I'm back to blogging -- some thoughts on stuff that I missed - RaychelSnr's Blog

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RaychelSnr's Blog

I'm back to blogging -- some thoughts on stuff that I missed Stuck

Posted on May 24, 2010 at 12:24 PM.

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Since I've last had a regular blog on OS (aka before I took most of this past month off to pursue a few other projects) there has been a lot of things happen in the sports gaming world which can be best described as big ticket items.

-Most recently the Backbreaker demo was released and the game actually didn't suck. Given all of the flak I've given the game, my demo review tried to make up for some of that. However, I definitely want to say it again, give those guys a sequel to improve the game and they're going to be challenging for football gamers dollars across the board.

-What's with this EA Sports Online Pass thing? A few OSers (to put it lightly) seemed to react very negatively to the concept of not fully owning your games when you buy them. Count me in that group, it seems like THQ with UFC Undisputed is joining in the fun now. I guess things are really THAT desperate for gaming companies bottom lines because....

-....Game sales hit the toilet in April. In a month where no big ticket games were really out there, industry sales plunged to all time lows. Some say that's a viable excuse, I say it's a huge sign of weakness which shows only the big ticket games are selling right now. This isn't good news if your favorite game series exists on the edge of sales, just ask NCAA Basketball fans how the industry is going right now.

-Both Madden and NCAA Football 11 look excellent in my eyes. The presentation being a big sticking point in both games will make the games seem much more improved than they really are. But that's not such a bad thing. Plus, Gus Johnson is one of my favorite announcers. Count me in as buying the hype...this year.

-UFC 2010 Undisputed drops this week. I have a feeling lots of OSers are going to be picking it up, including this guy. I can't wait for it.

-The first details about NHL 11 are leaking out now as well, and it looks like after a year of kind of slow uphill climbs with features the franchise is set to make another big move forward. We'll see how that turns out.

Finally, I kind of missed hearing from OSers on all things sports gaming over the past month. So if you could, please post what you think is the biggest news this past month and your thoughts on it. How do you feel about the Online Pass? What are your thoughts on this summer's game lineup? Sound off!

Chris is the Executive Editor of Operation Sports and maintains this blog on the site. He is also a native Oklahoman and avid storm chaser. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisSnr.

Comments

# 1 raidersbball20 @ May 24

I think the biggest news is how amazing some of the parts of backbreaker are. I do,however, not like the passing game or the camera angle too much. The running game is perfect though.The online pass is a huge rip-off IMO. They are just trying to scam for more money which is ridiculous since the games are already so expensive. I think this will be a good summer for gaming with NCAA 11 and the new UFC. I am prepared to be amazed.

# 2 Gusto1 @ May 24

Great post I read your Backbreaker review you made some very good points. I also have high hopes for Madden 11 and NCAA 11 I think the presentation changes will keep the EA footbal games fresh this year. I look forward to your review on Backbreaker when the full game comes out.

# 3 Eski33 @ May 24

If the developers of Backbreaker fixed the camera, it would be a sweet alternative. Somewhat like Tecmo Super Bowl was in the early 90's.

I hear you on game sales running a little soft in April. I still like the fact that developers aren't afraid of dropping some high profile games in the Spring and Summer. We got Splinter Cell in March with Red Dead and Mod Nation Racers lighting up May.

I think June is a pass since E3 will overshadow any games that could be released.