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    by Published on 05-27-2016 06:15 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Former tournament competitor and current Tiburon Quality Analyst Will Sykes has written a blog detailing some of the gameplay improvements will improve the quality level of competitive play in Madden NFL 17. Among the highlighted features: man and zone coverage improvements, 'Spy Crash,' some formations (EX: Quarters) less effective vs. the run, ball-carrier special moves, improved quick audibles, improved pass blocking logic, and improved online play stability.

    Continue on to read the full blog from Sykes. ...
    by Published on 05-26-2016 07:05 PM
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    2. Madden NFL
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    Fans long clamoring for improved defensive (& defensive AI) in Madden NFL may be getting the biggest improvement in franchise history on that side of the ball in M17: a new zone coverage logic & AI architecture and new user mechanics, among others.

    Previously in the series, zone coverage was written independent of the play with defenders dropping to a spot on the field and then prioritizing whom to pick up while utilizing only three underneath zone coverages (flat, curl flat, and hook). Madden NFL 17 features ten new zone coverage assignments with each possessing proper rules and logic designed for specific coverages. This will allow defenders to make progression reads, aka pattern matching, also aided in part by the new 'Receiver Count' system. In Coach Cam, the play art will include the name of the underneath zone inside the zone art.

    The blog breaks down the ten new zone assignments, how they are used, and the routes they best defend against. A future blog on zone coverage improvements will cover progression reads for zone defenders in Tampa 2, Cover 3 Match, and 3 and 2 Deep fire zones.

    Continue on to read the full blog from designer Anthony White. ...
    by Published on 05-26-2016 07:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Special Teams have long been considered nothing more than a mundane task in the Madden NFL franchise, however changes detailed in the latest developer blog appear to aim towards changing that. Coming to Madden NFL 17 are a new kick meter, special team trick plays, and the ability to block kicks.

    New Kick Meter - A new 3-click meter similar to that found in baseball or golf titles will require the user to begin the kick, click at the top of the meter to establish power, and then finally press again at the bottom of the meter for accuracy. The more power on the kick, the faster the meter will drop potentially hurting accuracy. Along with this, users will have the option to select for the kick to be normal, sky kick, or backspin (punts)/squib (kickoffs).

    The blog mentions that kicker ratings will have a bigger impact in the game this year, but does not go into detail on how exactly. It is assumed that lower accuracy will result in a smaller window and/or faster speed on the drop following the button press for power.

    Trick Plays - Playbooks will feature more modern special teams trick plays (run and pass) from both field goal and punt formations. A specific example mentioned in the blog is the fake field goal touchdown pass by Seattle versus Green Bay from the playoffs several years ago. Special team trick plays are designed to be counters/more effective versus blocked kick attempts and not as a standard offensive play.

    Block Kicks - Previously, the only chance for a blocked kick came as a result of user exploits. In M17, the development team has implemented "a system that has very tight control over frequency and success chances." On designed block plays, the 'kick blockers' will have a B icon over them on pre-play art. Selecting one of these players and timing the jump the snap mechanic properly will give them a chance at breaking through and challenging the kick.


    The blog concludes with information on catch tuning changes, the addition of a swat mechanic, and improved ball physics. Continue on to read the full blog from Madden NFL Creative Director Rex Dickson. ...
    by Published on 05-20-2016 12:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. NASCAR
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    After acquiring the NASCAR license from Eutechnyx, publisher Dusenberry Martin Racing (DMR) has announced the return of developer Monster Games to develop NASCAR Heat Evolution for PS4 & XB1. The Northfield, Minnesota-based studio previously developed NASCAR Heat and NASCAR Dirt to Daytona in the early 2000s.

    While no game media happened to be released with the news, it was disclosed that the game will include all 23 licensed NASCAR tracks, a new AI and Speed Rating system, Career and Chase modes, as well as the return of Challenges. UPDATE - The first game trailer is expected to coincide with the Coca-Cola 400 in early July.

    Carl Edwards will grace the cover of the game when it releases on September 13, 2016. Continue on to read the first game details straight from DMR. ...
    by Published on 05-18-2016 06:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    It's not just ball-carriers getting improvements in Madden NFL 17 as the defensive AI (vs. run & pass) has been vastly improved along with the addition of gap control. Alignment, assignment, and technique all matter in the new run fits system.

    To help with alignment, the game has added a new defensive auto-flip feature. When ON, this will see the AI automatically flip the defense when the offense flips so that the defense aligns against the strength of the offensive formation. The entire defense, coverage, or front could flip depending on the defensive play call. Each play-type has it's own 'flip rules' to make this determination.

    While individual defensive gap assignments will be shown pre-snap, it doesn't mean that will be the gap assignment the entire play. Players will react to the action and update their gap throughout the play. The Play Recognition Rating is very important as the higher the rating, the faster the defender will break out of the new 'read & react' animation to fill their gap.

