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You can choose the Madden 11 cover athlete
Another year, another Madden cover announcement. But wait, this year has a twist! EA and Doritos have teamed up with a unique promotion, allowing fans to vote on who they want to grace the cover of this year's annual gridiron update. The three candidates for this year's cover include Vikings' defensive end Jared Allen, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
It may be tempting to choose your favorite athlete out of the bunch, but we urge you to play it smart. Instead, think about this as a strategic opportunity to inflict the Madden Curse on your most hated team! Best of all, you can vote every day to inflict as much negative karma as possible.
In addition to being able to decide who lands the cover of Madden 11, the Doritos-sponsored promotion also offers entry into a contest. Most notably, the weekly grand prize is a trip for two to see the NFL Draft in New York City this April. Considering you don't have to buy a single bag of Doritos to participate, this promo seems like a must for any NFL fan.
It may be tempting to choose your favorite athlete out of the bunch, but we urge you to play it smart. Instead, think about this as a strategic opportunity to inflict the Madden Curse on your most hated team! Best of all, you can vote every day to inflict as much negative karma as possible.
In addition to being able to decide who lands the cover of Madden 11, the Doritos-sponsored promotion also offers entry into a contest. Most notably, the weekly grand prize is a trip for two to see the NFL Draft in New York City this April. Considering you don't have to buy a single bag of Doritos to participate, this promo seems like a must for any NFL fan.
'PA Commentator' software beefs up commentary in sports games
Commentary in sports video games has come a long way. It's a little known but relatively true fact that for the first few years, the only commentary in any game was John Madden saying "Boom! He's on his back!" (This was especially confusing in luge-centric titles.)
Phonetic Arts is promising to push the limit even further with its newly-announced PA Commentator, which it claims will greatly improve the fluidity and diversity in sports game commentary by combining existing words to form new lines that pertain to the onscreen play. The tech's officially being launched at Microsoft's GameFest Feb. 10 and 11, so hopefully we'll get to hear it in action soon.
Phonetic Arts is promising to push the limit even further with its newly-announced PA Commentator, which it claims will greatly improve the fluidity and diversity in sports game commentary by combining existing words to form new lines that pertain to the onscreen play. The tech's officially being launched at Microsoft's GameFest Feb. 10 and 11, so hopefully we'll get to hear it in action soon.
Madden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV
If the "Madden Curse" is the unflapping revenge exacted by the fowl spirit of the Great Turducken, its devoured body unceremoniously carved up by the bare hands of John Madden on national television those many years ago (seriously, go wikipedia that joint), then the annual "Madden NFL Super Bowl Simulation" is just ... plain math.
In the latest case of crunching the numbers, Madden 10 has predicted the New Orleans Saints to be winners of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a real nail biter, EA recalls: "with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score." The final: 35-31.
But more intriguing than the projected outcome of a mere sporting event is EA Sports' coveted simulation formula, which has become scary good. Not only did it correctly predict the winners of the conference championship games a few Sundays ago within a three-point margin of error, according to EA Sports, the formula accurately played out last year's Super Bowl down to the final score and individual player stats, which begs the question: What can't it predict?
We'd like to put a request in to EA to simulate next week's retail showdown: BioShock 2 vs. Dante's Inferno. Place your bets now!
In the latest case of crunching the numbers, Madden 10 has predicted the New Orleans Saints to be winners of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a real nail biter, EA recalls: "with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score." The final: 35-31.
But more intriguing than the projected outcome of a mere sporting event is EA Sports' coveted simulation formula, which has become scary good. Not only did it correctly predict the winners of the conference championship games a few Sundays ago within a three-point margin of error, according to EA Sports, the formula accurately played out last year's Super Bowl down to the final score and individual player stats, which begs the question: What can't it predict?
We'd like to put a request in to EA to simulate next week's retail showdown: BioShock 2 vs. Dante's Inferno. Place your bets now!
EA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011
During EA's half-hour investor callstravaganza yesterday, CEO John Riccitiello unleashed a flurry of game titles set to be released in the company's "FIscal 2011." For EA, that falls anywhere between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011 -- a window that now holds the release of "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis at full margins, a new MMA game, and many others."
Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful!
[Via Eurogamer]
Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful!
[Via Eurogamer]
Madden Ultimate Team now available on Xbox 360 and PS3
Upon initial start-up, you'll receive a starter pack with one coach, some players, an offensive and defensive playbook and home and away jerseys. You can then match your constructed team up against the CPU or take on a human opponent via online, where your performance will net you coins to purchase more cards.
