video games based on MMA are inherently difficult to create due to the complexity of the sport and the fact that fights can end in any number of different ways – knock out, submission, referee’s stoppage -which makes it hard for developers to create an entertaining, but still true-to-life game play experience.
THQ’s relationship with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has become a matter of speculation after this announcement, with WWE recently suing THQ claiming “improper sales” of video game titles in Asia, a continuation in part of a long-running lawsuit also involving toy maker Jakks Pacific.
“Ultimate Fighting Championship and THQ represent the perfect marriage of rich content and proven development capabilities,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. “The UFC brand has seen tremendous growth in recent years with wild popularity among the core gaming demographic. This relationship serves as an extraordinary addition to THQ’s world-class license portfolio as we continue to expand our competitive sports offering.”
“Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam” Ready for Wii Launch
October 17, 2006
For Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam, Activision called upon developer Toys for Bob to work its magic for the Wii-exclusive installment of the popular Tony Hawk series. According to Toys for Bob producer Alex Ness, the developers have “kept the best parts of the Tony Hawk games, the core mechanics and the trick system, and given the audience a new way to play with them.”
The tracks include urban settings, outdoor environments, and “everything in between.” As you play through different events, you will unlock certain goodies, some of which are clothing and skateboards. The skateboards enhance player stats, and each board unlocked is better than the one previously used. The clothing? Just for looks.
The game features three types of main events: races, slalom, and tricks. The racing is pretty straightforward: make it down the course before the other guy. The slalom requires hitting the gates with precise skating, and the trick events are scored based on your downhill trickery prowess. There are also special task-specific events, such as tricks, knocking people down, and destroying things, all of which fill up the “boost meter,” which is similar to a power-up. Collecting the letters S,K,A,T, and E will double your total score.
”I think combat is another cool aspect of our game,” said Ness. To win races, skaters can knock other skaters off of their boards. For the game’s “ghost feature,” Toys for Bob has saved ghost runs down each of the events. “You can actually see our skater on their run while you play. People can compete directly against our ghosts and if they win, they unlock what we call the super jewel ghost. The super jewel ghost is basically the best anyone here can do. Beat the super jewel ghost and it means you’re better than we are. Suffice to say, this is ridiculously difficult. I’d be amazed if anyone can do it.”
Ness says that the Wii remote, unlike conventional wireless remote, enables players to steer, tilt, and turn to control the skater. Shaking the Wiimote activates a speed boost and allows the skater to get up after a spill. Front and back flips (in the air) are completed by tilting the remote forward or backward.
Downhill Jam also has a split-screen mode for 2-4 players. Ness believes the development team is on its final version of the game and says the game will be ready for the Wii launch.
Oct. 27 Kickoff for Pro Evolution Soccer 6
September 29, 2006
Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 6 for Xbox 360, PS2, and PC will hit stores on October 27, with the PSP and DS versions to come “shortly after,” says Konami. The latest version of the much-loved soccer title is still boasts its realistic gameplay and has undergone significant enhancements. Series creator Shingo “Seabass” Takatsuka has successfully refined the game’s shooting system, and the AI has been upgraded; players wihtout possession of the ball now run into and point to a position where they could receive a pass and continue the attack. In addition, players must now work to turn defenders upon receiving the ball, and the defender, in response, must back off a bit to prevent being turned.
Other new features include the following:
- international rosters now feature official kits for the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Italy
- more balanced, animated referees
- International Challenge: lead your home country through entry and tournament rounds
- Random mode: players engage in quick games with randomly generated match day settings
- full 11 vs. 11 play means 22 individually controlled players
- improvements to Master League mode
- far more realistic ball physics than ever before
- more physical play between players
- increased player animations: players pound grass after a missed shot, defenders appeal for offside calls, incredibly accurate player-specific dribbling styles
A International Feel for NBA Live 07
September 8, 2006
Scheduled for release on September 25 under the EA Sports brand, NBA Live 07 will play as good as it looks by introducing the next generation of b-ball gameplay with EA Sports Total Freestyle Control, a new feature that delivers never-before-seen realism and authenticity. With its improved AI system, All-Star Weekend and Dynasty Mode upgrades and the inception of ESPN Motion and streaming ESPN radio podcasts all help NBA Live 07 is sure to once again please fans around the world.