    New run-fit techniques help make defenders play their gap authentically. These techniques include: Force, Cutback, Fill, Jet, Crack-Replace and 2-Gap.

    Finally, the detailed blog concludes with information on improvements to blocking, namely zone blocking AI and new animations. Continue on to read the full blog with even deeper details and information from M17 designer and former NFL offensive lineman Clint Oldenburg. ...
    by Published on 05-18-2016 05:30 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Madden NFL 17 continues the recent trend of deepening the available controls and ball-carrier moves to give more user-depth and allow those with great stick skills to pull off more moves.

    Special moves are spread out in M17 based upon playing style and ratings, letting bigger backs perform more effectively at stiff arms and truck moves, while smaller backs are more proficient at spin moves and jukes. The animations will also play out at at different rates/success, meaning some will be very smooth/effective (Elite) and others not as smooth (Lumbering). Should a player be fatigued, they will be less effective at performing special moves regardless of ratings.

    As eluded to in the initial feature overview, ball carrier mechanics include standard moves, speed modifier, precision modifier, and utility moves (with some of those being steerable).

    New mechanics are also included to help provide user feedback. Recommended special-move prompts will tell the user the recommended move/button which they can press or ignore, should they choose. On lower difficulties, special move feedback text will let the user know if the timing in the fakeout window was early, perfect, or late.

    An under-rated addition is the projected path indicator which will show the current path/direction the ball-carrier is headed based on their stick-input. This is beneficial behind the line of scrimmage in making sure the user is hitting the intended hole and also beyond the line in seeing if they are heading wide of an oncoming defender.

    Ball-carrier special moves can be set to auto (CPU will execute moves), assist, or manual (user in control of all moves).

    Continue on to read the entire lengthy blog for further details on ball carrier special moves in Madden NFL 17 and then share your thoughts with the community. ...
    by Published on 05-12-2016 05:05 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    With the reveal of Rob Gronkowski as the Madden NFL 17 cover athlete, EA SPORTS has also disclosed some early information on the game's feature set.

    Ball Carrier Controls: Depending on the player's attributes, players have a have tiered system of special moves that can be executed. Bigger backs are more effective at trucking defenders while smaller backs are more effective at jukes and spins. UI Prompts will indicate the moves available at that instance and on lower difficulties the moves will be automatically executed. The new Path Assist will help users see exactly what hole they are heading towards and also their current path downfield.

    New Defensive AI incorporates gap play, force defenders, and improved zone coverages. Defenders are more properly aware and following assignments than ever before, meaning the offense must be able to read defenses in order to be successful against top competition.

    Special Teams have long been considered automatic - if not downright boring - in Madden NFL (and NCAA Football before it), but a new Kick Meter (& kick options), ability to ice the kicker, trick plays, and a block kick mechanic will add a new dynamic to the third phase of the game that has long been missing.

    Lacking any additional details at this time, EA SPORTS is also touting a redesigned and deeper than ever Franchise Mode.

    Continue on to read the blog from EA SPORTS on the first features overview. ...
    by Published on 05-12-2016 05:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Announced on SportsCenter, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will be the Madden NFL 17 cover athlete. Gronk and Madden NFL 17 signage were featured throughout the entire broadcast and he also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live later in the evening to promote the game.

    The game is currently available on Amazon and is just $48 for Prime members.

    Continue on to see the first look at Madden NFL 17 which centers on the cover announcement. ...
    by Published on 05-12-2016 01:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. EA SPORTS UFC
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    The third content update - game update 1.06 - is now available for EA SPORTS UFC 2. The update adds in three new fighters: Cris Cyborg, Valentina Shevchenko, and Albert Tumenov.

    Also included in the update is a new Live Event Competition game mode. The online mode features 1-on-1 matches based on upcoming UFC events. All fighters will be balanced with the same ratings and move levels. Each user will be able to select five Fighter Perks for a unique style/approach. The users who reach the top tier of the leaderboard will qualify for a tournament to crown the best EA SPORTS UFC 2 player in the world.

    The game update also features several gameplay improvements. Continue on to read the blog entry with full details from EA SPORTS. ...
    by Published on 04-26-2016 02:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Now available is a new way to play Madden Ultimate Team: MUT Salary Cap. Salary Cap sees users establish a 34-man roster from Player Items in their Item Binder. Each item will have a Cap Value listed on the front of the card and each roster must not exceed 1,000 point in Cap Total.

    While most active MUT users now eight months following release will have a loaded roster to aid in forming their roster, welcome and starter packs will include more Gold Players to help newcomers. Establishing a roster will be as important as on-field strategy. Users must decide if they will have a balanced roster or go star-heavy in spots knowing it will cost them in other areas/depth.

    Continue on to read additional details on MUT Salary Cap straight from producer Jake Stein. ...
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