You can check out a tutorial of the new mode above, but also feel free to get a closer glimpse at the cards and interface via the images in our gallery below. Or, you know, just boot up your copy of Madden NFL 10.
Gallery: Madden Ultimate Team mode
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Madden NFL Arcade
($15) price tag, of course. Watch the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see what the game is all about.Download the trial version of Madden NFL Arcade
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This Wednesday: XBLA takes Madden NFL Arcade to the end zone
Just in case you've taken a few exceptionally hard tackles in the past couple of weeks, we thought we'd remind you that this week's XBLA release is Madden NFL Arcade, a five-on-five, backyard-rules take on EA Sports' darling. You'll be able to pick the game up just in time for your Thanksgiving celebrations for 1200
($15).
Editor's Note: Thank you to reader TuchdwnMan449 for reminding us that it's called the "end zone" and not "the scoring rectangle thing" as our headline originally read. We pledge to improve our understanding of sports before writing future football posts.
($15). Editor's Note: Thank you to reader TuchdwnMan449 for reminding us that it's called the "end zone" and not "the scoring rectangle thing" as our headline originally read. We pledge to improve our understanding of sports before writing future football posts.
Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade
Madden NFL Arcade rushes towards early Thanksgiving release
, respectively.Unlike its retail counterpart, NFL Arcade doesn't attempt to recreate the sport with any level of "realism." The field is much smaller and players will have to get touchdowns within four tries (no way to get a first down). The various power-ups, coupled with the smaller field, will make for much faster games and much higher scores. Its also likely to become one of the best-selling downloadable games ever, and from what we hear, EA really could use the cash.
Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade
Card-based Madden Ultimate Team mode coming in January

Click to open the foil wrapper on a giant version.
Well, this is a rarity: A sports game mode that's too nerdy even for us. When "Madden Ultimate Team" mode comes to Madden 10 on 360 and PS3 for free in January, you'll collect packs of cards (or buy them via the in-game store) and use those cards to compose a fantasy team, customizing everything from your head coach and stadium to your plays and players. You can then pit your ultimate team against those of other players or the CPU. Think fantasy football mixed with ... well, let's be honest, Pokemon.
Wow guys, really? Collectible card game battling? We thought Madden players were supposed to be the cool ones, but you're getting into some really noogie-prone territory here.
Gallery: Madden Ultimate Team mode
Madden NFL Arcade Achievements are funny, disturbing
Everyone loves Achievements. That's a fact. As such, we really appreciate it when developers put some thought into their Achievements. While the 'cheevos for Madden NFL Arcade -- as unearthed by MGC -- are fairly standard in their execution, the names are all pretty amusing. We're particularly fond of "Like a Boss," likely named for the (incredibly NSFW) song of the same name. One that we're not so fond of is "2 Points 1 Win," making Madden NFL Arcade the second game to riff on an abhorrent internet meme that we refuse to explain (don't investigate if you value your sanity). Hit the source link for the full Achievement list.
Jay-Z is a gamer; likes Madden and, uh, you know, stuff like Madden
When celebrities get on board for a game, the inevitable pitfall is the dreaded interview where said celebrity awkwardly tries relating to the "gamer" crowd (trust us, we know all about it.) With DJ Hero dropping this week, celebrity sponsor Jay-Z sat down with MTV News to talk about how much of a gamer he is (hint: not so much) and his support for the cultural awareness opportunities inherent in the recently released turntable title.
"Immediately, of course, with the success of Guitar Hero, you know, [DJ Hero] piqued my interest, and then on top of that it was something from the hip-hop culture. So, anytime you can, you know, I can expand the genre and introduce it to new audiences and widen it -- you know, the reach of what hip-hop can do -- you know, I'm interested in that," Jay-Z explains in the video interview (embedded after the break).
As far as Jay-Z's gaming roots, that's another story altogether. "I was really a gamer," Jay-Z urges. "Like, ask any of the guys. Like, I used to -- Madden and all these type of games," Jay-Z awkwardly cobbles together, "I was, like, really a problem. Like, those were my things -- for awhile." Presumably, until, you know, he got all that other stuff that impresses us, right? It's okay, Mr. Z -- you don't have to impress us with your gaming prowess, too. It's not like we have the numbers of "the guys" to fact check your claims anyway.