The NBA Live 07 “starting five” will feature the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki on packaging in his native Germany, the Memphis Grizziles’ Pao Gasol (pictured at left) in Spain and the San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker and Phoenix Suns’ Boris Diaw sharing French covers. The very overrated Tracy McGrady (pictured below) of the Houston Rockets will grace the cover of NBA Live 07 in North America and all other countries.
EA Sports will celebrate other international NBA superstars by providing players the opportunity to play as the European All-Stars in NBA Live 07. The team will wear special jerseys and be comprised of Nowitzki, Parker, Gasol, Diaw, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Peja Stojakovic, Andrei Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, Hedo Turkoglu, Vladimir Radmanovic, Andrea Bargnani, Mickael Pietrus, Sasha Vujacic, Beno Udrih and Nenad Krstic.
“With the global appeal of NBA Live it is important to us to assemble an All-Star team of international players who reflect our worldwide basketball franchise leadership. These players are superstars on their NBA teams and some of the best players in the world. We believe they truly represent the authenticity and entertainment that NBA Live 07 delivers,” said Keith Munro, EA’s marketing vice president.
Next month, EA Sports will also be a part of “NBA Europe Live presented by EA Sports” that will feature the Spurs, Suns, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers conducting training camps and competing against top European basketball clubs in seven European cities in five countries. EA Sports will partner with the NBA and Euroleague Basketball to conduct a series of promotional activities leading up to the start of the event, including crowning one fan champion in the EA Sports NBA Live Challenge, an interactive gaming tournament.
Here’s a look at some of the upcoming highlights of NBA Live 07:
EA Sports Total Freestyle Control: Take cototal control of EA Sports Freestyle Superstars to perform their real-life moves. You can also elevate your game to the next level by changing skill attributes as you go.
Hundreds of Moves: Freestyle Superstars now feature different levels of ability to replicate NBA players, but you’ll need to get the ball in the hands of the greates NBA players when the game is on the line.
Dynasty Mode: You’re the GM. Scouting players, proposing trades and investigating rumors to keep your team on track (from the NBA Draft to the NBA Finals) is your responsibility. With a PlayStation 2 link you manage your team on the go, anytime.
Superstar Challenge: Elevate your game to superstar status by replicating one of 24 great performances by the game’s biggest stars.
Exclusive Mini-games: Perfect your ball-handling by mastering the right combination of buttons or challenge an opponent in a shooting contest.
Media Center: ESPN integration package delivers updates, scores, breaking news, and video. Insert a Memory Stick to play your own music and customize your own soundtrack.
All-Star Weekend Festivities: NBA broadcasters Greg Anthony and Ernie Johnson call the action as you showcase your skills in the Slam Dunk Contest and 3-Point Shootout. The weekend also features the Rookie Challenge and All-Star Game itself.
Marv!: Former Bull/Spur Steve Kerr joins Marvelous Marv Albert courtside in calling all the action and giving you expert insight on all the superstars.
Madden NFL ‘07 Highlights
August 22, 2006
- Lead Blocker Control: This is cool. Choose a blocker before the snap, direct him to where you want him to open a hole for the ball carrier, and then take control of the running back. If the block fails, it’s your fault now.
- Highlight Stick: Have your running back make big moves for big yardage. Make him smash through defenders, juke left or right, cut back, or a combination of all of these.
- Even More RB Control!: If you keep hitting X when playing as one of the NFL’s elite backs, you’ll break tackles.
- Change View: You can now choose other players’ points of view; for example, choose a receiver’s view and look downfield to the QB passing to you.
- Hall of Fame Mode: Create a player from scratch and build up his stats for Hall of fame induction.
- New Kicking Game: Much better! Pull the right analog stick toward you and then upward to control distance and accuracy.
- PS2 & PSP Synchronization: No more clumsy exporting for upcoming games. Now you can synchronize your team’s season on PS2 with PSP (and vice versa).
- Better Music: There’s a more diverse soundtrack for PS2 & PSP.
- Online Capabilities: For PS2 & PSP, you can take on live opponents.
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