"Immediately, of course, with the success of Guitar Hero, you know, [DJ Hero] piqued my interest, and then on top of that it was something from the hip-hop culture. So, anytime you can, you know, I can expand the genre and introduce it to new audiences and widen it -- you know, the reach of what hip-hop can do -- you know, I'm interested in that," Jay-Z explains in the video interview (embedded after the break).
As far as Jay-Z's gaming roots, that's another story altogether. "I was really a gamer," Jay-Z urges. "Like, ask any of the guys. Like, I used to -- Madden and all these type of games," Jay-Z awkwardly cobbles together, "I was, like, really a problem. Like, those were my things -- for awhile." Presumably, until, you know, he got all that other stuff that impresses us, right? It's okay, Mr. Z -- you don't have to impress us with your gaming prowess, too. It's not like we have the numbers of "the guys" to fact check your claims anyway.
'Big Dawg' vs. Madden lawsuit dismissed
According to a report on Cleveland.com, the lawsuit filed against Electronic Arts by Cleveland Browns fan John "Big Dawg" Thompson has been dismissed. The suit had been filed on the grounds that EA featured Thompson's likeness in Madden NFL 09 without his permission. More specifically, the game featured the likeness of Thompson wearing a dog mask and orange hat, a costume he's worn to Cleveland Browns home games for years.Thompson's lawyer, Alan Parker, noted that his client was happy the matter was closed, but noted that details of the dismissal are confidential. Thompson had been seeking damages "in excess of $25,000," so that's one thing he might be happy about. If his Big Dawg mask is sporting some gold teeth and a diamond encrusted hat during the next Browns home game, we'll know for sure.
Madden NFL Arcade coming to XBLA & PSN; $15 this Dec.
Dear Download-only Record Holder,
You had a good run -- time to move over. Madden NFL Arcade is coming to town. EA has detailed, priced and dated its bite-sized Madden for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Targeted for the holiday season, Madden Arcade is described as fast-paced, 5-on-5 football. It's a classic backyard scenario -- first to 30; 4 plays per possession; no penalties; no field goals -- draped in NFL glamour.
Following in the tradition of its arcade-football predecessors (NFL Blitz, NFL Street, etc.) and EA's 3-on-3 NHL Arcade, Madden Arcade will feature a 'toonish art style, downsized playing field (60 yards) and 13 "Game Changers" (power-ups), including the ability to freeze your opponents, turn off their passing icons, or enlist an army of lineman to pretty much guarantee a sack. Each match is customizable, too, by altering skill level, points to win and other options, and supports up to 4-player co-op on a single console or 1-vs-1 online.
Madden NFL Arcade will be released this December on XBLA (1200
) and PSN ($14.99). And shortly thereafter, the game is the odds on favorite to become the best-selling download-only title ever. How's the saying go: Don't hate the player? Hate the ...Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade
Reebok goes Madden, gives free PS3 DLC
Enjoy!
[Via Slickdeals]
You bet the 'Madden curse' will strike again
No seriously, that's what you do on PlayBlackjack.com. For those not in the know, the Madden "curse" has afflicted every athlete featured on the cover of a Madden game. These pros get injured in some way through the course of the season, forcing them to miss a few games. When one of the two Madden 10 athletes, Troy Polamalu, suffered an injury to his left knee, many wondered if Larry Fitzgerald would follow. Well, at least one site is planning on turning that inquisitiveness into a real gambling operation.
To enter the pool, players will have to successfully guess which week Fitzgerald will get injured, with 9:1 odds offered for each possible game. With quite a number of games still left to play, the odds are definitely not in your favor. However, should Fitzergald manage to dodge a bullet, all bets will be called off. "If Fitzgerald does not get struck by the curse and remains healthy all regular season the bets will be graded as no-action and all money bet will be returned to the bettor."
It's certainly a morbid concept to spend money on. We wonder if Madden curse victim Michael Vick is getting in on the action ...
To enter the pool, players will have to successfully guess which week Fitzgerald will get injured, with 9:1 odds offered for each possible game. With quite a number of games still left to play, the odds are definitely not in your favor. However, should Fitzergald manage to dodge a bullet, all bets will be called off. "If Fitzgerald does not get struck by the curse and remains healthy all regular season the bets will be graded as no-action and all money bet will be returned to the bettor."
It's certainly a morbid concept to spend money on. We wonder if Madden curse victim Michael Vick is getting in on the action ...
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